A26892:729
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.
§. 7. Direct. 4. Remember how great a matter God maketh of his Kingly prerogatives, and of mans 1obedience. The whole tenor of the Scripture will tell you this: his precepts, his promises, his threatenings, his vehement exhortations, his sharp reproofs, the sending of his Son and Spirit; the example of Christ and all the Saints, the Reward prepared for the obedient, and the punishment for the disobedient; all tell you aloud, that God is far from being indifferent, whether you obey his Laws or not. It will teach you to regard that, which you find is so regarded of God.
§. 7. Direct. 4. Remember how great a matter God maketh of his Kingly prerogatives, and of mans 1obedience. The whole tenour of the Scripture will tell you this: his precepts, his promises, his threatnings, his vehement exhortations, his sharp reproofs, the sending of his Son and Spirit; the example of Christ and all the Saints, the Reward prepared for the obedient, and the punishment for the disobedient; all tell you aloud, that God is far from being indifferent, whether you obey his Laws or not. It will teach you to regard that, which you find is so regarded of God.
- 1Direct. 4.
§. 8. Direct. 5. Consider well of the excellency of full obedience, and the present benefits which it bringeth 1t• your selves and others. Our full subjection and obedience to God, is to the world and the soul, as Health is to the body: When all the humours keep their due temperament, proportions and place, and every part of the body is placed and used according to the intent of nature, then all is at e•se within us. Our food is pleasant; our sleep is sweet; our labour is easy, and our vivacity maketh Life a pleasure to us: we are useful in our places, and helpful to others that are sick and weak. So is it with the soul that is fully obedient: God giveth him a Reward, before the full reward: He findeth that obedience is a Reward to it self; and that it is very pleasant to do good: God owneth him, and Conscience speaketh peace and comfort to him: His mercies are sweet to him; his burdens and his work are easy: He hath easier access to God than others: Yea, the world shall find, that there is no way to its right order, unity, peace, and happiness, but by a full subjection and obedience to God.