A26892:2273
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 6 › Tit. 1. Directions against evil and idle Thoughts.
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.
§. 4. Direct. 3. Above all be sure that you cleanse the Fountain, and destroy those sinful inclinations 1of the heart, from which your evil thoughts proceed. In vain else will you strive to stop the streams. Or if you should stop them, that very Heart it self will be loathsome in the eyes of God. Are your Thoughts all upon the world, either coveting, or caring, or grieving for what you want, or pleasing your selves with what you have or hope for? Get down your deceived estimation of the world: cast ⟨p. 295⟩it under your feet, and out of your heart; and count all with Paul, but as loss and dung, for the excellent knowledge of God in Christ: For till the world be dead in you, your worldly thoughts will not be dead: But all will stand still, when once this poise is taken off: Crucify it, and this breath and pulse will cease. So if your thoughts do run upon matter of preferment or honour, disgrace or contempt, or if you are pleased with your own preeminence or applause; Mortify your Pride, and beg of God a humble self-denying contrite heart. For till Pride be dead, you will never be quiet for it; but it will stir up swarms of self-exalting and yet self-vexing thoughts, which make you hateful in the eyes of God. So if your thoughts be running out upon your back and belly, what you shall eat or drink, or how to please your appetite or sense; Mortify the flesh, and subdue its desires, and master your appetite, and bring them into full obedience unto reason, and get a habit of temperance; or else your thoughts will be still upon your guts and throats: For they will obey the ruling power: And a violent passion and desire doth so powerfully move them, that it is hard for the reason and will to rule them. So if your thoughts are wanton and filthy, you must cleanse that unclean and lustful heart, and get Christ to cast out the unclean spirit, and become chaste within, before you will keep out your unchaste cogitations. So if you have confusion and vanity in your thoughts, you must get a well-furnished and well-composed mind and heart, before you will well cure the malady of your thoughts.
§. 4. Direct. 3. Above all be sure that you cleanse the Fountain, and destroy those sinful inclinations 1of the heart, from which your evil thoughts proceed. In vain else will you strive to stop the streams. Or if you should stop them, that very Heart it self will be lothsom in the eyes of God. Are your Thoughts all upon the world, either coveting, or caring, or grieving for what you want, or pleasing your selves with what you have or hope for? Get down your deceived estimation of the world: cast