A26892:543
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. 13. Know that true Godliness is the Best Life upon Earth, and the only may to perfect1 Happiness: Still apprehend it therefore, and Use it as the best: and with great diligence ••sist those Temptations which would make it seem to you a confounding grievous or unpleasant thing.
Direct. 13. KNow that true Godliness is the Best Life upon Earth, and the only may to perfect1 Happiness: Still apprehend it therefore, and Use it as the best: and with great diligence ••sist those Temptations which would make it seem to you a confounding grievous or unpleasant thing.
- 1Direct. 13.
§. 1. There are all things concurrent in a Holy life, to make it the most delectable life on1 earth, to a rational purified mind, that is not captivated to the flesh, and liveth not on Air or Dung. The Object of it is the Eternal God himself, the Infallible Truth, the only satisfactory Good; and all these condescending and appearing to us, in the mysterious, but suitable glass of a Mediator, Redeeming, Reconciling, teaching, governing, sanctifying, justifying and glorifying all that are his own. The End of it is the pleasing and glorifying of our Maker, Redeemer and Sanctifier; and the everlasting happiness of our selves and others: The Rule of it is the infallible Revelation of God, delivered to the Church by his Prophets, and his Son, and his Apostles, and comprised in the Holy Scriptures, and sealed by the Miracles and operations of the Holy Ghost that did indite them. The work of Godliness is a living unto God, and preparing for everlasting life, by foreseeing, foretasting, seeking and rejoicing in that endless Happiness which we shall have with God; and by walking after the Spirit, and avoiding the filthiness, delusions and vexations of the world and the flesh. The nature of man is not capable of a more noble, profitable and delectable life, than this which God hath called us to by his Son. And if we did but rightly know it, we should follow it with continual alacrity and delight. Be sure therefore to conceive of Godliness as it is, and not as it is mis-represented by the Devil and the ungodly. Read what I have written of this in my [A Saint or a Brute.]