A26892:6837
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.
And what a man may do and must do, he may on good occasion promise to do.
He that thinketh Diocesans, or Liturgies, or Ceremonies unlawful, and yet cannot have leave to preach the Gospel (in time of need) unless he will forbear, and promise to forbear to preach against them, may and ought so to do• and promise, rather than not to preach the Gospel.
Object. But if men imprison or hinder me from preaching, that is their fault: But if I voluntarily forbear any duty, it is my own fault.
Answ. 1. It is to forbear a sin, and not a duty at that time: It is no more a duty than reading or singing or praying at Sermon time. 2. When you are in Prison, or know in all probability you shall be there, though by other mens fault, it is your own fault if you will deny a lawful means to avoid it: For your not preaching the Gospel is then your own sin, as well as other mens: And theirs excuseth not yours.