A26892:499
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.
When their doctrine layeth all a mans hopes of salvation upon this Congruity of Means, and Circumstances, should they afterwards teach men to undervalue or neglect the fittest, and wilfully cast their souls upon the most unfit and unlikely means? But Ungodliness first resolveth what to speak against, before it resolveth what to say; and will contradict Gods Word, though it contradict its own: and will oppose holiness, though by a self-opposing.
When their doctrine layeth all a mans hopes of salvation upon this Congruity of Means, and Circumstances, should they afterwards teach men to undervalue or neglect the fittest, and wilfully cast their souls upon the most unfit and unlikely means? But Ungodliness first resolveth what to speak against, before it resolveth what to say; and will contradict Gods Word, though it contradict its own: and will oppose holiness, though by a selfopposing.
§. 3. But the spiritual relish and experience of the Godly, is a very great preservative to them against such deluding reasonings as these. It's harder for a Sophister of greatest subtlety or authority to persuade him that hath tasted them, that Sugar is bitter, or Wormwood sweet, than to persuade him to believe it, that never tasted them: And it's hard to make a healthful man believe that it is best for him to eat but once a Week, or best to live on Grass or Straw. I doubt not but those that now I speak to, have such experience and perception of the benefit of a judicious and lively Ministry, in comparison of the ignorant, cold and lifeless, that no words will make them indifferent herein. Have you not found the Ministry of one sort enlighten, and warm, and quicken, and comfort, and strengthen you, much more than of the other? I am sure I have the common sense and experience of the faithful on my side in this, which were enough of it self against more than can be said against it. Even new-born babes in Christ have in their new natures a desire (not to senseless or malicious pratings, but) to the Rational sincere milk ([Greek or Hebrew]) that they may grow by it, and to perform to God a Rational service, Rom. 12. 1.