A26892:2526
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.
§. 15. Direct. 3. The next great help is to destroy self-love, (as carnal and inordinate) For this is the Parent, life and root of all other sinful love whatever. Why doth the Worldling over-love his wealth, and the proud man his greatness and repute, and the sensualist his pleasures, but because they1 first over-love, that flesh and self which all these are but the provision for. Why doth a dividing Sectary over-value and over-love all the party or sect that are of his own opinion; but because he first over-valueth and over-loveth himself: why do you love those above their worth who think2 highly of you, and are on your side, and use to praise you behind your back, or that do you a good turn, but because you first over-love your selves? Why doth Lustful Love inflame you, or the Love of meat and drink and sport and bravery, carry you into such a gulf of sin, but that first you over-love your fleshly pleasure? what ensnareth you in fondness to any person, but that you think they love you, or are suitable to your carnal ends. See therefore that you mortify the flesh.
§. 15. Direct. 3. The next great help is to destroy self-love, (as carn•l and inordinate) For this is the Parent, life and root of all other sinful love whatever. Why doth the Worldling over-love his wealth, and the proud man his greatness and repute, and the sensualist his pleasures, but because they1 first over-love, that flesh and self which all these are but the provision for. Why doth a dividing Sectary over-value and over-love all the party or sect that are of his own opinion; but because he first over-valueth and over-loveth himself: why do you love those above their worth who think2 highly of you, and are on your side, and use to praise you behind your back, or that do you a good turn, but because you first over-love your selves? Why doth Lustful Love enflame you, or the Love of meat and drink and sport and bravery, carry you into such a gulf of sin, but that first you over-love your fleshly pleasure? what ensnareth you in fondness to any person, but that you think they love you, or are suitable to your carnal ends. See therefore that you mortifie the flesh.