A26892:530
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. 1. When it is certain that you have but a dark uncertain apprehension of any point, to think it is clear and certain, is but to deceive your selves by pride. And to cry out against all uncertainty as scepticism, which yet you cannot lay aside, is but to revile your own infirmity, and the common infirmity of mankind, and foolishly to suppose that every man can be as wise and certain when he list as he should be. Now Reason and experience will tell you, that a young unfurnished understanding is not like to see the evidence of difficult points, as by nearer approach, and better advantage it may do.
§. 2. 1. When it is certain that you have but a dark uncertain apprehension of any point, to think it is clear and certain, is but to deceive your selves by pride. And to cry out against all uncertainty as scepti•isme, which yet you cannot lay aside, is but to revile your own infirmity, and the common infirmity of mankind, and foolishly to suppose that every man can be as wise and certain when he list as he should be. Now Reason and experience will tell you, that a young unfurnished understanding is not like to see the evidence of difficult points, as by nearer approach, and better advantage it may do.
§. 3. 2. If your conclusions be peremptory upon mere self-conceitedness, you may be in an error for ought you know: and so you are but confident in an error. And then how far may you go in seducing others, and censuring dissenters, and come back when you have done, and confess that you were all this while mistaken your selves?
§. 3. 2. If your conclusions be peremptory upon meer self-conceitedness, you may be in an error for ought you know: and so you are but confident in an error. And then how far may you go in seducing others, and censuring dissenters, and come back when you have done, and confess that you were all this while mistaken your selves?