A26892:2117
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.
§. 5. II. How far flesh-pleasing is a sin, I shall distinctly open to you in these propositions,1 1. The Pleasing or displeasing of the sensitive appetite in it self considered, is neither sin nor duty, good or evil; but as commanded or forbidden by some Law of God; which is not absolutely done.
- 1What Fleshpleasing is a sin.
2. To please the flesh by things forbidden is undoubtedly a sin, and so it is to displease it too: Therefore this is not all that is here meant, that the Matter that pleaseth it must not be things forbidden.
3. To overvalue the Pleasing of the Flesh is a sin: And to prefer it before the Pleasing of God, and the holy preparations for Heaven, is the state of carnality, and ungodliness, and the common cause of the Damnation of souls. The Delight of the Flesh or Senses is a Natural Good; and the natural desire of it in it self (as is said) is neither vice nor virtue: But when this little natural Good is preferred before the Greater Spiritual, Moral or Eternal Good, this is the sin of Carnal minds, which is threatened with death, Rom. 8. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13.
3. To overvalue the Pleasing of the Flesh is a sin: And to prefer it before the Pleasing of God, and the holy preparations for Heaven, is the state of carnality, and ungodliness, and the common cause of the Damnation of souls. The Delight of the Flesh or Senses is a Natural Good; and the natural desire of it in it self (as is said) is neither vice nor vertue: But when this little natural Good is preferred before the Greater Spiritual, Moral or Eternal Good, this is the sin of Carnal minds, which is threatned with death,