A26892:8664
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.
§. 4. Direct. 4. Stop not (with unregenerate men) in the mention of particular sins or duties; but 1make use of particulars to convince them of a state of sin and misery. It is easy to convince a man that he is a sinner; and when that is done, he is never the more humbled or converted: For he will tell you, that All are sinners; and therefore he hopeth to speed as well as you. But you must make him discern his sinful state; and show him the difference between a penitent sinner and an impenitent; a converted sinner and an unconverted; a justified pardoned sinner, and an unjustified, unpardoned one: or else you'll do him but little good.
§. 4. Direct. 4. Stop not (with unregenerate men) in the mention of particular sins or duties; but 1make use of particulars to convince them of a state of sin and misery. It is easie to convince a man that he is a sinner; and when that is done, he is never the more humbled or converted: For he will tell you, that All are sinners; and therefore he hopeth to speed as well as you. But you must make him discern his sinful state; and shew him the difference between a penitent sinner and an impenitent; a converted sinner and an unconverted; a justified pardoned sinner, and an unjustified, unpardoned one: or else you'l do him but little good.
- 1Direct. 4.
§. 5. Direct. 5. Suit the manner of your reproof to the quality of the person: It is seldom that a1 Parent, Master, or Superior must be reproved by a private inferior: And when it is done, it must be done with great submission and respect. An angry peevish person must be dealt with tenderly, as you handle thorns: but a duller sottish person must be more earnestly and warmly dealt with. So also a greater sin must be roughly handled, or with greater detestation, than a less.