A26892:5642
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.
and their endeavour is to fit all matters of Worship and discipline to their ambitious covetous ends; and the spiritual Worshipper shall be the object of their hate: And is1 it any wonder, if the Churches of Christ be torn by Schism, and betrayed to profaneness, where there are such unhappy guides?
and their endeavour is to fit all matters of Worship and discipline to their ambitious covetous ends; and the spiritual Worshipper shall be the object of their hate: And is1 it any wonder, if the Churches of Christ be torn by Schism, and betrayed to prophaneness, where there are such unhappy guides?
- 1Acosta l. 6. c. 23. p. 579. [Nothing so much hurteth this Church as a rabble of hirelings and self-seekers: For what can natural men, that scarce have the Spirit, do in the cause of God? A few in number that are excellent in virtue, will more promote the work of God.—But they that come hither being humble, and lovers of souls, taking Christ for their pattern and bearing in their bodies his Cross and death, shall most certainly find heavenly treasures, and inestimable delights. But when will this be? When men cease to be men; and to savour the things of men; and to seek and gape after the things of men: With men this is utterly impossible; but with God all things are possible: Because this is hard in the eyes of this people, shall it therefore be hard in my eyes, saith the Lord? Zech. 10. pag. 580. I may say to some Ministers that cry out of the schismatical disobedience of the people, as Acosta doth to to those that cried out of the Indians dullness and wickedness: It is long of the Teachers. Deal with them in all possible love and tenderness, away with Covetousness, Lordliness and Cruelty; give them the example of an upright life, open to them the way of truth; and teach them according to their capacity, and diligently hold on in this way, who ever thou art that art a Minister of the Gospel, and (saith he) as ever I hope to enjoy thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, I am persuaded the harvest will be plentiful and joyful. l. 4. p. 433. & passim. But (saith he) we quickly cease our labours, and must presently have hasty and plenteous fruit. But the Kingdom of God is not such: Verily it is not such, but as Christ hath told us, like seed cast into the earth, which groweth up by degrees we know not how. p. 433, 434. Hieroms case is many anothers: Concivit odia perditorum: Oderunt eum haeretici, quia eos impugnare non desinit: Oderunt Clerici, quia vitam eorum insectatur & crimina. Sed plane eum boni omnes admirantur & diligunt: Posthumianus in Sulp. Severi Dialog. 1. And Dial. 2. Martinus in Medio caetu & conversation populorum, inter Clericos dissidents, inter Episcopos saevientes, cum fere quotidianis scandalis huic atque inde premeretur, inexpugnabili tamen adversus omnia virtute fundatus stetit.—Nec tamen huic crimini miscebo populares, solely illum Clerici, solely nesciunt Sacerdotes, nec immerito: Nosce illum invidi noluerunt: quia si virtutes illius nossent, suorum vitia cognovissent.