A26892:7733
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.
§. 4. Not that any exact or full Body or Method of Divinity is to be Learnt so early. But 1. The Baptismal Covenant must be well opened betime, and frequently urged upon their hearts. 2. Therefore the Creed, the Lords Prayer and Decalogue, must be opened to such betime; that is, They must be wisely Catechised. 3. They must be taught the Scripture History, especially Genesis and the Gospel of Christ. 4. They must with the other Scriptures, read the most plain and suitable Books of practical Divines (after named). 5. They must be kept in the company of suitable, wise and exemplary Christians, whose whole conversation will help them to the sense and Love of Holiness; And must be kept strictly from perverting wicked company. 6. They must be frequently, lovingly, familiarly yet seriously, treated with about the state of their own souls, and made to know their need of Christ and of his holy spirit, of Justification and Renovation. 7. They must be trained up in the Practice of Godliness, in Prayer, pious speeches, and obedience to God and man. 8. They must be kept under the most powerful and profitable Ministers of Christ that can be had. 9. They must be much urged to the study of their own hearts; To know themselves; what it is to be a Man, to have Reason, Free-will and an Immortal soul: what it is to be a Child of Lapsed Adam; and an unregenerate unpardoned sinner: what it is to be a Redeemed, and a sanctified, Justified person, and an adopted heir of life eternal. And by close examination to know which of these conditions is their own; To know what is their daily duty; and what their danger and what their Temptations and impediments, and how to escape?
§. 4. Not that any exact or full Body or Method of Divinity is to be Learnt so early. But 1. The Baptismal Covenant must be well opened betime, and frequently urged upon their hearts. 2. Therefore the Creed, the Lords Prayer and Decalogue, must be opened to such betime; that is, They must be wisely Catechised. 3. They must be taught the Scripture History, especially Genesis and the Gospel of Christ. 4. They must with the other Scriptures, read the most plain and suitable Books of practical Divin•s (after named). 5. They must be kept in the company of suitable, wise and exemplary Christians, whose whole conversation will help them to the sense and Love of Holiness; And must be kept strictly from perverting wicked company. 6. They must be frequently, lovingly, familiarly yet seriously, treated with about the state of their own souls, and made to know their need of Christ and of his holy spirit, of Justification and Renovation. 7. They must be trained up in the Practice of Godliness, in Prayer, pious speeches, and obedience to God and man. 8. They must be kept under the most powerful and profitable Ministers of Christ that can be had. 9. They must be much urged to the study of their own hearts; To know themselves; what it is to be a Man, to have Reason, Free-will and an Immortal soul: what it is to be a Child of Lapsed Adam; and an unregenerate unpardoned sinner: what it is to be a Redeemed, and a sanctified, Justified person, and an adopted heir of life eternal. And by close examination to know which of these conditions is their own; To know what is their daily duty; and what their danger and what their Temptations and impediments, and how to escape?