A26892:2349
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.
§. 29. Direct. 15. Cho•se not unnecessarily or ordinarily the bitterest or most unpleasant subjects for 1your meditation, lest you make it grow a burden to you; but dwell most on the sweet delightful thoughts of the infinite Love of God revealed by Christ, and the eternal glory purchased by him, and the wonderful helps and mercies in the way. As it is the Gospel which Christs Ministers must preach to others, so it is the Gospel which in your Meditations, you must preach most to your selves. Its Love and Pleasure which you must principally endeavour to excite: And you must do it by contemplating amiableness and felicity, the objects of love and pleasure. For the thoughts of terror, and wrath, and misery, are unfit to stir up these: Though to the unconverted, dull, secure, presumptuous, or sensual sinner, such thoughts are very necessary to awake him, and prepare him for the thoughts of love and peace. It is the principal part of this art, to keep off loathing and averseness, and to keep up readiness and delight.
§. 29. Direct. 15. Cho•se not unnecessarily or ordinarily the bitterest or most unpleasant subjects for 1your meditation, lest you make it grow a burden to you; but dwell most on the sweet delightful thoughts of the infinite Love of God revealed by Christ, and the eternal glory purchased by him, and the wonderful helps and mercies in the way. As it is the Gospel which Christs Ministers must preach to others, so it is the Gospel which in your Meditations, you must preach most to your selves. Its Love and Pleasure which you must principally endeavour to excite: And you must do it by contemplating amiableness and felicity, the objects of love and pleasure. For the thoughts of terror, and wrath, and misery, are unfit to stir up these: Though to the unconverted, dull, secure, presumptuous, or sensual sinner, such thoughts are very necessary to awake him, and prepare him for the thoughts of love and peace. It is the principal part of this art, to keep off loathing and aversness, and to keep up readiness and delight.
- 1Direct. 15.