A26892:8700
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 17: Directions for keeping Peace with all men.
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.
§. 6. Direct. 5. Be careful to maintain that order of Government and obedience, which is appointed 1of God for the preservation of Peace, in families, Churches and Common-wealths. If you will break this vessel, peace will flow out and be all quickly spilt. What peace in Schools but by the authority of the Schoolmaster? Or in Armies but by the authority of the General? If an unwise and ungodly Governor, do himself violate the foundations and boundaries of peace, and either weakly or wilfully make dividing Laws, no wonder if such wounds do spend the vital blood and spirits of ⟨p. 106⟩that society; It being more in the power of the Governors than of the Subject to destroy Peace or to preserve it. And if the Subjects make not conscience of their duty to their Superiors, the banks of peace will soon be broken down, and all will be overwhelmed in tumult and confusion. Take heed therefore of any thing which tendeth to subvert or weaken Government: Disobedience or Rebellion seldom wanteth a fair pretence: but it more seldom answereth the agents expectation. It usually pretendeth, the weaknesses, miscarriages, or injurious dealings of superiors: But it as usually mendeth an inconvenience with a mischief. It setteth fire on the house to burn up the Rats and Mice that troubled it. It must be indeed a grievous malady, that shall need such a mischief for its remedy. Certainly it is no means of Gods appointment. Take heed therefore of any thing which would dissolve these bonds. Entertain not dishonourable thoughts of your Governors, and receive not, nor utter not any dishonourable words against them: If they be faulty, open not their shame: Their honour is their interest, and the peoples too: Without it they will be disabled for effectual Government. When subjects, or servants, or children are saucily censorious of superiors, and make themselves Judges of all their actions, even those which they do not understand, and when they presume to defame them, and with petulant tongues to cast contempt upon them, the fire is begun, and the sacred bonds of peace are loosed. When superiors rule with Piety, Justice and true love to their subjects, and Inferiors keep their place and rank, and all conspire the public good, then Peace will flourish, and not till then.
§. 6. Direct. 5. Be careful to maintain that order of Government and obedience, which is appointed