A26892:2344
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.
§. 24. Direct. 10. Turn your cogitations often into soliloquies; methodically and earnestly preaching 1to your own hearts, as you would do on that subject to others if it were to save their souls. As this will keep you in order, from rambling and running out, and will also find you continual matter 2(For method is a wonderful help both to invention, memory and delight) so it will bring things soonest to your affections: An earnest pleading of convincing reasons with our own Hearts, is a powerful way to make the fire burn, and to kindle desire, fear, love, hatred, repentings, shame, sorrow, joy, resolution, or any good effect. Convictions, upbraidings, expostulations, reprehensions, and self-persuasions may be very powerful: when a dull way of bare thinking is but like a dull way of preaching, without any lively application, which little stirs the hearers. Learn purposely of the liveliest Books you read, and of the best and liveliest Preachers you hear, to preach to your hearts, and use it orderly; and you will find it a most powerful way of meditating.
§. 24. Direct. 10. Turn your cogitations often into soliloquies; methodically and earnestly preaching 1to your own hearts, as you would do on that subject to others if it were to save their souls. As this will keep you in order, from rambling and running out, and will also find you continual matter 2(For method is a wonderful help both to invention, memory and delight) so it will bring things soonest to your affections: An earnest pleading of convincing reasons with our own Hearts, is a powerful way to make the fire burn, and to kindle desire, fear, love, hatred, repentings, shame, sorrow, joy, resolution, or any good effect. Convictions, upbraidings, expostulations, reprehensions, and self-perswasions may be very powerful: when a dull way of bare thinking is but like a dull way of preaching, without any lively application, which little stirs the hearers. Learn purposely of the liveliest Books you read, and of the best and liveliest Preachers you hear, to preach to your hearts, and use it orderly; and you will find it a most powerful way of meditating.