A26892:2369
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.
§. 8. 4. Some persons in the same Calling, whose Callings are not so urgent on them, by any necessities1 of themselves or others, and who may have more vacant time, must gladly take it for the good of their souls, in the use of contemplation and other holy duties. And others that are under greater necessities, urgencies, obligations, or cannot be spared from the service of others (as Physicians, Lawyers, &c.) must be less in contemplation, and prefer the greatest good.
§. 8. 4. Some persons in the same Calling, whose Callings are not so urgent on them, by any necessities1 of themselves or others, and who may have more vacant time, must gladly take it for the good of their souls, in the use of contemplation and other holy duties. And others that are under greater necessities, urgencies, obligations, or cannot be spared from the service of others (as Physicions, Lawyers, &c.) must be less in contemplation, and prefer the greatest good.
- 1Rule 4.
§. 9. 5. Public necessities or service may with some be so great as to dispense with all secret duty1 both of prayer and contemplation (except short mental ejaculations) for some days together. So in Wars it oft falls out that necessity forbiddeth all set or solemn holy service for many days together, (even on the Lords Day): So a Physician may sometime be tied to so close attendance on his Patients as will not allow him time for a set prayer: so sometime a Preacher may be so taken up in preaching, and exhorting, and resolving peoples weighty doubts, that they shall scarce have time for secret duties, for some days together: (Though such happy impediments are rare:) In these cases to do the lesser is a sin, when the greater is neglected.