A26892:2563
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.
Part 1 › Chapter 7 › Tit. 4. Directions against sinful Mirth and Pleasure.
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.
§. 5. This is the true method of rejoicing: Though as I said, so much quietness may be kept up by1 the unregenerate as is needful to keep up life and health, and the Gospel where it cometh, is tidings of great joy to those that hear it, yet no man can live a truly comfortable merry life, but in this method; but all his mirth beside that which either supporteth nature, or meeteth mercy in his returning to God, will be justly chargeable with Madness; and maketh him a more pitiful sight.
§. 5. This is the true method of rejoycing: Though as I said, so much quietness may be kept up by1 the unregenerate as is needful to keep up life and health, and the Gospel where it cometh, is tidings of great joy to those that hear it, yet no man can live a truly comfortable merry life, but in this method; but all his mirth beside that which either supporteth nature, or meeteth mercy in his returning to God, will be justly chargeable with Madness; and maketh him a more pitiful sight.
- 1See my Sermon at Parls called Right R[…]. And h••e before chap. 3. Dir. • 13.See my Sermon at Parls called Right R〈…〉. And h••e before chap. 3. Dir. • 13.
§. 6. The first thing therefore to be done, is to lay the Ground work of true mirth. And this is done by unfeigned Repenting, and turning to God, by faith in Christ, and becoming new-creatures, a sanctified peculiar people, and being justified and adopted to be the children of God; and then by discerning (upon sober trial) the evidences and witness of all this in our selves, that we may know that we have passed from death to life.