A26892:2158
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.
§. 22. Direct. 1. The first and Grand Direction against Flesh-pleasing, is, that you be sure by a serious 1living faith to see the Better things with God; and to be heartily taken up in minding, loving, seeking and securing them. All the other directions are but subservient to this: For certainly mans soul will not be idle, being a living active principle: And its as certain, that it will not act but upon some End, or for some End. And there are no other Ends to take us up, but either the things temporal or eternal: And therefore there is no true cure for a sensual Love of temporal things, but to turn the heart to things eternal. Believingly think first of the certainty, greatness and eternity of the Joys above: and then think that these may more certainly be yours, than any worldly Riches or ⟨p. 272⟩delights, if you do not contemptuously reject them: And then think that this is the time in which you must make sure of them and win them, if ever you will possess them; and that you are sent into the world of purpose on this business: And then think with your selves, how fleshly pleasures are the only competitors with the everlasting pleasures; and that if ever you lose them, it will be by over-loving these transitory things, and that one half of your work for your salvation lieth in killing your affections to all below, that they may be alive to God alone: And lastly, think how much higher and sweeter pleasures even in this life, the godly do enjoy than you; and you are losing them while you prefer these sordid pleasures. Do you think that a true Believer hath not a more excellent delight in his fore-thoughts of his immortal blessedness with Christ, and in the assurance of the Love of God, and communion with him in his holy service, than you or any sensualist hath in fleshly pleasures. Sober and serious Meditation on these things, will turn the mind to the true delights.
§. 22. Direct. 1. The first and Grand Direction against Flesh-pleasing, is, that you be sure by a serious 1living faith to see the Better things with God; and to be heartily taken up in minding, loving, seeking and securing them. All the other directions are but subservient to this: For certainly mans soul will not be idle, being a living active principle: And its as certain, that it will not act but upon some End, or for some End. And there are no other Ends to take us up, but either the things temporal or eternal: And therefore there is no true cure for a sensual Love of temporal things, but to turn the heart to things eternal. Believingly think first of the certainty, greatness and eternity of the Ioyes above: and then think that these may more certainly be yours, than any worldly Riches or