A26892:2403
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.
Part 1 › Chapter 6 › Tit. 5. Directions to the Melancholy about their Thoughts.
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.
§. 16. Direct. 12. Tie your selves daily to spend as great a part of your Time in your prayers, in the 1confessing of mercy received, as in confessing sin committed: and in the Praises of God, as in the lamenting ⟨p. 317⟩of your own miseries. You dare not deny but this is your duty, if you understand your duty: Thanksgiving and praise are a greater duty, than confessing sin and misery: Resolve then that they shall have the largest share of Time. If you will but do this much, (which you can do if you will), it will in time take off the bitterness of your spirits, and the very frequent mention of sweeter things, will sweeten your minds; and change their temperature and habit, as change of diet changeth the temperature of the body. I beseech you resolve and try this course. If you cannot mention mercy so Thankfully as you would, nor mention Gods excellencies so holily and praisefully as you would, yet do what you can, and mention them as you are able. You may command your Time (what shall have the greatest share in prayer) though not your affections: You will find the benefit very great, if you will do but this.
§. 16. Direct. 12. Tie your selves daily to spend as great a part of your Time in your prayers, in the 1confessing of mercy received, as in confessing sin committed: and in the Praises of God, as in the lamenting ⟨p. 317⟩of your own miseries. You dare not deny but this is your duty, if you understand your duty: Thanksgiving and praise are a greater duty, than confessing sin and misery: Resolve then that they shall have the largest share of Time. If you will but do this much, (which you can do if you will), it will in time take off the bitterness of your spirits, and the very frequent mention of sweeter things, will sweeten your minds; and change their temperature and habit, as change of dyet changeth the temperature of the body. I beseech you resolve and try this course. If you cannot mention mercy so Thankfully as you would, nor mention Gods excellencies so holily and praisefully as you would, yet do what you can, and mention them as you are able. You may command your Time (what shall have the greatest share in prayer) though not your affections: You will find the benefit very great, if you will do but this.