A26892:2215
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 › Tit. 2. Directions Contemplative for Redeeming Opportunity.
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.
§. 29. Direct. 2. Remember that the neglecting of the season is the frustrating and destroying of the 1work. When the season is past, the work cannot be done. If you sow not in the time of sowing, it will be in vain at another time: If you reap not, and gather not in harvest, it will be too late in Winter to hope for fruit. If you stay till the Tide is gone, or take not the Wind that fits your turn, it may be in vain to attempt your Voyage. All works cannot be done at all times: Christ himself saith, I must walk while it is day: the night cometh when none can work, John 9. 4. Say not then, The next day may serve the turn: The next day is for another work: and you must do both.
- 1Direct. 2.
§. 30. Direct. 3. Consider that if the work should not be impossible, yet it will be difficult out of 1season; when in its season it might be done with ease. How easily may you swim with the Tide? and sail with the Wind? and form the Iron if you hammer it while it is hot? How easily may many a disease be cured, if it be taken in Time, which afterwards is uncurable? How easily may you bend a tender Twig, and pluck up a Plant, which will neither be plucked up nor bended when it is grown up to be a Tree? When you complain of difficulties in Religion, bethink you whether your loss of the fittest season, and acquainting your selves no sooner with God, be not the cause?
§. 30. Direct. 3. Consider that if the work should not be impossible, yet it will be difficult out of 1season; when in its season it might be done with ease. How easily may you swim with the Tide? and sail with the Wind? and form the Iron if you hammer it while it is hot? How easily may many a disease be cured, if it be taken in Time, which afterwards is uncurable? How easily may you bend a tender Twig, and pluck up a Plant, which will neither be pluckt up nor bended when it is grown up to be a Tree? When you complain of difficulties in Religion, bethink you whether your loss of the fittest season, and acquainting your selves no sooner with God, be not the cause?