A26892:2068
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.
When we are quiet and pleased if we do but prosper, and have plenty in the world, though the soul be miserable, unsanctified and unpardoned. 15. When we are more careful to provide a worldly than a heavenly portion, for children and friends, and rejoice more in their bodily, than their spiritual prosperity, and are troubled more for their poverty, than their ungodliness or sin. 16. When we can see our brother have need, and shut up the bowels of our compassion; or can part with no more than mere superfluities for his relief: when we cannot spare that which1 makes but for our better being, when it is necessary to preserve his Being it self: or when we give unwillingly or sparingly. 17. When we will venture upon sinful means for gain, as lying, over-reaching, deceiving flattering, or going against our Consciences, or the Commands of God. 18. When we are too much in expecting liberality from others, and think that all we buy of, should sell cheaper2 to us than they can afford; and consider not their loss or want, so that we have the gain: nor are contented if they be never so bountiful to others, if they be not so to us. 19. When we make too ⟨p. 256⟩much ado in the world for riches, taking too much upon us, or striving for preferment, and flattering great ones, and envying any that are preferred before us, or get that which we expected. 20. When we hold our money faster than our innocency, and cannot part with it for the sake of Christ, when he requireth it; but will stretch our consciences and sin against him or forsake his cause, to save our estates: Or will not part with it for the service of his Church, or of our country, when we are called to it. 21. When the Riches which we have are used but for the pampering of our flesh, and superfluous provision for our posterity, and nothing but some inconsiderable crumbs or driblets are employed for God and his servants, nor used to further us in his service, and towards the laying up of a treasure in Heaven. These are the signs of a worldly covetous wretch.
When we are quiet and pleased if we do but prosper, and have plenty in the world, though the soul be miserable, unsanctified and unpardoned. 15. When we are more careful to provide a worldly than a heavenly portion, for children and friends, and rejoyce more in their bodily, than their spiritual prosperity, and are troubled more for their poverty, than their ungodliness or sin. 16. When we can see our brother have need, and shut up the bowels of our compassion; or can part with no more than meer superfluities for his relief: when we cannot spare that which