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Richard Baxter
A Christian Directory
Part 1
Chapter 3
Appendix
p. 184

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,I. CHRISTIAN ETHICS (or private Duties.)II. CHRISTIAN OECONOMICKS (or Family Duties.)III. CHRISTIAN ECCLESIASTICS (or Church Duties.)IV. CHRISTIAN POLITICS (or Duties to our Rulers and Neighbours.)By RICHARD BAXTER.Mal. 2. 7▪ 8.The Priests lips should keep Knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. But ye are departed out of the way: Ye have Caused many to stumble at the Law; ye have corrupted the Covenant of Levi—Matth. 13. 52.Every SCRIBE which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an Householder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things New and Old.Heb. 5. 13, 14.For every one that useth Milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a Babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age: Those who by reason of USE, have their senses exercised to discern both Good and Evil.2 Tim. 2. 14, 15, 16.Of these things put them in remembrance; charging them before God, that they STRIVE not about WORDS, to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers: Study to show thy self approved UNTO GOD, a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of Truth. But shun profane and vain Babblings; for they will increase unto more Ungodliness, and their Word will eat as doth a Canker.2 Pet. 3. 16.In which (Pauls Epistles) are some things hard to be understood: which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction.LONDON, Printed, by Robert White, for Nevill Simmons, at the Sign of the Princes Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1673.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,I. CHRISTIAN ETHICKS (or private Duties.)II. CHRISTIAN OECONOMICKS (or Family Duties.)III. CHRISTIAN ECCLESIASTICKS (or Church Duties.)IV. CHRISTIAN POLITICKS (or Duties to our Rulers and Neighbours.)By RICHARD BAXTER.Mal. 2. 7▪ 8.The Priests lips should keep Knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. But ye are departed out of the way: Ye have Caused many to stumble at the Law; ye have corrupted the Covenant of Levi—Matth. 13. 52.Every SCRIBE which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an Housholder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things New and Old.Heb. 5. 13, 14.For every one that useth Milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a Babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age: Those who by reason of USE, have their senses exercised to discern both Good and Evil.2 Tim. 2. 14, 15, 16.Of these things put them in remembrance; charging them before God, that they STRIVE not aboutTitle page of A Christian Directory, London, 1673

A26892:1552

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.

Richard Baxter 1615–1691London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673

[35], 929, [5], 214 p., [1] leaf of plates : port. · 1.2M words · Wing B1219 · ESTC R21847

Title page typeset from the transcription.

Part 1 › Chapter 3 › Appendix: APPENDIX.

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.

[ Earlier:1549–1564 of 9,947

:1549p. 184

34. The next is the spirits of the Just made perfect, or the Triumphant Church of Saints in Heaven.

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35. The next is all this lower world.

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36. The next is the Church in the world, or militant on earth.

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37. The next are the particular Kingdoms and Societies of the world, (and so the Churches) according to their various degrees.

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38. The next under societies and multitudes, are those individual persons who are Best in the three fore-mentioned respects: Whether our selves or others; And thus by the objects, should our Love that is Rational, be diversified in Degree, and that be Loved best that is best.

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The book

Title as printed: 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.
Author: Richard Baxter 1615–1691
Place: London
Printer: Robert White
Bookseller: Nevill Simmons
Year: 1673
Size: [35], 929, [5], 214 p., [1] leaf of plates : port.
Words: 1,175,050
Catalogue: Wing B1219 · ESTC R21847
Text: EEBO-TCP A26892

Passages: 9,947
Sections: 502

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Richard Baxter 1615–1691

The Reformers and Puritans in their own words, with every quotation checked against the page.

Texts transcribed from the original printings by the Text Creation Partnership (EEBO-TCP and Evans-TCP) and dedicated to the public domain (CC0).

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WORDS,

to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers: Study to shew thy self approved

UNTO GOD,

a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

RIGHTLY DIVIDING

the word of Truth. But shun profane and vain Bablings; for they will increase unto more Ungodliness, and their Word will eat as doth a Canker.

2 Pet. 3. 16.In which (Pauls Epistles) are some things hard to be understood: which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction.

LONDON, Printed, by Robert White, for Nevill Simmons, at the Sign of the Princes Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1673.

39. The Amiable Image of God in man is (as hath oft been said): 1. Our Natural Image of God, or the Image of his three Essential properties as such, that is, Our Vital Active Power, our Intellect, and our will. 2. Our Moral Image, or the Image of his said properties in their perfections: viz. Our Holiness, that is, Our Holy Life or spiritual vivacity and Active Power, Our Holy Light, or Wisdom, our Holy Wills or Love. 3. Our Relative Image of God, or the Image of his Supereminencie, Dominion or Majesty; which is, 1. Common to Man, in respect to the Inferior Creatures, that we are their Owners, Governors and End (and Benefactors) 2. Eminently in Rulers of Men, Parents and Princes, who are Analogically sub-owners, sub-rulers, and sub-benefactors to their inferiors, in various degrees. By which it is discernible what it is that we are to Love in man, and with what variety of kinds and degrees of Love, as the Kinds and degrees of amiableness in the objects differ.

39. The Amiable Image of God in man is (as hath oft been said): 1. Our Natural Image of God, or the Image of his three Essential properties as such, that is, Our Vital Active Power, our Intellect, and our will. 2. Our Moral Image, or the Image of his said properties in their perfections: viz. Our Holiness, that is, Our Holy Life or spiritual vivacity and Active Power, Our Holy Light, or Wisdom, our Holy Wills or Love. 3. Our Relative Image of God, or the Image of his Supereminencie, Dominion or Majesty; which is, 1. Common to Man, in respect to the Inferiour Creatures, that we are their Owners, Govern•rs and End (and Benefactors) 2. Eminently in Rulers of Men, Parents and Princes, who are Analogically sub-owners, sub-rulers, and sub-benefactors to their inferiors, in various degrees. By which it is discernable what it is that we are to Love in man, and with what variety of kinds and degrees of Love, as the Kinds and degrees of amiableness in the objects differ.

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40. Even the Sun, and Moon and frame of Nature, the Inanimates and Brutes, must be Loved in that Degree Compared to Man and to one another, as their Goodness before described, that is, the Impressions of the Divine perfections do more or less Gloriously appear in them; and as they are adapted to him the ultimate end.

40. Even the Sun, and Moon and frame of Nature, the Inanimates and Bruits, must be Loved in that Degree Compared to Man and to one another, as their Goodness before described, that is, the Impressions of the Divine perfections do more or less Gloriously appear in them; and as they are adapted to him the ultimate end.

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41. As God is in this life seen but darkly and as in a Glass, so also proportionably to be Loved; For our Love cannot exceed our Knowledge.

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42. Yet it followeth not that we must Love him only as he appeareth in his works, (which demonstrate him as effects do their cause;) For both by the said works improved by Reason, and by his word, we know that he is before his works, and above them, and so distinct from them as to transcend, and comprehend, and cause them all, by a continual causality: And therefore he must accordingly be Loved.

42. Yet it followeth not that we must Love him only as he appareth in his works, (which demonstrate him as effects do their cause;) For both by the said works improved by Reason, and by his word, we know that he is before his works, and above them, and so distinct from them as to transcend, and comprehend, and cause them all, by a continual causality: And therefore he must accordingly be Loved.

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43. It greatly hindereth our Love to God, when we overlook all the intermediate excellencies between Him and us, which are much better, and therefore more amiable than our selves: such as are before recited.

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44. The Love of the universe as bearing the liveliest Image or impress of their Cause, is an eminent secondary Love of God, and a great help to our Primary or Immediate Love of him. Could we comprehend the Glorious excellency of the universal Creation, in its matter, form, parts, order and uses, we should see so Glorious an Image of God, as would unspeakably promote the work of Love.

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45. Whether the GLORY of God in HEAVEN which will for ever beatify the beholders and possessors, be the Divine Essence (which is every where) or a Created Glory purposely there placed for the felicity of holy spirits, and what that Glory is, are questions fittest for the beholders and possessors to resolve.

45. Whether the GLORY of God in HEAVEN which will for ever beatifie the beholders and possessors, be the Divine Essence (which is every where) or a Created Glory purposely there placed for the felicity of holy spirits, and what that Glory is, are questions fittest for the beholders and possessors to resolve.

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46. But if it be no more than the Universal existent frame of Nature, Containing all the Creatures of God, beheld uno intuitu in the Nature, order and use of all the parts, it would be an unconceivable felicity to the beholders, as being an unconceivable Glorious Demonstration of the Deity▪

46. But if it be no more than the Universal existent frame of Nature, Containing all the Creatures of God, beheld uno intuitu in the Nature, order and use of all the parts, it would be an unconceivable felicity to the beholders, as being an unconceivable Glorious Demonstation of the Deity▪

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47. It is lawful and a needful duty, to labour by the means of such excellencies as we now know, which Heaven is resembled to in Scripture, to imprint upon our Imaginations themselves, such an image of the GLORY of the Heavenly Society, CHRIST, ANGELS, SAINTS, and the HEAVENLY PLACE and STATE, as shall help our Intellectual apprehensions of the Spiritual Excellencies which transcend imagination. And the neglect of Loving God as foreseen in the Demonstration of the Heavenly GLORY, doth greatly hinder our Love to him immediately as in himself considered.

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48. The LORD JESUS CHRIST in his Glorified Created Nature, is Crowned with the highest excellency of any particular Creature; that he might be the MEDIATOR OF OUR LOVE to God; and in him (seen by faith) we might see the GLORY of the Deity. And as in Heaven we shall have (spiritual Glorified) Bodies, as well as Souls, so the Glorified Created Nature of Christ, will be an Objective Glory fit for our Bodies (at least) to behold in order to their Glory, as the Divine Nature (as it pleaseth God in Glory) revealed, will be to the soul.

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49. The exercise of our Love upon God as now appearing to the glorified, in the glorious created nature of CHRIST, (beheld by us by faith) is a great part of our present exercise of Divine Love: And we extinguish our Love to GOD, by beholding so little by faith, our glorified Mediator.

Puritans

England

Pastor at Kidderminster and prolific nonconformist author.

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