A26892:713
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. 2. Propriety discerned doth endear us in affection to our Owner. As we love our Own Children, so they love their Own Fathers. Our very Dogs love their Own Masters better than another. When we can say with Thomas, My Lord and my God, it will certainly be the voice of Love. Gods Common Propriety in us as his Created and Ransomed ones, obligeth us to Love him with all our heart: But the knowledge of his peculiar propriety by Regeneration, will more effectually command our Love.
§. 5. 3. Gods Propriety perceived, will help to satisfy us of his Love and Care of us; and will help1 us to Trust him in every danger; and so take off our inordinate fear and anxieties, and caring for our selves. The Apostle proveth Christs Love to his Church, from his Propriety, Ephes. 5. 29. No man ever yet hated his Own flesh. God is not regardless of his Own: As we take care of our Cattle to preserve them, and provide for them, more than they do for themselves; for they are more Ours than their own▪ so God is more concerned in the welfare of his children, than they are themselves, they being more his than their own. Why are we afraid of the wrath and cruelty of man? Will God be mindless and negligent of his Own? Why are we over-careful and distrustful of his providence? Will he not take care of his Own, and make provision for them? God, even our own God shall bless us, Psal. 67 6. Gods interest in his Church, and Cause, and Servants, is an argument which we may plead with him in prayer, (1 Chron. 17. 21, 22.) and with which we may greatly encourage our confidence, Isa. 48. 9, 11. For my Names sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off—For mine Own sake, even for mine Own sake, will I do it: For how should my Name be polluted? and I will not give my Glory to another.