A26892:2302
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.
§. 7. Direct. 7. Know thy self well as thou art the work of God, and in thy self thou wilt find 1abundant matter for thy meditations. There thou hast the natural Image of God to mediate on and2 admire; even the noble faculties of thy understanding and free will, and executive power: And thou h•st his Moral or Spiritual Image to meditate on, if thou be not unregenerate: even thy holy Wisdom, Will and Power, or thy holy Light, and Love, and Power with promptitude for holy practice; and all in the Unity of holy Life. And there thou hast his Relative Image to meditate3 on; even thy being 1. The Lord or Owner: 2. The Ruler: 3. The Benefactor to the inferior creatures, and their End. O the world of mysteries which thou carriest continually about thee in that little room. What abundance of wonders are in thy body! which is fearfully and wonderfully made! And the greater wonders in thy soul! Thou art thy self the clearest glass that God is to be seen in under Heaven! as thou art a man and a Saint! And therefore the worthiest matter for thy own Meditations (except that holy Word, which is thy Rule, and the Holy Church which is but a coalition of many such). What a shame is it, that almost all men do Live and dye such strangers to themselves, as to be utterly unacquainted with the innumerable excellencies and mysteries, which God hath laid up in them; and yet to let their thoughts run out upon vanities and toys, and complain of their barrenness, and want of matter, to feed their better Meditations?
§. 7. Direct. 7. Know thy self well as thou art the work of God, and in thy self thou wilt find 1abundant matter for thy meditations. There thou hast the natural Image of God to mediate on and2 admire; even the noble faculties of thy understanding and free will, and executive power: And thou h•st his Moral or Spiritual Image to meditate on, if thou be not unregenerate: even thy holy Wisdom, Will and Power, or thy holy Light, and Love, and Power with promptitude for holy practice; and all in the Unity of holy Life. And there thou hast his Relative Image to meditate