A26892:1996
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.
Part 1 › Chapter 4 › Part 5 › Signs of Pride in common converse.
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.
§. 73. Sign 22. When a proud man is justly reproved, he studieth presently to deny or extenuate 1his fault; to show you that he is more tender of his honour, than of his honesty. It is a hard thing to bring him to a free confession, and to thank you for your love and faithfulness, and to resolve upon more watchfulness for the time to come: When the humble soul is readier to believe that he is faulty, than that he is innocent, and to say more against himself than you shall say (if truly). This one sign may tell you how commonly pride reigneth in the world. How few are they among many that are heartily thankful for a just and necessary reproof? Mark them whether the first word they speak in answer to you, be not either a denial or an excuse, or an upbraiding you with something that they think you faulty in, or else a passionate proud repulse, bidding you, meddle with your selves?
§. 73. Sign 22. When a proud man is justly reproved, he studieth presently to deny or extenuate 1his fault; to shew you that he is more tender of his honour, than of his honesty. It is a hard thing to bring him to a free confession, and to thank you for your love and faithfulness, and to resolve upon more watchfulness for the time to come: When the humble soul is readier to believe that he is faulty, than that he is innocent, and to say more against himself than you shall say (if truly). This one sign may tell you how commonly pride reigneth in the world. How few are they among many that are heartily thankful for a just and necessary reproof? Mark them whether the first word they speak in answer to you, be not either a denyal or an excuse, or an upbraiding you with something that they think you faulty in, or else a passionate proud repulse, bidding you, meddle with your selves?
- 1Sign 22.
§. 74. Sign 23. Pride maketh men talkative; and more desirous to speak than to hear, and to teach