A26892:2298
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. 2. Directions to furnish the Mind with good 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.
Consider this ye that forget God, lest he tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver you, Psal. 50. 22.
§. 5. Direct. 5. Soundly understand the wonderful mystery of mans Redemption, and know Jesus 1Christ, and you need not want employment for your thoughts. For in him are hid all the Treasures of 2wisdom and knowledge, Col. 2. 3. He is the Power of God, and the Wisdom of God, 1 Cor. 1. 24. If the study of Aristotle, Plato, Plotinus, and their numerous followers and Commentators, can find work for the thoughts of men that would know the works of God, or would be accounted good Philosophers, even for many years together, or a great part of their lives, what work then may a Christian ⟨p. 300⟩find for his thoughts in Jesus Christ, who of God is made to us, wisdom, and righteousness, and san••••fication, and redemption. 1 Cor. 1. 30. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell, Col. 1. 19. And therefore in him there is fullness of matter for our meditations, As Paul determined to know nothing (or make ostentation of no other knowledge) but Christ crucified, 1 Cor. 2. 2. So if your thoughts had nothing to work upon many years together, but Christ crucified, they need not stand still a moment for want of most suitable and delightful matter. The mystery of the Incarnation alone, may find you work to search and admire many ages! But if thence you proceed to that world of wonderful matter which you may find in his Doctrine, Miracles, example, sufferings, temptations, victories, resurrection, ascension, and in his Kingly, Prophetical and Priestly Offices; and in all the benefits which he hath purchased for his stock, O what full and pleasant work is here for the daily thoughts of a believer! The soul may dwell here with continual delight, till it say with Paul,