A26892:1553
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.
35. The next is all this lower world.
36. The next is the Church in the world, or militant on earth.
37. The next are the particular Kingdoms and Societies of the world, (and so the Churches) according to their various degrees.
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.
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.