A26892:8261
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.
1. The first cause is the want of true Belief of the Word of God, and the judgement and punishment to come, and the want of the Knowledge of God himself: Atheism and Infidelity. 2. Hence cometh the want of the true Fear of God, and subjection to his holy Laws. 3. The predominance of selfishness in all the unsanctified, is the radical inclination to murder, and all the injustice that is committed. 4. And the want of Charity, or Loving our Neighbour as our selves, doth bring men near to the execution, and leaveth little inward restraint.
1. The first cause is the want of true Belief of the Word of God, and the judgement and punishment to come, and the want of the Knowledge of God himself: Atheism and Infidelity. 2. Hence cometh the want of the true Fear of God, and subjection to his holy Laws. 3. The predominance of selfishness in all the unsanctified, is the radical inclination to murder, and all the injustice that is committed. 4. And the want of Charity, or Loving our Neighbour as our selves, doth bring men neer to the execution, and leaveth little inward restraint.
§. 15. By all this you may see how this sin must be prevented! (and let not any man think it a needless work! Thousands have been guilty of murder that once thought themselves as far from it as you.) 1. The soul must be possessed with the Knowledge of God, and the true Belief of his Word and judgement. 2. Hereby it must be possessed of the Fear of God, and subjection to him. 3. And the Love of God must mortify the power of selfishness; 4. And also much possess us with a true Love to our neighbours, yea and enemies, for his sake. 5. And the twelve fore-mentioned causes of murder will thus be destroyed at the Root.
§. 15. By all this you may see how this sin must be prevented! (and let not any man think it a needless work! Thousands have been guilty of murder that once thought themselves as far from it as you.) 1. The soul must be possessed with the Knowledge of God, and the true Belief of his Word and judgement. 2. Hereby it must be possessed of the Fear of God, and subjection to him. 3. And the Love of God must mortifie the power of selfishness; 4. And also much possess us with a true Love to our neighbours, yea and enemies, for his sake. 5. And the twelve fore-mentioned causes of murder will thus be destroyed at the Root.