A26892:2350
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.
Tit. 4. The Difference between a Contemplative life, and an obedient active life, with Directions concerning them.
This task will be best performed by answering those Questions which here need a Solution.
THis task will be best performed by answering those Questions which here need a Solution.
§. 1. Quest. 1. What is a Contemplative Life? and what is an Active obediential life?
Quest. 1.
Answ. Every active Christian is bound to somewhat of contemplation: and all contemplative persons1 are bound to Obedience to God, and to so much of Action as may answer their abilities and opportunities. But yet some are much more called to the one, and some to the other: And we denominate from that which is most eminent and the chief. We call that a Contemplative life, when a mans state and calling alloweth and requireth him, to make the exercises of his mind on things sublime and holy, and the affecting of his heart with them, to be his principal business, which taketh up the most of his time. And we call that an Active obediential life, when a mans state and calling requireth him to spend the chief part of his time, in some external labour or vocation, tending to the good of our selves and others! As Artificers, Tradesmen, Husbandmen, Labourers, Physicians, Lawyers, Pastors and Preachers of the Gospel, Soldiers and Magistrates, all live an Active life, which should be a life of Obedience to God. Though among these some have much more time for contemplation than others. And some few there are that are exempt from both these, and are called to live a Passive obediential life: that is, such a life in which their obedient bearing of the Cross, and patient suffering, and submission to the chastising or trying will of God, is the most eminent and principal service they can do him, above Contemplation or Action.