A26892:1411
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.
§. 4. Direct. 4. Understand how much these holy Delights, are pleasing unto God, and how much he 1is for his peoples pleasure. For it much hindereth the Joy of many Christians, that they think it is2 against the will of God, that such as they should so much Rejoice; Or at least that they apprehend not how much he hath commanded it, and how great a duty it is, and how much pleasing to their God. Consider, 1. It is not for nothing that the nature of man is made capable of higher and larger delights, than the brutish sensual nature is: And that in this we are made little lower than Angels.3 2. Nor is it for nothing that God hath made Delight and Complacency the most powerful commanding affection, and the end of all the other passions, which they professedly subserve and seek: and the most natural inseparable affection of the soul; there being none that desireth not delight. 3. Nor is it in vain that God hath provided and offered such plenty of most excellent objects for our Delight especially himself, in his attributes, Love, Mercy, Son, Spirit and Kingdom: which Brutes were not made to know or to enjoy. 4. Nor hath he given us in vain such excellent, convenient and various helps, and inferior preparations which tend to our delight; even for body and mind, to further our Delight in God. 5. Nor is it in vain that he maketh us yet more nearly capable by his Spirit; even by affecting humiliations and mortifying, cleansing, illuminating and quickening works: And that the Kingdom of God consisteth in Righteousness, Peace and joy in the Holy Ghost: And that the spirit hath undertaken to be the comforter of Believers, who is sent upon no low or needless work. 6. Nor did Christ purchase his peoples Joys in vain, by the price of his grievous sufferings and sorrows. Having b•rn our griefs, and being made a man of sorrows, that we that see him not might rejoice in believing, with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 7. Nor is it in vain that he hath filled his word with such matter of Delight and Comfort, in the gladdest tidings that could come to man, and in such free, and full, and faithful promises. 8. Nor hath he multiplied his commands for his Rejoicing and delight in vain: again and again commanding us to Rejoice▪ and always to Rejoice. 9. Nor is it insignificant that he hath forbidden those worldly cares, and fears, and griefs which would devour their joys.