A26892:293
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.
Hast thou been a profane Swearer or Curser, or used to take Gods name in vain, or used to backbiting, slandering, lying, or to ribald filthy talk: It is in thy power to forbear these sins, if thou be but willing: Say not, I fall into them through custom before I am aware: For that is a sign that thou art not sincerely willing to forsake them. If thou were truly penitent, and thy will sincerely opposite to these sins, thou wouldst be more tender and fearful to offend, and resolved against them, and make a greater matter of them, and abhor them, and not commit them, and say I did it before I was aware: No more than thou wouldst spit in the face of thy Father, or curse thy Mother, or slander thy dearest friend, or speak Treason against the King, and say, I did it through custom before I was aware. Sin will not be so played with by those that have been soundly humbled for it, and resolved against it.
Hast thou been a prophane Swearer or Curser, or used to take Gods name in vain, or used to backbiting, slandering, lying, or to ribald filthy talk: It is in thy power to forbear these sins, if thou be but willing: Say not, I fall into them through custome before I am aware: For that is a sign that thou art not sincerely willing to forsake them. If thou were truly penitent, and thy will sincerely opposite to these sins, thou wouldst be more tender and fearful to offend, and resolved against them, and make a greater matter of them, and abhor them, and not commit them, and say I did it before I was aware: No more than thou would•t spit in the face of thy Father, or curse thy Mother, or slander thy dearest friend, or speak Treason against the King, and say, I did it through custome before I was aware. Sin will not be so played with by those that have been soundly humbled for it, and resolved against it.
§. 3. Hast thou been a Drunkard, or Tippler, spending thy precious hours in an Alehouse, prating over a Pot, in the company of foolish tempting sinners: It is in thy power if thou be truly willing to do so no more. If thou love and choose such company, and places, and actions, and discourse, how canst thou say thou art willing to forsake them, or that thy heart is changed? If thou do not love and choose them, how canst thou commit them, when none compels thee? No one carrieth thee to the place: No one forceth thee to sin: If thou do it, it is because thou wilt do it, and lovest it. If thou be in good earnest with God, and wilt be saved indeed, and art not content to part with Heaven for thy cups and company, away with them presently without delay.