A26892:2037
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.
And though thy soul be far nobler than thy body, yet here how ignorant, and weak, and distempered is it? How full of false Idea's are mens minds? How little know they of that which they might know, or are confident they do know! How da•k are we about all the works of God, and about his word: much more about himself? The greatest Doctors are strongly tempted to be Sceptics; and the ignorant that this year are confident to a contempt and censoriousness of all that differ from them, perhaps the next year do change their judgements, and recant themselves.
And though thy soul be far nobler than thy body, yet here how ignorant, and weak, and distempered is it? How full of false Idea's are mens minds? How little know they of that which they might know, or are confident they do know! How da•k are we about all the works of God, and about his word: much more about himself? The greatest Doctors are strongly tempted to be Scepticks; and the ignorant that this year are confident to a contempt and censoriousness of all that differ from them, perhaps the next year do change their judgements, and recant themselves.
And are our Hearts and lives any happier than our understandings? While we are imprisoned in flesh, and its interest is ours, and its appetites and passions have so much advantage, to corrupt, seduce or disturb the soul? Know thy self, and Pride will dye.
§. 97. Direct. 16. If thou have any thing to be proud of, remember what it is, and that it is 1not thine own, but given or lent thee by that God who chiefly hateth Pride. 1. Art thou tempted to be proud of Riches? Remember that they are in themselves but dross, which will leave thee at the grave as poor as any: And as to their Usefulness, they are but thy Masters talents; and the more thou hast, the greater will be thine account: And very few rich men scape the snare, and come to Heaven: Thy charge and danger therefore should rather humble thee, and make thee exceedingly to fear. Read