A26892:8561
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.
§. 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.
§. 22. Direct. 5. Be watchful among all men, High and Low, Learned or unlearned, Good and Bad. 1Venture not blindly upon the singular opinion of any men whatsoever; nor into any new unproved way. Remember that all men are a temptation to others: And therefore be armed and watch against such ⟨p. 91⟩temptation. Know well what it is that is the peculiar temptation, which the quality of those that you have to do with, layeth before you: Spend no day or hour in any company good or bad, without a wise and careful vigilancy.
- 1Direct. 5.
§. 23. Direct. 6. Be as little as you can i• scandalous and tempting company. Presume not to touch1 pitch, and promise your selves to scape defilement. Especially fly from two sorts of scandals: 1. The discourses and societies of Heretical or Schismatical men; who speak perverse things to draw away disciples after them,