A26892:675
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.
§. 4. 1. The Doctrine concerning the Holy Ghost, to be believed, is briefly this. 1. That the Holy Ghost as given since the Ascension of Christ, is his Agent on earth, or his Advocate with men (called by him the Paraclete): Instead of his bodily presence which for a little space he vouchsafed to a few, being1 ascended, he sendeth the Holy Spirit as better for them, to be his Agent continually to the end, and2 unto all, and in all that do believe. 2. This Holy Spirit so sent, infallibly inspired the holy Apostles and Evangelists, first to preach, and then to write the Doctrine of Christ, contained (as indited by him) in the Holy Scriptures; perfectly imprinting therein the Holy Image of God. 3. The same Spirit in them, sealed this holy Doctrine, and the Testimony of these holy men, by many Miracles and wonderful Gifts, by which they did actually convince the unbelieving world, and plant the Churches. 4. The same Spirit (having first by the Apostles given a Law or Canon to the Universal Church, constituting its Offices and the duty of the Officers, and the manner of their entrance)3 d•t• Qualify and dispose men for the stated ordinary Ministerial work, (which is to Explain and Ap•••• •he foresaid Scriptures), and directeth those that are to Ordain and Choose them (they being not wanting on their part) and so he appointeth Pastors to the Church. 5. The same Spirit assisteth the Ministers thus sent in their faithful use of the means) to Teach and Apply the holy Scriptures according to the necessities of the people, the weight of the matter, and the Majesty of the Word of God. 6. The same Spirit doth by this Word (heard, or read) renew and sanctify the souls of the ⟨p. 78⟩Elect; illuminating their minds, opening and quickening their hearts, prevailing with, changing, and4 resolving their wills, thus writing Gods Word, and imprinting his Image by his Word upon their hearts; making it powerful to conquer and cast out their strongest, sweetest, dearest sins; and bringing