A26892:336
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.
§. 3. Direct. 1. For the Remedy against this deadly sin, 1. Take heed of sleepy opinions, or Doctrines1 and conceits which tend to the Lethargy of Security: 2. Sit not still, but be up and doing: Stirring tends to shake off drowsiness. 3. Come into the light: Live under an awakening Minister and in wakening company, that will not sleep with you; nor easily let you sleep: Agree with them to deal faithfully with you, and promise them to take it thankfully. 4. And meditate oft on wakening considerations. Think whether a sleepy soul beseem one in thy dangerous condition. Canst thou sleep with such a load of sin upon thy soul? Canst thou sleep under the thundering threatenings of God? and the Curse of his Law? with so many wounds in thy Conscience, and Ulcers in thy soul? If thy body were sick, or in the case of Job, yea, if thou hadst but an aching Tooth, it would not let thee sleep: And is not the guilt of sin, a thing more grievous? If Thorns, or Toads and Adders were in thy Bed, they would keep the waking? And how much more odious and dangerous a thing is sin? If thy body want but meat, or drink, or covering, it will break2 thy sleep: And is it nothing for thy soul to be destitute of Christ and Grace? A condemned man will be easily kept awake: And if thou be unregenerate, thou art already condemned, John 3. 18. 3. 5. Thou sleepest in Irons: in the captivity of the Devil: among the walking judgements of God: in a life that is still expecting an end: in a Boat that is swiftly carried to eternity: just at the entrance of another world; and that world will be Hell, if Grace awake thee not: Thou art going to see the face of God: to see the world of Angels or Devils, and to be a companion with one of them for ever: And is this a place or case to sleep in? Is thy Bed so soft? thy dwelling so safe? God standeth over thee man; and dost thou sleep! Christ is coming, and death is coming, and judgement coming, and dost thou sleep? Didst thou never read of the foolish Virgins, that slept out their time, and knocked and cried in vain when it was too late? Matth. 25. 5. Thou mightest wiselier sleep on the Pinnacle of a Steeple in a Storm, than have a soul asleep in so dangerous a case as thou art in. The Devil is awake, and is rocking thy Cradle! How busy is he to keep off Ministers, or Conscience, or any that would awake thee? None of thy enemies are asleep;