A26892:8560
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.
Part 4 › Chapter 13 › Practical Directions against Offence and burt by others.
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.
§. 20. Direct. 3. To this end, know Religion by experience: and this will put you past all doubt of1 its goodness. He that never tasted Sugar, may be persuaded by argument that it is not sweet, or may think it bitter when he seeth another spit it out: And he that knoweth Godliness but by looking on, or hearsay, may thus be drawn to think it bad: But so will not he that hath truly tried it: I mean not only to try what it is to hear, and read, and pray; but what it is to be humble, holy and heavenly, both in heart and life.
§. 20. Direct. 3. To this end, know Religion by experience: and this will put you past all doubt of1 its goodness. He that never tasted Sugar, may be perswaded by argument that it is not sweet, or may think it bitter when he seeth another spit it out: And he that knoweth Godliness but by looking on, or hearsay, may thus be drawn to think it bad: But so will not he that hath truly tryed it: I mean not only to try what it is to hear, and read, and pray; but what it is to be humble, holy and heavenly, both in heart and life.
- 1Direct. 3.
§. 21. Direct. 4. When you see any man sin, be sure you do that duty which it calls you to. Every fall that you see of others doth call you to see the odiousness of sin (as you will do when you see a drunkard spewing, or a Thief at the Whipping-post.) And it calleth you to search for, and lament the root of such sin in your selves; and to set your watch more strictly upon such a warning: And it calls you to compassionate the sinner, and if you have hope and opportunity, to endeavour his recovery. If you will conscionably do this duty which is your own, you will be the less in danger of hurt by scandal. Its Duty that must help to prevent infection.