A26892:559
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.
§. 10. To escape these snares, it is necessary that you take h•ed of corrupting your Religion by burdens and mixtures of your own devising: You are called to Obey Gods Laws, and not to make Laws for your selves. You may be sure that his Laws are just and good, but yours may be bad and foolish. When you obey him, you may expect your reward and encouragement from him: but when you will obey your selves, you must reward your selves. You may find it enough for you to keep his Laws, without devising more work for your selves; or feigning duties which he commanded not, or sins which he forbade not. Be not rash in making Vows: Let them reach but unto necessary duties: And let them have their due exceptions when they are about alterable things: Or if you are entangled by them already, consult with the most judicious, able, impartial men, that you may come clearly •ff without a wound. There is a great deal of judgement, and sincerity necessary in your Counsellors, and a great deal of submission and self-denial in your selves, to bring you safely out of such a snare. Avoid sin what ever you do: for sinning is not the way to your deliverance. And for the time to come, be wiser, and lay no more snares for your selves; and clog not your selves with your own inventions; but cheerfully obey what God commandeth you, who hath Wisdom and Authority sufficient to make you perfect Laws. Christs yoke is easy, and his burden light, Matth. 11. 30. and his Commandments are not grievous▪ 1 John 5. 3. But if your mixtures and self-devised snares are grievous to you, blame not God, but your selves that made them.
§. 10. To escape these snares, it is necessary that you take h•ed of corrupting your Religion by burdens and mixtures of your own devising: You are called to Obey Gods Laws, and not to make Laws for your selves. You may be sure that his Laws are just and good, but yours may be bad and foolish. When you obey him, you may expect your reward and encouragement from him: but when you will obey your selves, you must reward your selves. You may find it enough for you to keep his Laws, without devising more work for your selves; or feigning duties which he commanded not, or sins which he forbad not. Be not rash in making Vows: Let them reach but unto necessary duties: And let them have their due exceptions when they are about alterable things: Or if you are entangled by them already, consult with the most judicious, able, impartial men, that you may come clearly ff without a wound. There is a great deal of judgement, and sincerity necessary in your Counsellors, and a great deal of submission and self-denyal in your selves, to bring you safely out of such a snare. Avoid sin what ever you do: for sinning is not the way to your deliverance. And for the time to come, be wiser, and lay no more snares for your selves; and clog not your selves with your own inventions; but cheerfully obey what God commandeth you, who hath Wisdom and Authority sufficient to make you perfect Laws. Christs yoke is easie, and his burden light,