A26892:8133
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.
§. 100. II. Having done with the first part of my last Direction, I shall say but this little of the second; Let Christians see that they be Christians indeed, and abuse not that which is most excellent to be a cloak to that which is most vile. 1. In reading Politics, swallow not all that every Author writeth in conformity to the Polity that he liveth under: What perverse things shall you read in the Popish Politics, (Contzen, and abundance such)! What usurpation on Principalities, and cruelties to Christians, under the pretence of defending the Church; and suppressing Heresies?
§. 100. II. Having done with the first part of my last Direction, I shall say but this little of the second; Let Christians see that they be Christians indeed, and abuse not that which is most excellent to be a cloak to that which is most vile. 1. In reading Politicks, swallow not all that every Author writeth in conformity to the Polity that he liveth under: What perverse things shall you read in the Popish Politicks, (Contzen, and abundance such)! What usurpation on Principalities, and cruelties to Christians, under the pretence of defending the Church; and suppressing Heresies?
2. Take heed in reading History that you suffer not the Spirit of your Author to infect you, with any of that partiality which he expresseth to the cause which he espouseth. Consider in what times and places all your Authors lived, and read them accordingly with the just allowance. The name of Liberty was so precious, and the name of a King so odious to the Romans, Athenians, &c. that it is no wonder if their Historians be unfriendly unto Kings.
2. Take heed in reading History that you suffer not the Spirit of your Author to infect you, with any of that partiality which he expresseth to the cause which he espouseth. Consider in what times and places all your Authors lived, and read them accordingly with the just allowance. The name of Liberty was so pretious, and the name of a King so odious to the Romans, Athenians, &c. that it is no wonder if their Historians be unfriendly unto Kings.