A26892:2516
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.
§. 6. Direct. 4. Suspect all that Love which selfishness and fleshly-interest have a hand in. Is it some1 bodily pleasure and delight that you love so much? Or is it a good book or other help for your soul? We are so much apter to exceed and sin in carnal fleshly mindedness, than in Loving what is good for our souls, that there we should be much more suspicious: If it be violent and for the body, its ten to one there is sin in it.
- 1Direct. 4.
§. 7. Direct. 5. Suspect all that Love to creatures which your Reason can give no good account of, nor 1show you a justifiable cause. If you Love one place or person much more than others, and know not why, but Love them because you cannot choose, this is much to be suspected: Though God may sometime kindle a secret Love between friends, from an unexpressible unity or similitude of minds, beyond ⟨p. 330⟩what reason will undertake to justify, yet this is rare, and commonly fancy or folly or carnality is the cause: However it is more to be suspected and tried, than Rational Love.
§. 7. Direct. 5. Suspect all that Love to creatures which your Reason can give no good account of, nor 1shew you a justifiable cause. If you Love one place or person much more than others, and know not why, but Love them because you cannot choose, this is much to be suspected: Though God may sometime kindle a secret Love between friends, from an unexpressible unity or similitude of minds, beyond ⟨p. 330⟩what reason will undertake to justifie, yet this is rare, and commonly fansie or folly or carnality is the cause: However it is more to be suspected and tryed, than Rational Love.