A26892:2366
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. 1. Every Christian must use so much contemplation as is necessary to the Loving of God1 above all, and to the worshipping of him in Spirit and in truth, and to a heavenly mind and conversation, and to his due preparation for death and judgement, and to the referring all his common works to the glory and pleasing of God, that Holiness to the Lord may be written upon all, and all that he hath may be sanctified, or devoted with himself to God.
§. 5. 1. Every Christian must use so much contemplation as is necessary to the Loving of God1 above all, and to the worshipping of him in Spirit and in truth, and to a heavenly mind and conversation, and to his due preparation for death and judgement, and to the ref•rring all his common works to the glory and pleasing of God, that Holiness to the Lord may be written upon all, and all that he hath may be sanctified, or devoted with himself to God.
- 1Rule 1.
§. 6. 2. The calling of a Minister of the Gospel, is so perfectly mixed of contemplation and1 action, that (though Action denominate it, as being the End and Chief) yet he must be excellent in both. If they be not excellent in contemplation, they will not be meet to stand so much nearer to God than the people do; and to sanctify him when they draw near him, and glorify him before all the people: nor will they be fit for the opening of the heavenly mysteries, and working that on the peoples hearts which never was on their own. And if they be not Excellent in an Active life, they will betray the peoples souls, and never go through that painful diligence, and preaching in season and out of season, publicly, and from house to house, day and night with tears, which Paul commandeth them,