A26892:1518
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.
Though these things principally belong to the Theory, and so to another Treatise in hand, called Methodus Theologiae; yet because they are also Practical, and have a great influence upon the more Practical Directions, and the right understanding of them, may help the Reader himself to determine a multitude of Cases of Conscience, the particular discussion and decision of which would too much increase this Volume, which is so big already. I shall here explain them in such brief Propositions as yet shall give light to one another, and I hope contain much of the true nature of Love, which is the mystery of the Christian Religion.
THough these things principally belong to the Theorie, and so to another Treatise in hand, called Methodus Theologiae; yet because they are also Practical, and have a great influence upon the more Practical Directions, and the right understanding of them, may help the Reader himself to determine a multitude of Cases of Conscience, the particular discussion and decision of which would too much increase this Volumn, which is so big already. I shall here explain them in such brief Propositions as yet shall give light to one another, and I hope contain much of the true nature of Love, which is the mysterie of the Christian Religion.
Propos. 1. The formal Act of LOVE is COMPLACENCY, expressed by a Placet; which Augustine so oft calleth Delectation.
Propos. 1. The formal Act of LOVE is COMPLACENCIE, expressed by a Placet; which Augustine so oft calleth Delectation.
2. Benevolence or desiring the Good of those we Love, is but a secondary act of Love, or an effect of the prime formal Act. For to wish one well is not to Love him, formally; but we wish him well because we Love him; and therefore first in order Love him.