A26892:1647
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.
But ere I end I must answer some Objections.
Object. 1. Some will say, Doth not every man Love God above himself and all, while he knoweth him to be Better and so more Lovely? For there is some Act of the will that answereth this of the understanding.
Answ. 1. You must know that the carnal mind is first captivated to carnal self and sensuality: And therefore the most practical and powerful apprehensions of Goodness or Amiableness in every such person, doth fasten upon Life and Pleasure or sensual prosperity: And the sense having here engaged the mind and will, the contrary conclusions (that God is Best) are but superficial and uneffectual like dreams, and though they have answerable effects in the will, they are but uneffectual velleities or wishes, which are born down with far stronger desires of the contrary. And though God be loved as one that is notionally conceived to be Best and Most to be Loved, yet he is not loved Best or Most: Yea though ordinarily the understanding say God is Best, and Best to me, and for me, and Most to be loved; when it cometh to volition or choice, there is a secret apprehension which saith more powerfully hic & nunc this sensible pleasure is Better for me, and more eligible: Why else is it chosen? Unless you will say that the motion is principally sensitive, and the force of the sensitive Appetite suspendeth all forcible opposition of the Intellect, and so ruleth the Locomotive faculty it self. But whether the Intellect be Active or but Omissive in it, the sin cometh up to the same height of evil. However it be, it is most evident that while such men say God is most to be Loved, they love him not most, when they will not leave a lust or known sin for his Love: Nor show any such love, but the contrary in their lives.
Answ. 1. You must know that the carnal mind is first captivated to carnal self and sensuality: And therefore the most practical and powerful apprehensions of Goodness or Amiableness in every such person, doth fasten upon Life and Pleasure or sensual prosperity: And the sense having here engaged the mind and will, the contrary conclusions (that God is Best) are but superficial and uneffectual like dreams, and though they have answerable effects in the will, they are but uneffectual velleities or wishes, which are born down with far stronger desires of the contrary. And though God be loved as one that is notionally conceived to be Best and Most to be Loved, yet he is not loved Best or Most: Yea though ordinarily the understanding say God is Best, and Best to me, and for me, and Most to be loved; when it cometh to volition or choice, there is a secret apprehension which saith more powerfully hic & nunc this sensible pleasure is Better for me, and more eligible: Why else is it chosen? Unless you will say that the motion is principally sensitive, and the force of the sensitive Appetite suspendeth all forcible opposition of the Intellect, and so ruleth the Locomotive facultie it self. But whether the Intellect be Active or but Omissive in it, the sin cometh up to the same height of evil. However it be, it is most evident that while such men say God is most to be Loved, they love him not most, when they will not leave a lust or known sin for his Love: Nor shew any such love, but the contrary in their lives.