A26892:8462
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.
§. 46. Direct. 25. Consider that an obedient disposition towards Gods Laws, and a tender Conscience 1which feareth in the smallest matter to offend him, is a substantial part of Holiness, and of great necessity to salvation: It is part of the excellency of the soul; and therefore to be greatly encouraged by Governors: To drive this out of the World, is to drive out Godliness, and make men rebels against their maker: And nothing is more certain, than that the violent imposing of unnecessary disputable things in the worship of God, doth unavoidably tend either to debauch the Conscience, and drive men from their obedience to God, or to destroy them or undo them in the World: For it is not possible that all Conscionable persons should discern the lawfulness of all such disputable things.
§. 46. Direct. 25. Consider that an obedient disposition towards Gods Laws, and a tender Conscience 1which feareth in the smallest matter to offend him, is a substantial part of Holiness, and of great necessity to salvation: It is part of the excellency of the soul; and therefore to be greatly encouraged by Governours: To drive this out of the World, is to drive out Godliness, and make men rebells against their maker: And nothing is more certain, than that the violent imposing of unnecessary disputable things in the worship of God, doth unavoidably tend either to debauch the Conscience, and drive men from their obedience to God, or to destroy them or undoe them in the World: For it is not possible that all Conscionable persons should discern the lawfulness of all such disputable things.
- 1Direct. 25.
§. 47. Direct. 26. Remember that such violence in doubtful matters, is the way to set up the most 1debauched Atheists, and consequently to undo Church and Common-wealth. For whatever oaths or subscriptions you require, he that believeth not that there is a God or a Devil; a Heaven or a Hell, will yield to all, and make no more of perjury or a lye, than to eat a bit of bread! If you cast out all Ministers that will not swear or subscribe this or that form about things doubtful, you will cast out never an Atheist or debauched Infidel by it: All that have no Conscience will be kept in: and all that are true to God and their Conscience, if they think it is sin which you require of them will be cast out: And whither this tendeth you may easily foresee.