A26892:2076
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.
§. 14. 8. Another thinks that he is not Covetous because it is but for his Children that he provideth: And he that provideth not for his own, is worse than an infidel. 1 Tim. 5. 8. But the Text speaketh only of providing necessaries for our families and kindred rather than cast them on the Church to be maintained. If you so overvalue the world, that you think it the happiness of your children to be Rich, you are worldlings and Covetous both for your selves and them: It is for their Children that the Richest and Greatest make provision, that their posterity may be great and wealthy after them; and this maketh them the more worldlings and not the less; because they are covetous for after ages, when they are dead, and not only for themselves.
§. 15. 9. Another thinks he is no worldling because he can speak as hardly of covetous men as any other: But many a one revileth others as covetous that is covetous himself: Yea covetous men are aptest to accuse others of covetousness, and of selling too dear, and buying too cheap, and giving too little because they would get the more themselves. And many Preachers by their reading and knowledge, may make a vehement sermon against worldliness, and yet go to Hell at last for being worldlings. Words are cheap.
§. 16. 10. Another thinks he is not covetous, because he purposeth to leave much to charitable uses when he is dead. I confess that much is well: I would more would do so. But the flesh it self can spare it, when it seeth that it must lie down in the grave. If they could carry their riches with them, and enjoy them after death, they would do it, no doubt. To leave it when you cannot keep it any longer, is not thank-worthy. So the glutton and drunkard, and whoremonger, and the proud must all leave their pleasure at the grave. But do you serve God or the flesh with your Riches while you have them? And do you use them to help or to hinder your salvation? Deceive not your selves, for God is not mocked.