A26892:737
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.
Direct. 1. Keep still the face of your souls upon God, and in the sense of his Greatness, and of 1his continual presence, and of his particular providence. And this will keep you in an obediential frame. You will easily then perceive that so great a God cannot be disobeyed, without great iniquity and guilt: And that a God that is continually with you, must be continually regarded: And that a God that exactly observeth and mindeth the thoughts and words of every man, should by every man be exactly minded and observed. This will help you to understand the meaning of the Tempter, when you perceive that every Temptation is an urging of you, to offend (for nothing) so great a God, that is just then observing what you do.
- 1Direct. 1.
§. 15. Direct. 2. Always remember whither you are going; that you are preparing for Everlasting 1Rest and Joy, and must pass through the righteous judgement of the Lord; and that Christ is your Guide and Governor, but to bring you safely home, as the Captain of your salvation; and that sin is a rejecting of his help, and of your happiness. Think not that God doth Rule you as a Tyrant, to your hurt or ruin, to make his own advantage of you; or by needless Laws, that have no respect to your good and safety: But think of him, as one that is conducting you to eternal life; and would now guide you by his counsel, and afterwards take you to his glory. Think that he is leading you to the world of Light, and Life, and Love, and Joy, where there are Rivers of pleasure, and fullness of delight for evermore, that you may see his face, and feel his Love among a world of blessed Spirits, and not be weeping and gnashing the teeth with impious impenitent souls. And is not such a Government as this desirable? It is but like the Government of a Physician, to save his Patients life: Or like your Government of your children, which is necessary to their good, that cannot feed or rule themselves: Or like a Pilots governing the Ship, which is conveying you to possess a Kingdom: If the Mariners obey him, they may safely arrive at the desired Port; but if they disobey him, they are all cast away and perish. And should such a Government as this is, seem grievous to you? or should it not be most acceptable, and accurately obeyed?