A26892:245
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.
§. 2. And they are men as well as you, and therefore undoubtedly desire the good will and the good word of others, and take no pleasure to be scorned or hated: Undoubtedly they break through much temptation and reluctancy of the flesh, before they can so far deny themselves as to endeavour your salvation on such terms: And seeing it is all for you, methinks you should be their chief encouragers: If others should oppose them, you should be for them, because they are for you. If I go with a Convoy to relieve a besieged Garrison, I shall expect opposition from the Enemy that besiegeth them: But if the besieged themselves shall shoot at us, and use us as enemies for venturing our lives to relieve them, it's time to be gone, and let them take what they get by it.
§. 3. Perhaps you think that the Preacher (or private admonisher) is too plain with you: But1 you should consider that self-love is like to make you partial in your own cause, and therefore a more uncapable Judge than they. And you should consider that God hath commanded them to deal plainly, and told them that else the peoples blood shall be required at their hands, Isa. 58. 1. Ezek. 18. And that God best knoweth what Medicine and Diet is fittest for your Disease: And that the case is of such grand importance (whether you shall live in Heaven or Hell for ever?) that it is scarce possible for a Minister to be too plain and serious with you: And that your disease is so obstinate, that gentler means have been too long frustrate, and therefore sharper must be tried: else why were you not converted by gentler dealing until now? If you fall down in a swoon, or be ready to be drowned, you will give leave to the standers by to handle you a little more roughly than at another time, and will not bring your action against them for laying hands on you, or ruffling your Silks or Bravery: If your house be on fire, you will give men leave to speak in another manner, than when they modulate their voices into a civill and complementing tone.