A26892:189
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.
§. 3. I do not here suppose the Reader to have any such acquaintance with his heart, or care of his salvation, or obedient willingness to be taught and ruled by Jesus Christ, as is proper to those that are truly sanctified: For it is Ungodly persons that now I am speaking to. And yet if I should not suppose them to have some capacity and disposition to make use of the Directions which I give them, I might as well pass them by, and spare my labour. I tell thee therefore Reader what it is that I presuppose in thee, and expect from thee, (and I think thou wilt not judge me unreasonable in my suppositions and expectations.)
§. 4. 1. I suppose thee to be a Man, and therefore that thou hast Reason and Natural-free-will, (that1 is, the natural faculty of Choosing and Refusing;) which should keep thy sensitive appetite in obedience; and that thou art capable of Loving and Serving thy Creator, and Enjoying him in Everlasting Life.
- 1Presupposed 1. That •••• are a man.
§. 5. 2. I suppose that thou knowest thy self to be a man; and therefore that thy sensitive part (or1 flesh) should no more rule thee, or be ungoverned by thee, than the Horse should rule the Rider, or be unruled by him: And that thou understandest that thou art made on purpose to Love and Serve thy Maker, and to be happy in his Love and Glory for ever. If thou know not this much, thou knowest not that thou art a man, or else knowest not what a man is.
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