A26892:2375
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.
§. 14. 10. A mere sinful backwardness is not to be indulged: A diseased disability (such as1 comes from melancholy, weak-headedness, or decay of memory) must be endured, and not too much accused; when Christ excused worse in his Disciples, saying, The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. But a sinful backwardness in cases of absolute necessity, is not at all to be endured, but striven against with all your power what ever it cost you: As to bring your selves to so much serious Consideration, as is necessary to your Repentance and unfeigned faith, and godly conversation, this must be done whatever follow; Though the Devil persuade you that it will make you melancholy or mad: For without it, you are far worse than mad.
§. 14. 10. A meer sinful backwardness is not to be indulged: A diseased disability (such as1 comes from melancholy, weak-headedness, or decay of memory) must be endured, and not too much accused; when Christ excused worse in his Disciples, saying, The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. But a sinful backwardness in cases of absolute necessity, is not at all to be endured, but striven against with all your power what ever it cost you: As to bring your selves to so much serious Consideration, as is necessary to your Repentance and unfeigned faith, and godly conversation, this must be done whatever follow; Though the Devil perswade you that it will make you melancholy or mad: For without it, you are far worse than mad.
- 1Rule 10.
§. 15. 11. The most desirable life, to those that have their choice, is that which joineth together1 Contemplation and Action: so as there shall be convenient leisure for the most high and serious Contemplation, and this improved to fit us for the most great and profitable Action. And such is the life of a faithful Minister of Christ: And therefore no sort of men on earth, are more obliged to thankfulness than they.