A26892:746
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.
No wonder if they that have sold the birthright of their intellects to their senses, for a me•s of Pottage, for a Whore, or a high place, or a domineering power over others, or a belly full of pleasant Meats or Liquors, do deride all this, and think it but a melancholy conceit, more suitable to an Eremi•e or Anchorite, than to men of society and business in the world. As Heaven is the portion of serious believers, and mortified Saints alone, so it shall be proper to them alone, to understand the doctrine and example of their Saviour, and practically to know what it is to deny themselves, and forsake all they have, and take up their Cross and follow Christ, and by the Spirit to mortify the deeds of the body, Luke 14. 26, 27, 28, 29, 33. Rom. 8. 5, 6, 7, 13. Col. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4. Such know that millions part with God for Pleasures, but none for Griefs: and that Hell will be stored with those that preferred Wealth, and Honour, and Sports, and gluttony, drink and filthy lusts, before the Holiness and happiness of believers, but none will be damn▪ ed for preferring poverty, and disgrace, and abstinence, hunger, and thirst, and chastity, before them. It must be something that seemeth good, that must entice men from the chiefest Good: Apparent Evil is no fit bait for the Devils hook. Men will not displease God, to be themselves displeased; nor choose present sorrows instead of everlasting joys: but for the pleasures of sin for a season many will despise the endless pleasures.
No wonder if they that have sold the birthright of their intellects to their senses, for a me•s of Pottage, for a Whore, or a high place, or a domineering power over others, or a belly full of pleasant Meats or Liquors, do deride all this, and think it but a melancholy conceit, more suitable to an Eremi•e or Anchorite, than to men of society and business in the world. As Heaven is the portion of serious believers, and mortified Saints alone, so it shall be proper to them alone, to understand the doctrine and example of their Saviour, and practically to know what it is to deny themselves, and forsake all they have, and take up their Cross and follow Christ, and by the Spirit to mortifi the deeds of the body,