A26892:610
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. When once Man hath too much of your regard and observation, that you set too much by his favour and esteem, or eye him too much in your profession and practice; when mans approbation too much comforteth you, and man• displeasure or dispraise doth too much trouble you; when your fear, and love, and care, and obedience are too much taken up for Man; You so far withdraw your selves from God, and are becoming the servants of men, and friends of the world, and turning back to bondage, and forsaking your Rock and Portion and your excellency: The soul of Religion is departing from you, and it is dying and returning to the dust. And if once Man get the preeminence of God, and be preferred and set above him in your hearts or lives, and feared, trusted, and obeyed before him, you are then dead to God, and alive to the world, and as Men are taken for your Gods, you must take up with such a salvation as they can give you: If your Alms and Prayers are done to be seen of men, and to procure their good thoughts and words; if you get them, make your best of them, For verily, your Judge hath said unto you, You have your reward, Matth. 6. 1, 2, 3.
§. 2. When once Man hath too much of your regard and observation, that you set too much by his favour and esteem, or eye him too much in your profession and practice; when mans approbation too much comforteth you, and man• displeasure or dispraise doth too much trouble you; when your fear, and love, and care, and obedience are too much taken up for Man; You so far withdraw your selves from God, and are becoming the servants of men, and friends of the world, and turning back to bondage, and forsaking your Rock and Portion and your excellency: The soul of Religion is departing from you, and it is dying and returning to the dust. And if once Man get the preheminence of God, and be preferred and set above him in your hearts or lives, and feared, trusted, and obeyed before him, you are then dead to God, and alive to the world, and as Men are taken for your Gods, you must take up with such a salvation as they can give you: If your Alms and Prayers are done to be seen of men, and to procure their good thoughts and words; if you get them, make your best of them, For verily, your Judge hath said unto you, You have your reward, Matth. 6. 1, 2, 3.