A26892:2308
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.
The Histories of former ages, and the observation of the present, may show thee a world of matter for thy thoughts.
The Histories of former ages, and the observation of the present, may shew thee a world of matter for thy thoughts.
§. 12. Direct. 12. Understand all the lineaments, and beauty of Gods Image upon a holy soul, the 1excellency and use of every Grace, and the harmony of all; and thou wilt have store of profitable matter 2for thy thoughts. Know the nature of every Grace, and the place and order of it, and the office, use, and exercise of it; and the means and motives, the opposites, dangers and preservatives of it: Know it as Gods Image, and see and Love thy Maker and Redeemer and Regenerator in it: Know how God loveth it, and how useful it is to our serving and honouring him in the world; and how deformed and vile a thing the soul is, that is without it: Know well what Faith is; what wisdom and prudence are! what Repentance and humility, and mortification are! what Hope and fear, and desire, and obedience, and meekness, and temperance, and sobriety, and chastity, and contentation, and justice, and self-denial are; especially know the nature and force of Love to God, and to his servants, and to neighbours, and to enemies; Know what a holy resignation and devotedness to God is: and what is watchfulness, diligence, zeal, fortitude, and perseverance, patience, submission and peace: Know what the worth, and use, the helps and hinderances of all these are, and then your Thoughts will not be idle.
§. 12. Direct. 12. Understand all the lineaments, and beauty of Gods Image upon a holy soul, the 1excellency and use of every Grace, and the harmony of all; and thou wilt have store of profitable matter 2