A26892:561
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.
§. 12. But alas, it is you your selves that are the causes of this, and bring the matter of your grievance with you: God hath commanded you a sweeter work. It is a life of Love, and joy, and cheerful progress to eternal joy that he requireth of you; and no more fear or grief than is necessary to separate you from sin, and teach you to value and use the remedy. The Gospel presenteth to you such abundant matter of joy and peace, as would make these the very complexion and temperature of your souls, if you received them as they are propounded. Religious fears when they are inordinate and hurtful, are sinful and indeed against Religion▪ and must be resisted as other hurtful passions. Be better acquainted with Christ and his promises, and you will find enough in him to pacifi• the soul, and give you confidence and holy boldness in your access to God, Heb. 4. 16. Ephes. 3. 12. Heb. 10. 19. The Spirit which he giveth, is not the Spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of Adoption, of Love and Confidence, Rom. 8. 15. Heb. 2. 15.
§. 13. 6. Another thing that maketh Religion seem grievous, is retaining unmortified sensual desires.1 If you keep up your lusts, they will strive against the Gospel, and all the works of the Spirit which strive against them, Gal. 5. 17. And every duty will be so far unpleasant to you as you are carnal, because it is against your carnal inclination and desire. Away therefore with your beloved sickness, and then both your food and your Physician will be less grievous to you. Mortify the flesh, and