A26892:8177
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.
14. If Gods own Laws must be thus expounded, that [When two duties come together, and both cannot be done, the lesser ceaseth at that time to be a duty, and the greater is to be preferred], mans Laws must also be necessarily so expounded: And the rather because mans Laws may be contradictory when Gods never are so, rightly understood.
15. Where the subject is to obey, so far he must discern which of the Laws inconsistent, is to be preferred: But in the Magistratical execution, the Magistrate or Judge must determine.
E. g. One Law commandeth that all the needy poor be kept on the Parish where they were born or last lived. Another Law saith, that Non-conformable Ministers of the Gospel who take not the Oxford Oath shall not come within five miles of City or Corporation (though they were born there) or any place where they have been Preachers. In case of necessity, what shall they do? Answ. Whither they shall go for relief, they must discern as well as they can: But whither they shall be carried or sent, the Magistrate or Constable must discern, and judge.
Also Whether he shall go with a Constable that by one Law bringeth him to a place which by the other Law he is forbid on pain of six months imprisonment in the Common Gaol to come to? Answ. If he be not voluntary in it, it is not his fault: And if one bring him thither by force, and and another imprison him for being there, he must patiently suffer it.