A26892:8018
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.
Part 4 › Chapter 3: Directions for Subjects concerning their duty to their Rulers.
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.
Obj. But shall cruel and unrighteous or persecuting men do mischief and not hear of it, nor be humbled for it?
Answ. 1. Preachers of the Gospel, and others that have opportunity, may privately tell them of it, to bring them to repentance (if they will endure it,) without dishonouring them by making it public. 2. Historians will tell posterity of it, to their perpetual infamy, (if repentance1 and well-doing recover not their honour.) Flatterers abuse the living, but Truth will dishonour their wickedness when they are dead: For it is Gods own decree, that the memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot, Prov. 10. 7. 3. And God himself will fully be avenged upon the impenitent for ever, having told you that it were better for him that offendeth one of his little ones, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the Sea. And is not all this enough, without the revenge of your passionate tongues? *To speak evil of dignities, and despise dominion, and bring railing accusations, are the sins of the old licentious Heretics. Christ left us his example not to revile the meanest when we are reviled, 1 Pet. 2. 23. If you believe that God will justify the innocent, and avenge them speedily, Luk. 18. 7, 8. what need you be so forward to justify and avenge your selves?
Answ. 1. Preachers of the Gospel, and others that have opportunity, may privately tell them of it, to bring them to repentance (if they will endure it,) without dishonouring them by making it publick. 2. Historians will tell posterity of it, to their perpetual infamy, (if repentance1