A26892:2314
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.
§. 17. Direct. 17. If all this will not serve the turn, it's strange if God call not home your thoughts, 1by sharp afflictions: and methinks the improvement of them, and the removal of them, should find some 2employment for your thoughts. It's time then to search and try your ways, and turn again unto the Lord, Lam. 3. 4. To find out the Achan that troubleth your peace, and know the voice of the rod, and what God is angry at, and what it is that he calleth you to mind! To know what root it is that beareth these bitter fruits: and how they may be sanctified to make you conformable to Christ, and partakers of his holiness, Heb. 12. 10. Besides the exercise of holy patience and submission, there is a great deal of work to be done in sufferings; to exercise faith, and honour God and the good cause of our suffering; and to humble our selves for the evil cause; and to get the benefit. And if you will not meditate of the Duty, you shall meditate of the pain whether you will or not; and say as Lam. 3. 17, 18, 19, 20. I forgot prosperity, and I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord; Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall: My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. Put not God to remember you by his spur, and help your meditations by so sharp a means! Psal. 78. 33, 34, 35. Therefore did he consume their days in vanity, and their years in trouble: when he •lew them then they sought him, and they returned and enquired early after God: and they remembered that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer.
§. 17. Direct. 17. If all this will not serve the turn, it's strange if God call not home your thoughts, 1by sharp afflictions: and methinks the improvement of them, and the removal of them, should find some