A26892:2156
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. And some deceive themselves by interposing sometimes a formal fast, as the fleshly Pharisee that fasted twice a week, Luke 18. 12. and then they think that they are no sensualists. I speak not of the Popish fasting with Fish and Delicates, (this is not so much as a show of mortification) But what if you really fast as oft as the Pharisees did, and quarrel with Christs Disciples for not fasting, Matth. 9. 14, 15. Will not a sensualist do as much as this, if his Physician require it for his health? If the scope of your lives be fleshly, it is not the interruption of a formal fast, that will acquit you; which perhaps doth but quicken your appetite to the next meal.
5. And some deceive themselves by interposing sometimes a formal fast, as the fleshly Pharisee that fasted twice a week, Luke 18. 12. and then they think that they are no sensualists. I speak not of the Popish fasting with Fish and Delicates, (this is not so much as a shew of mortification) But what if you really fast as oft as the Pharisees did, and quarrel with Christs Disciples for not fasting, Matth. 9. 14, 15. Will not a sensualist do as much as this, if his Physicion require it for his health? If the scope of your lives be fleshly, it is not the interruption of a formal fast, that will acquit you; which perhaps doth but quicken your appetite to the next meal.
§. 21. VII. Yet many are wrongfully taken by others (if not by themselves) to be sensual by1 such mistakes as these. 1. Because they live not as meanly and scantly as the poor who want things necessary or helpful to their duty: But by that rule I must not be well, because other men are sick; or I must not go apace, because the lame can go but slowly! If poor men have bad Horses, I may ride on the best I can get, to dispatch my business, and redeem my time, so I prefer not costly useless ostentation, before true serviceableness. 2. Others are accused as sensual, because the weakness of their bodies requireth a more tender usage, and diet, than healthful mens: some bodies are unfitter for duty if they fast: And some are useless through sickness and infirmities, if they be not used with very great care. And it is as truly a duty to cherish a weak body to enable it for God service, as to tame an unruly lustful body, and keep it from offending him. 3. Some Melancholy conscientious persons are still accusing themselves through mere scrupulosity; questioning almost all they eat; or drink, or wear, or do, whether it be not too much, or too pleasing: But it is a cheerful sobriety that God requireth, which neither pampereth the body, nor yet disableth or hindereth it from its duty, and not an unprofitable wrangling scrupulosity.