A26892:6016
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.
2. That this was not peculiar to the Apostles or their age is proved, 1. Because not an extraordinary work, like Miracles, &c. but the first great business of the Gospel and Ministry in the world. 2. Because others as well as the Apostles did it in that age, and ever since. 3. Because the promise is annexed to the Office thus described [I am with you alway to the end of the world]: Or if you1 translate it [Age] it is the Age of the Church of the Messiah incarnate, which is all one. 4. Because it was a small part of the world comparatively that heard the Gospel in the Apostles days: And the far greatest part of the world is without it at this day, when yet God our Saviour would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5. Even where the Gospel hath long continued, for the most part there are many still that are in infidelity. And so great a work is not left without an appointed suitable means for its performance: And if an Office was necessary for it in the first age, it is not credible that it is left to private mens charity ever since. 6. Especially considering that private men are to be supposed insufficient, 1. Because they are not educated purposely for it, but usually for something else: 2. Because that they have other Callings to take them up. 3. Because they have no special obligation. And that which is no mans peculiar work, is usually left undone by all.
2. That this was not peculiar to the Apostles or their age is proved, 1. Because not an extraordinary work, like Miracles, &c. but the first great business of the Gospel and Ministry in the world. 2. Because others as well as the Apostles did it in that age, and ever since. 3. Because the promise is annexed to the Office thus described [I am with you alway to the end of the world]: Or if you1 translate it [Age] it is the Age of the Church of the Messiah incarnate, which is all one. 4. Because it was a small part of the world comparatively that heard the Gospel in the Apostles dayes: And the far greatest part of the world is without it at this day, when yet God our Saviour would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5. Even where the Gospel hath long continued, for the most part there are many still that are in infidelity. And so great a work is not left without an appointed suitable means for its performance: And if an Office was necessary for it in the first age, it is not credible that it is left to private mens charity ever since. 6. Especially considedering that private men are to be supposed insufficient, 1. Because they are not educated purposely for it, but usually for something else: 2. Because that they have other Callings to take them up. 3. Because they have no special obligation. And that which is no mans peculiar work, is usually left undone by all.