A26892:2204
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.
Part 1 › Chapter 5 › The Directions contemplative for Redeeming Time.
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. 15. Remember still that sin and Satan will lose no time: and therefore it concerneth 1you to lose none: The Devil your adversary goeth about like a roaring Lyon, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Pet. 5. 8. Be sober therefore and vigilant to resist him, V. 7, 9. If he be busy and you be idle; if he be at work in spreading his Nets, and laying his snares for you, and you be at play and do not mind him, it is easy to fore-tell you what will be the issue. If your enemies be fighting while you sit still or sleep, it is easy to prognosticate who will have the Victory. The weeds of corruption are continually growing: sin like a constant spring is still running: The world is still enticing; and the flesh is still inclining to its prohibited delights: None of these Enemies will make a Truce, or a Cessation with you, to sit still as long as you sit still! So far are they from forbearing you, while you are idle, or gratifying the flesh, that even this is the fruit and evidence of their industry and success. Lose no Time then, and admit of no interruptions of your work, till you can persuade your enemies to do the like.
§. 22. Direct. 15. Remember still that sin and Satan will lose no time: and therefore it concerneth 1you to lose none: The Devil your adversary goeth about like a roaring Lyon, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Pet. 5. 8. Be sober therefore and vigilant to resist him, V. 7, 9. If he be busie and you be idle; if he be at work in spreading his Nets, and laying his snares for you, and you be at play and do not mind him, it is easie to fore-tell you what will be the issue. If your enemies be fighting while you sit still or sleep, it is easie to prognosticate who will have the Victory. The weeds of corruption are continually growing: sin like a constant spring is still running: The world is still enticing; and the flesh is still inclining to its prohibited delights: None of these Enemies will make a Truce, or a Cessation with you, to sit still as long as you sit still! So far are they from forbearing you, while you are idle, or gratifying the flesh, that even this is the fruit and evidence of their industry and success. Lose no Time then, and admit of no interruptions of your work, till you can perswade your enemies to do the like.