A26892:2409
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.
§. 22. Direct. 18. Be sure that you keep your self constantly employed (as far as your strength will 1bear) in the diligent labours of a lawful calling; and spend none of your precious time in idleness. Idleness is the tide time of the Tempter: when you are idle, you invite the Devil to come and vex you. Then you can have while to hearken to him, and think on all that he will put into your minds, and then to think over all those thoughts again! when you have nothing else to do, the Devil will find you such work: Then you must sit still and muse; and your thoughts must be stirring in the mud of your own distempers, as children lye paddling in the dirt. And Idleness is a sin, which God will not favour: He hath commanded you to Labour six days, and in the sweat of your brows to eat your bread; and he that will not labour is unworthy to eat, 2 Thes. 3. Remember that Time is precious, and doth haste away, and God hath given you none in vain. Therefore as you are troubled for other sins, make Conscience of this sin, and waste not one quarter of an hours time, in your idle unprofitable musings: It is just with God to make your sin it self to be your punishment, and your own idle Thoughts to chastise you daily, when you will not get up and go about your lawful business: Nor will pretences of Prayer or any devotion excuse your idleness: for it is against the Law of God. Above all that I have said to you, let me entreat you therefore to obey this one Direction: I have known despairing Melancholy persons cured by setting themselves resolutely and diligently about their callings, (and changing air and company, and riding abroad). If you will sit musing in a corner, and sin against God by idleness and loss of time, and increase your own miseries withal, rather than you will rouse up your self, and ply your business, your calamity is just. Say not, that you have little or nothing to do: For God hath made it the duty of all, be they never so rich, to labour in such employment as is suitable to their place and strength.
§. 22. Direct. 18. Be sure that you keep your self constantly employed (as far as your strength will 1bear) in the diligent labours of a lawful calling; and spend none of your pretious time in idleness. Idleness is the tide time of the Tempter: when you are idle, you invite the Devil to come and vex you. Then you can have while to hearken to him, and think on all that he will put into your minds, and then to think over all those thoughts again! when you have nothing else to do, the Devil will find you such work: Then you must sit still and muse; and your thoughts must be stirring in the mud of your own distempers, as children lye padling in the dirt. And Idleness is a sin, which God will not favour: He hath commanded you to Labour six dayes, and in the sweat of your brows to eat your bread; and he that will not labour is unworthy to eat,