A26892:2030
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.
§. 93. Direct. 12. Look also to the desert of all thy sins, even unto Hell it self, and try if that will 1bring thee low. Though Pride came from Hell effectively, yet Hell objectively may afford thee a remedy against it. Think on the worm that never dyeth, and the fire that never shall be quenched, and consider whether Pride become that soul, that hath deserved these. Wilt thou be proud in the way to thy damnation? Thou mightest better be proud of thy Chains and Rope when thou art going to the Gallows. Think whether the miserable souls in Hell, are now minding neat and well set attire, or seeking for dominion, honour or preferment, or contending who shall be the greatest, or striving for the highest rooms, or setting out themselves to the admiration and applause of men, or quarrelling with others for undervaluing or dishonouring them? Do you think there is any place or matter there for such works of Pride, when God abaseth them?
- 1Direct. 12.
§. 94. Direct. 13. Look to the day of Judgement, when all proud thoughts and looks shall be taken 1down, and to the endless misery threatened to the proud. Think of that world in which your souls must ere long appear, before the Great and Holy God whose Presence will abase the proudest sinner. When the Tyrants and Gallants, and Wantons of the Earth, must with trembling and amazement give up their accounts to the most righteous Judge of all the world, then where are their lofty looks and language? Then where is their glory, and gallantry, and proud imperious domineering, and their scornful despising the humble lowly ones of Christ? Would you then think that this is the same man, that lately could scarce be seen or spoken with? that looked so big, and swaggered it out in wealth and honour? Is this he that could not endure a scorn, or to be slighted or undervalued, or plainly reproved? that must needs have the honour and precedency in wit, and greatness, and command? Is this the man that thought he was perfect and had no sin; or that his sins were so small, as not to need the humiliation, renovation and holy diligence of the Saints? Is this the woman that spent half the day in dressing up her self, and house, and furniture, for the view of others, and must needs be in the newest or the neatest fashion? that was wont to walk in an artificial pace, with a wandering eye, in a wanton garb, as if she were too good to tread on the earth? Oh then how the case will be altered with such as these? Can you believe and consider how you must be judged by God, and yet be Proud?