A26892:462
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.
§. 2. But yet take heed lest you think the measure of your first endowments, to be greater than it1 is. Grace imitateth Nature, in beginning (usually) with small Degrees, and growing up to maturity by leisurely proceeding. We are not new born in a state of manhood, as Adam was created: Though those Texts that liken the Kingdom of God to a grain of Mustard-seed, and to a little leaven, Matth. 13. 31, 33. be principally meant of the small beginnings, and great increase of the Church or Kingdom of Christ in the world; yet it is true also of his Grace, or Kingdom in the soul. Our first Stature is but to be [New born babes desiring the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow by it,] 1 Pet. 2. 2. Note here that the new birth bringeth forth but babes, but growth is by degrees, by feeding on the Word. The Word is received by the heart, as seed into the ground, Matth. 13. And seed useth not to bring forth the blade and fruit to ripeness in a day.
§. 2. But yet take heed lest you think the measure of your first endowments, to be greater than it1 is. Grace imitateth Nature, in beginning (usually) with small Degrees, and growing up to maturity by leisurely proceeding. We are not new born in a state of manhood, as Adam was created: Though those Texts that liken the Kingdom of God to a grain of Mustard-seed, and to a little leaven, Matth. 13. 31, 33. be principally meant of the small beginnings, and great encrease of the Church or Kingdom of Christ in the world; yet it is true also of his Grace, or Kingdom in the soul. Our first Stature is but to be [New born babes desiring the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow by it,] 1 Pet. 2. 2. Note here that the new birth bringeth forth but babes, but growth is by degrees, by feeding on the Word. The Word is received by the heart, as seed into the ground,