A26892:427
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.
Direct. 1. Take heed lest it be the Novelty or reputation of Truth and Godliness, that takes with1 you, more than the solid Evidence of their Excellency and Necessity: lest when the Novelty and reputation are gone, your Religion wither and consume away.
Direct. 1. TAke heed lest it be the Novelty or reputation of Truth and Godliness, that takes with1 you, more than the solid Evidence of their Excellency and Necessity: lest when the Novelty and reputation are gone, your Religion wither and consume away.
- 1Direct. 1.
§. 1. It is said of John and the Jews by Christ, [He was a burning and a shining light, and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.] John 5. 35. All men are affected most with things that seem new and strange to them. It is not only the infirmity of Children, that are pleased with new Clothes, and new Toys and Games; but even to graver wiser persons, new things are most affecting, and commonness and custom dulls delight. Our habitations, and possessions, and honours, are most pleasing to us at the first: And every condition of life doth most affect us, at the first: If nature were not much for Novelty, the publishing of News-books would not have been so gainful a Trade so long, unless the matter had been truer and more desirable. Hence it is that Changes are so welcome to the world, though they prove ordinarily to their cost. No wonder then, if Religion be the more acceptable, when it comes with this advantage. When men first hear the doctrine of Godliness, and the tidings of another world, by a powerful Preacher opened and set home, no wonder if things of so great moment affect them for a time: It is said of them that received the seed of Gods Word as into stony ground, that [forthwith it sprung up] and they [anon with joy received it]