A26892:8458
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.
§. 42 Direct. 21. Look not so much on mens infirmities, as to overlook or make light of all that is good in them: But look as much at the good as at the evil: And then you will see reason for lenity as well as for severity; and for love and tenderness, rather than for hatred and persecution: And you will discern that those may be serviceable to the Church, in whom blinded malice can see nothing worthy of honour or respect.
§. 43. Direct. 22. Estimate and use all lesser matters as means to spiritual worship and practical holiness: 1If there be any thing of worth in Controversies, and Ceremonies, and such other matters of inferior rank, it is as they are a means to the power of Godliness, which is their end. And if once they be no otherwise esteemed, they will not be made use of against the interest of Godliness, to the silencing of the Preachers, and persecuting the professors of it.
§. 43. Direct. 22. Estimate and use all lesser matters as means to spiritual worship and practical holiness: 1If there be any thing of worth in Controversies, and Ceremonies, and such other matters of inferiour rank, it is as they are a means to the power of Godliness, which is their end. And if once they be no otherwise esteemed, they will not be made use of against the interest of Godliness, to the silencing of the Preachers, and persecuting the professours of it.
- 1Direct. 22.
§. 44. Direct. 23. Remember that the Understanding is not Free (save only participative, as it is