A26892:7734
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. For if once the soul be truly sanctified, then 1. Their salvation is much▪ secured, and the main work of their lives is happily begun, and they are ready to Die safely when ever God shall call them hence. 2. It will possess them with a right end, in all the studies and labours of their lives; which is an unspeakable advantage, both for their pleasing of God, and profiting themselves and others; without which they will but profane Gods name and word, and turn the Ministry into a worldly fleshly life, and study and Preach for Riches, Preferment, or applause, and live as he Luk. 12. 18, 19. Soul, take thy ease, eat, drink and be merry; and they will make Theology the way to hell, and study and preach their own condemnation. 3. A Holy heart will be always under the Greatest Motives; and therefore will be constantly and powerfully impelled (as well in secret as before others) to diligence in studies and all good endeavours. 4. And it will make all sweet and easy to them, as being a noble work, and relishing of Gods Love, and the endless Glory to which it tendeth. A holy soul will all the year long be employed in sacred studies and works, as a good stomach at a feast, with constant pleasure! And then O how happily, will all go on; When a carnal person with a dull, unwilling, weary mind, taketh now and then a little, when his carnal interest it self doth prevail against his more slothful sensual inclinations; but he never followeth it with hearty affections, and therefore seldom with good success. 4. And a holy soul will be a continual Treasury and fountain of holy matter, to pour out to others, when they come to the Sacred Ministry; so that such a one can say more from the feeling and experience of his soul, than another can in a long time gather from his Books. 5. And that which he saith will come warm to the hearers in a more lively experimental manner, than usual carnal Preachers speak. 6. And it is liker to be attended by a greater blessing from God. 7. And there are many Controversies in the Church, which an experienced holy person, (caeteris paribus) hath great advantage in above all others, to know the right, and be preserved from errors.
§. 5. For if once the soul be truly sanctified, then 1. Their salvation is much▪ secured, and the main work of their lives is happily begun, and they are ready to Die safely when ever God shall call them hence. 2. It will possess them with a right end, in all the studies and labours of their lives; which is an unspeakable advantage, both for their pleasing of God, and profiting themselves and others; without which they will but prophane Gods name and word, and turn the Ministry into a worldly fleshly life, and study and Preach for Riches, Preferment, or applause, and live as he