A Christian Directory

Name: A Christian Directory
Author: Richard Baxter

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.

Richard Baxter 1615–1691London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673

[35], 929, [5], 214 p., [1] leaf of plates : port. · 1.2M words · Wing B1219 · ESTC R21847

Title page typeset from the transcription.

Part 1 › Chapter 2 › Direction 18: Direct. 18. Watch diligently hath against the more discernible decays of grace, and ag…Part 1 › Chapter 2 › Direction 18: Direct. 18. WAtch diligently hath against the more discernable decayes of grace, and ag…

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.

[ Earlier:589–604 of 9,947

:589p. 63

Direct. 18. Watch diligently hath against the more discernible decays of grace, and against¹ the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

Direct. 18. WAtch diligently hath against the more discernable decayes of grace, and against¹ the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

1Direct. 18.

:590p. 63

§. 1. We are no sooner warmed with the celestial flames, but natural corruption, is inclining us to grow cold: Like hot water, which loseth its heat by degrees, unless the fire be continually kept under it. Who feeleth not that as soon as in a Sermon or Prayer, or holy Meditation, his heart hath got a little heat, as soon as it is gone, it is prone to its former earthly temper, and by a little remissness in our duty, or thoughts, or business about the world, we presently grow cold and dull again. Be watchful therefore lest it decline too far: Be frequent in the means that must preserve you from declining: when faintness telleth you, that your stomachs are emptied of the former meat, supply it with another, lest strength abate. You are rowing against the stream of fleshly interest and inclinations; and therefore intermit not too long, lest you go faster down by your ease, then you get up by labour.

§. 1. We are no sooner warmed with the coelestial flames, but natural corruption, is enclining us to grow cold: Like hot water, which loseth its heat by degrees, unless the fire be continually kept under it. Who feeleth not that as soon as in a Sermon or Prayer, or holy Meditation, his heart hath got a little heat, as soon as it is gone, it is prone to its former earthly temper, and by a little remisness in our duty, or thoughts, or business about the world, we presently grow cold and dull again. Be watchful therefore lest it decline too far: Be frequent in the means that must preserve you from declining: when faintness telleth you, that your stomachs are emptied of the former meat, supply it with another, lest strength abate. You are rowing against the stream of fleshly interest and inclinations; and therefore intermit not too long, lest you go faster down by your ease, then you get up by labour.

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A Christian Directory

Direct. 18. Watch diligently hath against the more discernible decays of grace, and against¹ the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

Direct. 18. WAtch diligently hath against the more discernable decayes of grace, and against¹ the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

Direct. 19. Promise not your selves long life, or prosperity and great matters in the world, lest it entangle¹ your hearts with transitory things, and engage you in ambitious or covetous designs, and steal away your hearts from God, and destroy all your serious apprehensions of Eternity.

Direct. 19. PRomise not your selves long life, or prosperity and great matters in the world, lest it entangle¹ your hearts with transitory things, and engage you in ambitious or covetous designs, and steal away your hearts from God, and destroy all your serious apprehensions of Eternity.

Transcription key

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

Direct. 18. Watch diligently hath against the more discernible decays of grace, and against1 the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

Direct. 18. WAtch diligently hath against the more discernable decayes of grace, and against1 the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

Direct. 19. Promise not your selves long life, or prosperity and great matters in the world, lest it entangle1 your hearts with transitory things, and engage you in ambitious or covetous designs, and steal away your hearts from God, and destroy all your serious apprehensions of Eternity.

Direct. 19. PRomise not your selves long life, or prosperity and great matters in the world, lest it entangle1 your hearts with transitory things, and engage you in ambitious or covetous designs, and steal away your hearts from God, and destroy all your serious apprehensions of Eternity.

Transcription key

Direct. 18. Watch diligently hath against the more discernible decays of grace, and against¹ the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

Direct. 18. WAtch diligently hath against the more discernable decayes of grace, and against¹ the degenerating of it into some carnal affections: or something counterfeit, and of another kind: And so also of Religious duties.

Direct. 19. Promise not your selves long life, or prosperity and great matters in the world, lest it entangle¹ your hearts with transitory things, and engage you in ambitious or covetous designs, and steal away your hearts from God, and destroy all your serious apprehensions of Eternity.

Direct. 19. PRomise not your selves long life, or prosperity and great matters in the world, lest it entangle¹ your hearts with transitory things, and engage you in ambitious or covetous designs, and steal away your hearts from God, and destroy all your serious apprehensions of Eternity.