A26892:2525
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.
§. 14. Direct. 2. The next help is to see that the Creature deceived you not; and therefore that you be 1not rash and hasty; but stay while you come nearer it, and see it unclothed of borrowed or affected 2ornaments: and see it not only in the dress in which it appeareth abroad, which often covereth great deformities, but in its homely habit and night attire: Bring it to the light▪ and if it may be also see it when it hath endured the fire, which hath taken off the paint and removed the dress. Most of your inordinate Love to creatures is by mistake and rashness. The Devil tricks them up and paints them, that you may fall in love with them: or else he showeth you only the outside▪ of some common good, and hideth the emptiness or rottenness within. Come nearer therefore, and stay longer, and prevent your shame and disappointments. Is it not a shame to see you dote on that place, or office, or thing this year, which you are weary of before the next? Or to see two persons impatiently fond of each other till they are married, and then to live in strife as aweary of each other? How few persons or things have been too violently loved, that were but sufficiently first tried?
§. 14. Direct. 2. The next help is to see that the Creature deceived you not; and therefore that you be 1not rash and hasty; but stay while you come neerer it, and see it uncloathed of borrowed or affected 2ornaments: and see it not only in the dress in which it appeareth abroad, which often covereth great deformities, but in its homely habit and night attire: Bring it to the light▪ and if it may be also see it when it hath endured the fire, which hath taken off the paint and removed the dress. Most of your inordinate Love to creatures is by mistake and rashness. The Devil tricks them up and paints them, that you may fall in love with them: or else he sheweth you only the outside▪ of some common good, and hideth the emptiness or rottenness within. Come nearer therefore, and stay longer, and prevent your shame and disappointments. Is it not a shame to see you dote on that place, or office, or thing this year, which you are weary of before the next? Or to see two persons impatiently fond of each other till they are marryed, and then to live in strife as aweary of each other? How few persons or things have been too violently loved, that were but sufficiently first tryed?