A26892:1409
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 3. Direct. 3. Understand what there is in God and Holiness which is fit to be the souls Delight. 1As 1. Behold him in the infinite perfections of his Being; his Omnipotence, Omniscience, and his2 Goodness, his Holiness, Eternity, Immutability, &c. And as your eye delighteth in an excellent picture, or a comely building, or fields, or gardens, not because they are yours, but because they are a delectable object to the eye; so let your minds delight themselves in God considered in himself, as the only object of highest delight. 2. Delight your selves also in his Relative Attributes, in which is expressed his Goodness to his Creatures: As his All sufficiency, and faithfulness or truth, his benignity, his mercy, and compassion, and patience to sinners; and his justice unto all. 3. Delight your selves in him as his Glory appeareth in his wondrous works, of Creation and daily Providence. 4. Delight your selves in him as he is Related to you as your God and Father, and as all your interest, hope and happiness is in him alone. 5. Delight your selves in him as his excellencies shine forth in his blessed Son. 6. And as they appear in the wisdom and goodness of his Word, in all the precepts and promises of the Gospel. Psalm. 119. 162. Jer. 15. 16. 7. Delight thy self in his Image though but imperfectly printed on thy soul; and also on his holy servants. Gal. 2. 20. 1 Cor. 15. 10. 2 Cor. 7 18. 8. Delight your selves in the consideration of the Glory which he hath from all his creatures, and the universal fulfilling of his will: As the prosperity and happiness of your friend delighteth you, and the success of any excellent enterprises, and the praise of excellent things and persons, and as you have a special delight in the success of truth, and the flourishing order, and unity, and peace, and prosperity of Kingdoms, especially of the Church, much more than in your personal prosperity (unless you have selfish, private, base unmanly dispositions); so much more should you delight in the Glory and Happiness of God. 9. Delight your selves in the safety which you have in his favour and defence. and the treasury which you have in his All sufficiency and Love, for your continual supplies in every want and deliverance in every danger; and the ground of quiet contentedness and confidence which is offered to fearful souls in him. 10.