A26892:1540
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.
22. GOD is GOOD Infinitely, Eternally, Primitively, Independently, Immutably, Communicatively, of whom, and by whom, and to whom are all things: The Beginning or first efficient, the Dirigent and ultimately ultimate cause of all created Good: As Making and Directing All things For Himself.
23. Therefore it is the duty of the Intellectual Creature, to Love God Totally, without any exceptions or restrictions, with all the Power, Mind and Will, not only in degree above our selves and all the world; But also as GOD; with a Love in kind transcending the Love of every Creature.
24. All the Goodness of the Creature doth formally consist in its threefold Relation to GOD, viz. 1. In the Impresses of God as its first Efficient or Creator; as it is his Image or the effect and demonstration of his perfections, viz. his Infinite Power, Wisdom and Goodness, 2, In its Conformity to his Directions, or Governing Laws, and so in its Order and Obedience: 3. And in its Aptitude and Tendency to God as its final cause even to the demonstration of his Glory, and the Complacency of his Will.
25. All Created Good is therefore Derivative, Dependant, Contingent, Finite, Secondary, From God By God, and To God, receiving its Form and Measure from its respect to Him.