A26892:1998
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.
§. 75. Sign 24. Pride maketh men excessively loth to be beholden to others; so that some will1 starve or perish before they will stoop so far as to seek or be obliged to thankfulness by any; especially if they be such as they have any quarrel with. And this they take for manlike gallantry, and a scorning to be base. I confess that as Paul saith to servants, if we can be free, we should rather choose it; and that no man should unnecessarily make himself a debtor to another, by being beholding to him: especially Ministers, who should avoid all Temptations of dependence upon man: and therefore should neither hang on Great ones, lest they be tempted to unfaithful silence or flattery, nor needlessly live on the peoples charity, lest they be hindered from the free exercise of their Ministry: Therefore Paul laboured with his hands where he thought it would hinder his work to be chargeable2 to the Churches, or give occasion to the envious to reproach him: And he would rather dye than any should make this his glorying void. 1 Cor. 9. 15. Innocency and Independency, as Mr. Bolton was wont to say, do steel the face, and help a Minister to be bold and faithful. As Camerarius said when he was invited to the Court,
§. 75. Sign 24. Pride maketh men excessively loth to be beholden to others; so that some will1 starve or perish before they will stoop so far as to seek or be obliged to thankfulness by any; especicially if they be such as they have any quarrell with. And this they take for manlike gallantry, and a scorning to be base. I confess that as Paul saith to servants, if we can be free, we should rather choose it; and that no man should unnecessarily make himself a debtor to another, by being beholding to him: especially Ministers, who should avoid all Temptations of dependance upon man: and therefore should neither hang on Great ones, lest they be tempted to unfaithful silence or flattery, nor needlesly live on the peoples charity, lest they be hindred from the free exercise of their Ministry: Therefore Paul laboured with his hands where he thought it would hinder his work to be chargeable2