A26892:658
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.
§. 13. 10. So also when the soul would fain perceive in it self the flames of Love to God, it is the beholding of Christ by faith, which is the striking of fire, and the effectual means of kindling love: And this is the true approach to God, and the true Communion and converse with him: so far as we Love him, so far do we draw near him, and so far have we true communion with him. O what would the soul of a Believer give, that it could but burn in Love to God, as oft as in prayer or meditation, or conference, his Name and Attributes are mentioned or remembered! For this, there is no such powerful means, as believingly to look on Christ, in whom such glorious Love appeareth, as will draw forth the Love of all that by a lively faith discern it. Behold the Love that God hath manifested by his Son, and thou canst not but Love him who is the spring of this transcendent Love. In the Law God showeth his frowning wrath: and therefore it breedeth the Spirit of bondage unto fear: But in Christ God appeareth to us not only as Loving us, but as Love it self, and therefore as most lovely to us, giving us the Spirit of Adoption, or of filial Love, by which we fly and cry to him as our Father.
§. 13. 10. So also when the soul would fain perceive in it self the flames of Love to God, it is the beholding of Christ by faith, which is the striking of fire, and the effectual means of kindling love: And this is the true approach to God, and the true Communion and converse with him: so far as we Love him, so far do we draw near him, and so far have we true communion with him. O what would the soul of a Believer give, that it could but burn in Love to God, as oft as in prayer or meditation, or conference, his Name and Attributes are mentioned or remembred! For this, there is no such powerful means, as believingly to look on Christ, in whom such glorious Love appeareth, as will draw forth the Love of all that by a lively faith discern it. Behold the Love that God hath manifested by his Son, and thou canst not but Love him who is the spring of this transcendent Love. In the Law God sheweth his frowning wrath: and therefore it breedeth the Spirit of bondage unto fear: But in Christ God appeareth to us not only as Loving us, but as Love it self, and therefore as most lovely to us, giving us the Spirit of Adoption, or of filial Love, by which we fly and cry to him as our Father.