A26892:8579
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 14: Directions against soul-murder, and partaking of other mens sins.
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.
§. 9. 9. But above all, when they make Laws for sin, or for the contempt, or dishonour or suppression of Religion, or the serious practice of it, this buildeth up Satan's Kingdom most effectually, and turneth Gods Ordinance against himself: Thousands under Infidel and ungodly Princes, are conducted by Obedience to damnation; and their Rulers damn them as honourably as the Physician killed his Patients, who boasted that he did it secundum artem, according to the rules of art.
§. 9. 9. But above all, when they make Laws for sin, or for the contempt, or dishonour or suppression of Religion, or the serious practice of it, this buildeth up Satans Kingdom most effectually, and turneth Gods Ordinance against himself: Thousands under Infidel and ungodly Princes, are conducted by Obedience to damnation; and their Rulers damn them as honourably as the Physicion kill'd his Patients, who boasted that he did it secundum artem, according to the rules of art.
§. 10. 10. The vulgar example of the multitude of the ungodly, is a great cause of mens impiety and damnation. They must be well resolved for God and holiness, who will not yield to the major Vote, nor be carried down the common stream, nor run with the rabble to excess of riot. When Christianity is a Sect which is every where spoken against, it proveth so narrow a way that1 few have a mind to walk in it. Men think that they are at least excusable, for not being wiser and better than the multitude. Singularity in honour or riches or strength or health, is accounted no crime; but singularity in godliness is, at least thought unnecessary. [What! will you be wiser, than all the Town, or than such and such superiors?] is thought a good reprehension of Godliness, where it is rare; Even by them who hereby conclude their superiors, or all the Town to be wiser than God.
§. 10. 10. The vulgar example of the multitude of the ungodly, is a great cause of mens impiety and damnation. They must be well resolved for God and holiness, who will not yield to the major Vote, nor be carryed down the common stream, nor run with the rabble to excess of ryot. When Christianity is a Sect which is every where spoken against, it proveth so narrow a way that