A26892:2475
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.
§. 58. Inst. 20. And many separate Prudence and zeal, meekness and resolution, the wisdom of the1 Serpent, and the innocency of the Dove! yielding to no sin, and yet yielding in things lawful; maintaining our Christian liberty, and yet becoming all things to all men, if by any means we may save some. These Instances are enow; I will add no more.
- 1Instance 20.
§. 59. Direct. 18. Take heed of falling into factions and parties in Religion, (be the party great or 1small, high or low, in honour or dishonour), and take heed lest you be infected with a factious, censorious, uncharitable, hurting zeal: For these are much contrary to the interest, Will and Spirit of Christ: Therefore among all your readings, deeply suck in the doctrine of charity and peace; and read much Reconciling moderating Authors: Such as Drury, Hall, Davenant, Crocius, Bergius, Martinius, Amyraldus, Dallaeus, Testardus, Calixtus, Hottonus, Junius, Paraeus and Burroughs their Irenicons.
- 1Direct. 18.
§. 60. The reading of such Books extinguisheth the consuming flame of that infernal envious zeal described James 3. and kindleth charity, and meekness, and mellowness, and moderation in the heart; and cureth those bloodshotten eyes which are unable till cured to discern the truth: It helpeth us to knowledge; and to that which is more edifying, and keepeth knowledge from puffing us up. And experience will tell you at long running, that among Ancients and Moderns, Greeks and Latins, Papists and Protestants, Lutherans and Calvinists, Remonstrants and Contraremonstrants, Prelatists, Presbyterians, Independents, &c. commonly the Moderators are not only the best and most charitable, but the wisest, most judicious men.