A26892:2425
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.
§. 10. Direct. 4. Remember that the chief part of your growth in knowledge, is not in knowing 1many smaller things, of no necessity; but in a growing downwards in a clearer insight into the foundation of the Christian faith, and in taking better Rooting than you had at your first believing; and in growing upward into a greater knowledge of God, and into greater Love of him, and heavenly mindedness, and then in growing up to greater skill and ability and readiness to do him service in the world.
- 1Direct. 4.
Know as much as you can know, of the works of God, and of the languages and customs of the world: but still remember that to know God in Christ better, is the growth which you must daily study: And when you know them most, you have still much more need to know better these great things, which you know already; than to know more things, which you never knew: The Roots of faith may still increase, and the branches and fruits of Love may be still greater and sweeter! As long as you live, you may still know better the Reasons of your Religion (though not better Reasons); and you may know better how to use your knowledge. And whatever you know, let it be that you may be led up to Know God more, or Love him more, or serve him better.
§. 11. Direct. 5. With fear and detestation watch and resolve, against all carnal worldly ends; and see that your hearts be not captivated by your fleshly interest; nor grow not to a high esteem of the pleasures, or profits or honours of this world, nor to relish any fleshly accommodations, as very pleasant and desirable: but that you take up with God and the hopes of Glory as your satisfying portion, and follow Christ as Cross-bearers, denying your selves, and dead to the world, and resolved and prepared to forsake all for his sake.