A26892:758
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.
§. 5. Direct. 4. Remember that as it is Christs work to Teach, it is yours to hear, and read, and study, 1and pray, and practise what you hear. Do your part then if you expect the benefit. You come not to the School of Christ to be idle. Knowledge droppeth not into the sleepy dreamers mouth: Dig for it as for Silver, and search for it in the Scriptures as for a hidden treasure: Meditate in them day and night. Leave it to miserable fools, to contemn the wisdom of the most high.
- 1Direct. 4.
§. 6. Direct. 5. Fix your eye upon himself as your pattern, and study with earnest desire to follow 1his holy example, and to be made conformable to him. Not to imitate him in the works which were proper to him as God, or as Mediator; but in his Holiness which he hath proposed to his disciples for their imitation. He knew how effectual a perfect example would be, where a perfect doctrine alone would be less regarded. Example bringeth doctrine nearer to our eye and heart: It maketh it more observable, and telleth us with more powerful application, [such you must be, and thus you must do] The eye maketh an easier and deeper impression on the imagination and mind, than the ear doth: Therefore Christs example should be much preached and studied: It will be a very great help to us, to have still upon our minds the Image of the Holy Life of Christ; that we be affected as if we always saw him doing the holy actions which once he did, Paul calls the Galatians foolish and bewitched, that obeyed not the truth, when Christ had been set forth as crucified among them evidently before their eyes. Gal. 3. 1. Papists think that Images serve well for this turn: But the Records of Scripture, and the living Images of Christ whom they persecute and kill, are far more useful. How much example is more operative than doctrine alone, you may perceive by the enemies of Christ, who can bear his holy doctrine when they cannot bear his holy Servants that practise that doctrine before their eyes. And that which most stirs up their enmity hath the advantage for exciting the believers piety.