A26892:5603
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.
§. 50. 2. The Unity of the Church and the Concord of Believers, is necessary to its strength and safety; for Christ also strengtheneth as well as quickeneth them by suitable means. Woe to him that is alone: But in the Army of the Lord of Hosts we may safely march on, when stragglers are catched up or killed by the weakest enemy. A threefold cord is not easily broken. Enemies both spiritual and corporal are deterred from assaulting the Church or any of its members, while they see us walk in our Military Unity and Order. In this posture every man is a blessing and defence unto his neighbour. As every Soldier hath the Benefit of all the conduct, wisdom and valour of the whole Army, while he keepeth in his place; so every weak Christian hath the use and benefit of all the Learning, the Wisdom and Gifts of the Church, while he keepeth his station, and walketh orderly in the Church. The hand, the eye, the ear, the foot, and every member of the Body, is as ready to help or serve the whole, and every other particular member as it self: But if it be cut off, it is neither helpful, nor to be helped. O what a mercy is it for every Christian, that is unable to help himself, to have the help of all the Church of God? their directions, their exhortations, their Love, their prayers, their liberality and compassion, according to their several abilities and opportunities? As infants and sick persons have the help of all the rest of the family that are in health.
§. 50. 2. The Unity of the Church and the Concord of Believers, is necessary to its strength and safety; for Christ also strengtheneth as well as quickneth them by suitable means. Wo to him that is alone: But in the Army of the Lord of Hosts we may safely march on, when straglers are catcht up or killed by the weakest enemy. A threefold cord is not easily broken. Enemies both spiritual and corporal are deterred from assaulting the Church or any of its members, while they see us walk in our Military Unity and Order. In this posture every man is a blessing and defence unto his neighbour. As every Souldier hath the Benefit of all the conduct, wisdom and valour of the whole Army, while he keepeth in his place; so every weak Christian hath the use and benefit of all the Learning, the Wisdom and Gifts of the Church, while he keepeth his station, and walketh orderly in the Church. The hand, the eye, the ear, the foot, and every member of the Body, is as ready to help or serve the whole, and every other particular member as it self: But if it be cut off, it is neither helpful, nor to be helped. O what a mercy is it for every Christian, that is unable to help himself, to have the help of all the Church of God? their directions, their exhortations, their Love, their prayers, their liberality and compassion, according to their several abilities and opportunities? As infants and sick persons have the help of all the rest of the family that are in health.