A26892:1654
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.
Object. 4. But suppose I should love God above all, as he is only Great, and Wise, and Good in the production of all sensible natural Good, without the Notion of Holiness and hatred of sin, would not this Love it self be holy and saving?
Answ. Your Love would be no holier or better, than the object of it is conceived to be: If you conceive not of God as Holy, and Pure, you cannot love him with a pure and holy Love. If you conceive of him but as the Cause of Sun and Moon, light and heat, and life and health, and meat and drink, you will love him, but with such a Love as you have to these: which will not separate you, from any sin as such, but will consist with all sensuality of heart and life. And it is not all in God, that Nature in its corrupted state doth hate, or is fallen out with: But if you love him not so well as your lusts and pleasure, nor love him not as your Most Holy Governor and End, you love him not as God, or but secundum quid; But if you love him Holily, you love him as Holy.
Answ. Your Love would be no holier or better, than the object of it is conceived to be: If you conceive not of God as Holy, and Pure, you cannot love him with a pure and holy Love. If you conceive of him but as the Cause of Sun and Moon, light and heat, and life and health, and meat and drink, you will love him, but with such a Love as you have to these: which will not separate you, from any sin as such, but will consist with all sensuality of heart and life. And it is not all in God, that Nature in its corrupted state doth hate, or is fallen out with: But if you love him not so well as your lusts and pleasure, nor love him not as your Most Holy Governour and End, you love him not as God, or but secundum quid; But if you love him Holily, you love him as Holy.
Object. 5. God himself loveth the substance or person more than the Holiness; for he continueth the persons of men and Devils; when he permitteth the holiness to perish, or giveth it not.