A26892:8033
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.
§. 39. Direct. 16. Consider the great temptations of the Rich and great; and pity them that stand 1in so dangerous a station, instead of murmuring at them or envying their greatness. You little know what you should be your selves, if you were in their places, and the world and the flesh had so great a stroke at you, as they have at them. He that can swim in a calmer water, may be carried down ⟨p. 18⟩a violent stream. It is harder for that bird to fly that hath many pound weights tied to keep her down, than that which hath but a straw to carry to her nest. It is harder mounting Heavenwards with Lordships and Kingdoms, than with your less impediments. Why do you not pity them that stand on the top of barren mountains, in the stroke of every storm and wind, when you dwell in the quiet fruitful vales? Do you envy them that must go to Heaven as a Camel through a needles eye, if ever they come there? And are you discontented that you are not in their con•• tion? will you rebel and fight to make your salvation as difficult as theirs? Are you so unthankful to God for your safer station, that you murmur at it, and long to be in the more dangerous place?
§. 39. Direct. 16. Consider the great temptations of the Rich and great; and pity them that stand 1in so dangerous a station, instead of murmuring at them or envying their greatness. You little know what you should be your selves, if you were in their places, and the world and the flesh had so great a stroke at you, as they have at them. He that can swim in a calmer water, may be carryed down ⟨p. 18⟩a violent stream. It is harder for that bird to fly that hath many pound weights tyed to keep her down, than that which hath but a straw to carry to her nest. It is harder mounting Heavenwards with Lordships and Kingdoms, than with your less impediments. Why do you not pity them that stand on the top of barren mountains, in the stroke of every storm and wind, when you dwell in the quiet fruitful vales? Do you envy them that must go to Heaven as a Camel through a needles eye, if ever they come there? And are you discontented that you are not in their con tion? will you rebel and fight to make your salvation as difficult as theirs? Are you so unthankful to God for your safer station, that you murmur at it, and long to be in the more dangerous place?