A26892:8415
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.
§. 9. 2. Persecution opposeth the gracious design of our Redeemer, and hindereth his Gospel, and work of mercy to the world, and endeavoureth the ruin of his Kingdom upon earth. Christ came to save men, and persecutors raise up their power against him, as if they envied salvation to the World. And if God have made the work of mans Redemption, the most wonderful of all his works, which ever he revealed to the sons of men, you may easily conceive what thanks he will give them, that resist him in so high and glorious a design. If you could pull the Stars out of the ⟨p. 69⟩Firmament, or hinder the motions of the Heavens, or deny the rain to the thirsty Earth, you might look for as good a reward for this, as for opposing the merciful Redeemer of the World, in the blessed work of mans salvation.
§. 9. 2. Persecution opposeth the gracious design of our Redeemer, and hindereth his Gospel, and work of mercy to the world, and endeavoureth the ruine of his Kingdom upon earth. Christ came to save men, and persecutors raise up their power against him, as if they envyed salvation to the World. And if God have made the work of mans Redemption, the most wonderful of all his works, which ever he revealed to the sons of men, you may easily conceive what thanks he will give them, that resist him in so high and glorious a design. If you could pull the Stars out of the ⟨p. 69⟩Firmament, or hinder the motions of the Heavens, or deny the rain to the thirsty Earth, you might look for as good a reward for this, as for opposing the merciful Redeemer of the World, in the blessed work of mans salvation.
§. 10. 3. Persecution is a resisting or fighting against the Holy Ghost: Act. 7. 51. saith Stephen to the Jews, [Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears; ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye!] If you silence the Ministers who are the means by which the spirit worketh, in the illuminating and sanctifying of souls (