A26892:8338
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.
§. 21. 3. The good or hurt of public persons Magistrates or Pastors is (caeteris paribus) of more regard than the good or hurt of single men: Therefore caeteris paribus I must not right my self to the dishonour or the hurt of Governors (no though I were none of their charge or subjects): because the public good is more concerned in their honour or welfare than in mine. The same may be said of persons by their Gifts and interests more eminently serviceable to God and the common good than I am.
§. 21. 3. The good or hurt of publick persons Magistrates or Pastors is (caeteris paribus) of more regard than the good or hurt of single men: Therefore caeteris paribus I must not right my self to the dishonour or the hurt of Governours (no though I were none of their charge or subjects): because the publick good is more concerned in their honour or wellfare than in mine. The same may be said of persons by their Gifts and interests more eminently serviceable to God and the common good than I am.
§. 22. 4. The good or hurt of a near relation, of a dear friend, of a worthy person, is more to be regarded by me caeteris paribus than the good or hurt of a vile unworthy person, or a stranger: And therefore the Israelites might not take Usury of a poor brother, which yet they might do of an alien of another Land! The Laws of nature and Friendship may more oblige me to one than to another, though they were supposed equal in themselves: Therefore I am not bound to remit a debt or wrong to a Thief or deceiver or a vile person, when a nearer or a worthier person would be equally damnified by his benefit: And thus far, (if without any partial self-love a man can justly estimate himself) he may not only as he is ne•rest himself, but also for his real worth, prefer his own commodity before the commodity of a more unworthy and unserviceable person.
§. 22. 4. The good or hurt of a neer relation, of a dear friend, of a worthy person, is more to be regarded by me caeteris paribus than the good or hurt of a vile unworthy person, or a stranger: And therefore the Israelites might not take Usury of a poor brother, which yet they might do of an aliene of another Land! The Laws of nature and Friendship may more oblige me to one than to another, though they were supposed equal in themselves: Therefore I am not bound to remit a debt or wrong to a Thief or deceiver or a vile person, when a neerer or a worthier person would be equally damnified by his benefit: And thus far, (if without any partial self-love a man can justly estimate himself) he may not only as he is nerest himself, but also for his real worth, prefer his own commodity before the commodity of a more unworthy and unserviceable person.