A26892:7125
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.
Part 3 › Question 113: Quest. 113. What Images, and what use of Images is lawful or unlawful?
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. It is unlawful to make Talismans or shapes, upon false suppositions that the very shape naturally disposeth the matter to receive such influences of the Stars, by which it shall preserve men from plagues, fire, wild-beasts, serpents, diseases, or shall otherwise work wonders; for which Gaffarel vainly pleadeth at large: such as they call naturally Magical and charming shapes.
14. Much more unlawful is it purposely to make shapes to be Symbols or Instruments by which the Devil shall operate, whether it be for good or evil; It being unlawful so far to use him.
15. So is it to make such shapes on conceit that God, or good Angels will operate in or by them; As some use the Cross or other Images to defend them from Devils, to cure the tooth-ache or other diseases, or such like use: when God hath neither appointed any such means to be used, for such ends, nor promised any such blessing or operation by them.
16. It is unlawful to place the Image of a tutelary Saint or Angel in House, Church or Town, on supposition that we shall be the safer while that Image is there placed; or else to profess our trust in that particular guardian. Because no man knoweth what Angel God doth make his Guardian, nor can we distinguish them; Much less that he maketh such or such a Saint our Guardian. And mens own (foolish) choosing such a one to be their Guardian, will not make them so. Nor hath God appointed or promised to bless any such imagery.