A26892:8286
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.
§. 3. Direct. 2. To this end observe more the Good which is in your neighbour, than the evil. Malice1 overlooketh all that is good and amiable, and can see nothing but that which is bad and detestable: It hearkeneth more to them that dispraise and open the faults of others, than to those that praise them and declare their virtues: Not that Good and Evil must be confounded: But the Good as well as the Evil must be acknowledged. We have more use our selves for the observation of their virtues than of their faults: and it is more our duty: And were it never so little good that is in them, the right observing of it, at least would much diminish your dislike.
- 1Direct. 2.
§. 4. Direct. 3. Learn but to Love your neighbour as your self, and this will make it easy to you both 1to forbear him and forgive him. With your self you are not apt to be so angry. Against your self you bear no malice, nor desire no revenge that shall do you hurt. As you are angry with your self penitently for the faults you have committed, but not so as to desire your own destruction, or final hurt; but with such a displeasure as tendeth to your recovery; so also must you do by others.
§. 4. Direct. 3. Learn but to Love your neighbour as your self, and this will make it easie to you both 1to forbear him and forgive him. With your self you are not apt to be so angry. Against your self you bear no malice, nor desire no revenge that shall do you hurt. As you are angry with your self penitently for the faults you have committed, but not so as to desire your own destruction, or final hurt; but with such a displeasure as tendeth to your recovery; so also must you do by others.