A26892:8600
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.
§. 29. 3. All that do not hinder sin, or reprove it, are not guilty of it: No more than all that do not punish it: But those only that have power and opportunity, and so are called by God to do it.
§. 30. 4. If another man will sin and destroy his soul, by the occasion of my necessary duty, I must not cease my duty to prevent such mens sin or hurt: Else one or other will by their perverseness, excuse me from almost all the duty which I should do: I must not cease praying, hearing, Sacraments, nor withdraw from Church-communion, because another will turn it to his sin. Else Satan should use the sin of others to frustrate all Gods worship. Yet I must add, that many things cease to be a duty, when another will be so hurt by them.
§. 31. 5. I am not guilty of all mens sins, which are committed in my presence; no though I know before hand that they will sin. For my calling or duty may lead me into the presence of those that I may •ore know will sin: Wicked men sin in all that they do: And yet it followeth not that I must have nothing to do with them. Many a failing which is his sin, may a Minister or Church be guilty of, even in that public Worship of God, which yet I am bound to be present at.
§. 31. 5. I am not guilty of all mens sins, which are committed in my presence; no though I know before hand that they will sin. For my calling or duty may lead me into the presence of those that I may •ore know will sin: Wicked men sin in all that they do: And yet it followeth not that I must have nothing to do with them. Many a failing which is his sin, may a Minister or Church be guilty of, even in that publick Worship of God, which yet I am bound to be present at.