A26892:6470
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.
3. As Natural Signs are commonly allowed to be applied to holy things, so signs whose signification is of old and commonly stated and well known by Agreement or Custom, do seem in this not to be different from Natural Signs. Such are all Words, as signs of our minds; No word signifying any thing Naturally, but by Agreement or Custom only. And such is kneeling in prayer; and being uncovered; and many the like: About some of which Paul appealeth to the custom of the1 Churches of God.
3. As Natural Signs are commonly allowed to be applyed to holy things, so signs whose signification is of old and commonly stated and well known by Agreement or Custome, do seem in this not to be different from Natural Signs. Such are all Words, as signs of our minds; No word signifying any thing Naturally, but by Agreement or Custome only. And such is kneeling in prayer; and being uncovered; and many the like: About some of which Paul appealeth to the custome of the1 Churches of God.
4. It is most probable that these two things together brought in Anointing; 1. The common use of Anointing then, in both the foresaid Cases, (Common Refreshment and Sacred Investiture). 2. And the mistake of all those Scripture Texts, which command or mention Anointing Metaphorical;1 As 1 John 2. 27. The Anointing which you have received—teacheth you all things. Ezek. 16. 9. I washed thee, I anointed thee with Oil, &c.