A26892:8523
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.
§. 34. Direct. 12. Engage not your selves in an evil cause: For if you do, it will engage you to1 draw in others: You will expect your friends should take your part, and think as you think, and say as you say; though it be never so much against truth or righteousness.
- 1Direct. 12.
§. 35. Direct. 13. Speak not rashly against any cause or persons before you are acquainted with 1them; or have well considered what you say. Especially take heed how you believe what a man of any Sect in Religion, doth speak or write against his Adversaries of a contrary sect: If experience had not proved it in our days, beyond contradiction, it would seem incredible how little men are to be believed2 in this case, and how the falsest reports will run among the people of a Sect, against those whom the interest of their opinion and party engageth them to mis-represent! Think not that you are excusable for receiving or venting an ill report, because you can say, he was an honest man that spoke it: For many that are otherwise honest, do make it a part of their honesty to be dishonest in this: They think they are not zealous enough for those opinions which they call their Religion, unless3 they are easy in believing and speaking evil of those that are the Adversaries of it. When it may be upon a just trial, all proveth false: And then all the words which you ignorantly utter against the truth, or those that follow it, are scandals or stumbling blocks to the hearers, to turn them from it, and make them hate it. I am not speaking against a just credulity: There must be humane belief, or else there can be no humane converse! But ever suspect partiality in a party. For the interest of their Religion is a more powerful charm to the Consciences of evil speakers, than personal interest or bribes would be: How many Legends tell us this, how easily some men counted Godly, have been prevailed with to Lie for God?