A26892:7344
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.
1. We shall not be judged by those Laws of God, which made the Rulers duty, but by that which made our own. It is not all one to say, Thou shalt not command it; and to say, Thou shalt not do it.
2. Whatever God absolutely forbiddeth men to do, we must not do whoever command it.
3. There are many of the things forementioned Absolutely and always unlawful, as being evil of themselves, which no man may either command or do: And there are some of them, which are only evil by accident, which may not be commanded, but may be done when contrary weightier Accidents do preponderate.
3. There are many of the things forementioned Absolutely and alwayes unlawful, as being evil of themselves, which no man may either command or do: And there are some of them, which are only evil by accident, which may not be commanded, but may be done when contrary weightier Accidents do preponderate.
4. Many such things may be done Materially on other reasons (as for the Churches good, the furtherance of the Gospel, the winning of men to God, the avoiding of scandal, or of hurt to others or our selves, &c.) when they are not to be done in formal obedience, out of Conscience to the Authority imposing: (As if it be commanded by one that hath no just power).