A26892:2150
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.
§. 18. Object. 4. But why would God give innocent man an Appetite that must be crossed by Reason? and that desired that which Reason must forbid? Answ. The sensitive nature is in order of generation before the Rational: And Reason and Gods Laws do not make sense to be no sense. You may as well ask, why God would make Beasts which must be restrained and ruled by men? and therefore have a desire to that which man must restrain them from? You do but ask, Why God made us men and not Angels? Why he placed our souls in flesh? He oweth you no account of his creation: But you may see its meet that Obedience should have some trial by difficulties and opposition, before it have its commendation and reward: He gave you a Body that was subject to the soul; as the Horse unto the rider; and you should admire his Wisdom, and thank him for the governing-power of Reason; and not murmur at him, because the Horse will not go as well without the guidance of the rider, or because he maketh you not able to go as fast and well on foot. So much for the Sensualists Objections.
§. 18. Object. 4. But why would God give innocent man an Appetite that must be crost by Reason? and that desired that which Reason must forbid? Answ. The sensitive nature is in order of generation before the Rational: And Reason and Gods Laws do not make sense to be no sense. You may as well ask, why God would make Beasts which must be restrained and ruled by men? and therefore have a desire to that which man must restrain them from? You do but ask, Why God made us men and not Angels? Why he placed our souls in flesh? He oweth you no account of his creation: But you may see its meet that Obedience should have some tryal by difficulties and opposition, before it have its commendation and reward: He gave you a Body that was subject to the soul; as the Horse unto the rider; and you should admire his Wisdom, and thank him for the governing-power of Reason; and not murmur at him, because the Horse will not go as well without the guidance of the rider, or because he maketh you not able to go as fast and well on foot. So much for the Sensualists Objections.
§. 19. V. The signs of a Flesh-pleaser or Sensualist are these, (which may be gathered from what