A26892:8659
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.
Tit. 3. Special Directions for Reproof and Exhortation for the Good of Others.
This duty is so great that Satan hindereth it with all his power, and so hard that most men quite omit it (unless an angry reproach may go for Christian Exhortation): And some spoil it in the management: And some proud censorious persons mistake the exercise of their pride and passion, for the exercise of a charitable Christian duty: and seem to be more sensible of their neighbours sin and misery, than of their own. Therefore that you miscarry not in so needful a work, I shall add these following Directions.
THis duty is so great that Satan hindereth it with all his power, and so hard that most men quite omit it (unless an angry reproach may go for Christian Exhortation): And some spoil it in the management: And some proud censorious persons mistake the exercise of their pride and passion, for the exercise of a charitable Christian duty: and seem to be more sensible of their neighbours sin and misery, than of their own. Therefore that you miscarry not in so needful a work, I shall add these following Directions.
§. 1. Direct. 1. Be sure first that your reproof have a right end; and then let the manner be suited to 1that end. If it be to convince and convert a soul, it must be done in a manner likely to prevail: If it be only to bear down the arguments of a deceiver, to preserve the standers by, to vindicate the honour of God and godliness, and to dishonour sin, and to disgrace an obstinate factor for the Devil, then another course is fit. Therefore resolve first, by the quality of the cause and person, what must be your end.