A26892:2234
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. 3. Directions Practical 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.
And when he hath endeavoured with Reason to satisfy expectants, and put by diversions, if that will not serve, he must neglect them, and cast them off, and break away, though he lose by it in his estate, or his repute, or his peace it self, and though he be censured for it to be imprudent, uncivil, morose, or neglective of his friends: God must be pleased who ever be displeased: we must satisfy our minds with his alone approbation, instead of all: Time must be spared whatever be lost or wasted: and the Great things must be done whatever become of the less: Though where both may be done, and the lesser hinder not the greater, and rob us not of Time from necessary things, there we must have a care of both.
And when he hath endeavoured with Reason to satisfie expectants, and put by diversions, if that will not serve, he must neglect them, and cast them off, and break away, though he lose by it in his estate, or his repute, or his peace it self, and though he be censured for it to be imprudent, uncivil, morose, or neglective of his friends: God must be pleased who ever be displeased: we must satisfie our minds with his alone approbation, instead of all: Time must be spared whatever be lost or wasted: and the Great things must be done whatever become of the less: Though where both may be done, and the lesser hinder not the greater, and rob us not of Time from necessary things, there we must have a care of both.
§. 46. Direct. 8. Labour to go always furnished and well provided for the performance of every duty 1which may occur. As he that will not lose his Time in Preaching, must be well provided; so he that will not lose his Time in solitariness must be always furnished with matter for profitable meditation: And he that would Redeem his Time in company must be always furnished with matter for profitable discourse: He that is full, will be ready to pour out to others; and not be silent and lose his Time for want of matter, or skill, or zeal: for in all these three your provision doth consist. An ignorant empty person wants matter for his thoughts and words: An Imprudent person wants skill, to use it. A careless cold indifferent person, wants life to set his faculties on motion; and oil and poise to set the wheels of his soul and body a going. Bethink you in the morning what company you are like to meet, and what occasions of duty you are like to have; and provide your selves accordingly before you go, with matter and resolution, Besides the general preparative of habitual Knowledge, charity and zeal, which is the chief; you should also have your particular preparations for the duties of each day: A workman that is strong and healthful, and hath all his tools in readiness and