A26892:8528
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.
§. 39. Direct. 17. When you think it your duty to speak of the faults of men that profess a Godly life, 1lay the blame only on the person, but speak as much and more in commendations of Godliness it self; and commend that which is good in them, while you discommend that which is evil. Is their Praying bad? ⟨p. 87⟩Is their instructing their families, and sanctifying the Lords day bad? Is their fearing sin, and obeying God bad? If not, why do you not say as much to commend them for these, or at least to commend these in themselves, as you do to discommend them for their faults? Why do you not fear lest the hearers should be drawn to dislike a Godly life by your disgracing persons accounted Godly? and therefore warn them to think never the worse of Godliness for this? You that give the poison should in reason give an Antidote, if it be not your design to poison souls. Is it really your design by speaking against men accounted Godly, to draw the hearers to the hatred of Godliness, or is it not? If it be, you are incarnate Devils. If it be not, why do you endeavour it, by making odious the persons, under the name of Professors and Godly men? And why do you not speak more to draw people to a Godly life? And to imitate them in that which is good, while they disclaim them in that which is evil?2
§. 39. Direct. 17. When you think it your duty to speak of the faults of men that profess a Godly life, 1lay the blame only on the person, but speak as much and more in commendations of Godliness it self; and commend that which is good in them, while you discommend that which is evil. Is their Praying bad? ⟨p. 87⟩Is their instructing their families, and sanctifying the Lords day bad? Is their fearing sin, and obeying God bad? If not, why do you not say as much to commend them for these, or at least to commend these in themselves, as you do to discommend them for their faults? Why do you not fear lest the hearers should be drawn to dislike a Godly life by your disgracing persons accounted Godly? and therefore warn them to think never the worse of Godliness for this? You that give the poyson should in reason give an Antidote, if it be not your design to poyson souls. Is it really your design by speaking against men accounted Godly, to draw the hearers to the hatred of Godliness, or is it not? If it be, you are incarnate Devils. If it be not, why do you endeavour it, by making odious the persons, under the name of Professurs and Godly men? And why do you not speak more to draw people to a Godly life? And to imitate them in that which is good, while they disclaim them in that which is evil?