A26892:2324
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.
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.
§. 5. Direct. 5. Take heed lest the senses and appetite grow too strong, and master Reason; for if they 1do, they will at once dispossess it of the government of the thoughts, and will brutishly usurp the power themselves. As when a rebellious army deposeth a King, they do not only cast off the yoke of subjection themselves, but dissolve the Government as to all other subjects, and usually usurp it themselves, and make themselves Governors. If once you be servants to your fleshly appetites, and sense, your Thoughts will have other work to do, and another way to go, when you call them to holy and necessary things: Especially when the enticing objects are at hand. You may as well expect a clod to ascend like fire, or a swine to delight in temperance, as a glutton, or drunkard, or fornicator to delight in holy contemplation. Reason and Flesh cannot both be the Governors.
§. 5. Direct. 5. Take heed lest the senses and appetite grow too strong, and master Reason; for if they 1do, they will at once disp•ssess it of the government of the thoughts, and will brui•ishly usurp the power themselves. As when a rebellious army deposeth a King, they do not only cast off the yoak of subjection themselves, but dissolve the Government as to all other subjects, and usually usurpe it themselves, and make themselves Governors. If once you be servants to your fleshly appetites, and sense, your Thoughts will have other work to do, and another way to go, when you call them to holy and necessary things: Especially when the entising objects are at hand. You may as well expect a clod to ascend like fire, or a swine to delight in temperance, as a glutton, or drunkard, or fornicator to delight in holy contemplation. Reason and Flesh cannot both be the Governors.
- 1Direct. 5.