A26892:7754
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.
And when you have gone through the Catechisms, read over three or four of the soundest systems of Divinity. And after that proceed to some larger Theses, and then to the study of the clearest and exactest Methodists; And think not that you well understand Divinity, till 1. You know it as methodized and jointed in a due Scheme, and the several parts of it in their several Schemes, seeing you know not the beauty nor the true sense of things, if you know them not in their proper places, where they stand in their several respects to other points: And 2. Till it be wrought into your very hearts, and digested into a holy nature; For when all is done, it is only a holy and Heavenly life, that will prove you wise, and make you happy and give you solid peace and comfort?
And when you have gone through the Catechisms, read over three or four of the soundest systemes of Divinity. And after that proceed to some larger Theses, and then to the study of the clearest and exactest Methodists; And think not that you well understand Divinity, till 1. You know it as methodized and joynted in a due Scheme, and the several parts of it in their several Schemes, seeing you know not the beauty nor the true sense of things, if you know them not in their proper places, where they stand in their several respects to other points: And 2. Till it be wrought into your very hearts, and digested into a holy nature; For when all is done, it is only a holy and Heavenly life, that will prove you wise, and make you happy and give you solid peace and comfort?
§. 21. Direct. 16. When you have gone so far, set your selves to read the Ancients: 1. And take them in order as they lived, 2. Observe most the Historical part, what doctrines, and practises de fact• did then obtain. 3. Some must be read wholly, and some but in part: 4. Councils and Church History here have a chief place.