A26892:1621
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.
87. In all this note, that it is one thing to Love God under the notion of the Infinite Good, better than my self and all things, and another thing for the will to Love him more, as that notion obligeth.
88. And the reason why these are often separated, is, because besides a slight intellectual apprehension, there is necessary to the Wills just determination, a clear and deep apprehension, with a right disposition of the Will, and a suscitation of the Active Power.
89. Yea, and every slight Volition or Velleity will not conquer opposing Concupiscence and Volitions: nor is every Will effectual to command the life, and prevail against its contrary.
90. Therefore I conceive, that in our first believing in Christ, even to Justification, though our Reason tell us that he is more Amiable than our selves, and we are desirous so to Love him for the future, and have an obscure weak beginning of Love to God as God, or as so conceived; yet 1. The strength of sensitive self-love, maketh our Love to our selves more passionately strong; 2. And that Reason, at least in its Degree of Apprehension is too Intense in apprehending our self-interest, and too remiss in apprehending the Amiableness of God as God; And so far even our Rational Love is yet greater to our selves, though as to the Notion, God hath the preeminence: 3. And that in this whole affair of our Baptismal Covenanting, Consent or Christianity, our Love to our own felicity as such, is more Powerful and effectual, in moving the soul, and prevailing for our resolution for a new life, than is our Love to God as for himself, and as God.