A26892:8717
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. 3. Be contented to stand to Gods disposal; and suffer not any carking discontented 1thoughts to feed upon your hearts. When you suffer your minds to run all day long upon your necessities and straits, the Devil next tempteth you to think of unlawful courses to supply them. He will show you your neighbours money, or goods, or estates, and tell you, how well it would be with you if this were yours: He showed Achan the Golden Wedge: He told Gehezi how unreasonable it was that Naamans money and Raiment should be refused: He told Balaam of the hopes of preferment which he might have with Balak: He told Judas how to get his thirty pieces: He persuaded Ananias and Sapphira, that it was but reasonable to retain part of that which was their own. Nay, commonly it is discontents and cares which prepareth poor wretches for those appearances of the Devil, which draweth them to Witchcraft, for the supplying of their wants. If you took God for your God, you would take him for the sufficient disposer of the world, and one that is fitter to measure out your part of earthly things, than you your selves: And then you would rest in his wisdom, will, and fatherly providence; and not shift for your selves by sinful means. Discontentedness of mind, and distrust of God, are the cause of all such frauds and injuries. Trust God, and you will have no need of these.
§. 4. Direct. 3. Be contented to stand to Gods disposal; and suffer not any carking discontented 1thoughts to feed upon your hearts. When you suffer your minds to run all day long upon your necessities and straits, the Devil next tempteth you to think of unlawful courses to supply them. He will shew you your neighbours money, or goods, or estates, and tell you, how well it would be with you if this were yours: He shewed Achan the Golden Wedge: He told Gehezi how unreasonable it was that Naamans money and Rayment should be refused: He told Balaam of the hopes of preferment which he might have with Balak: He told Iudas how to get his thirty pieces: He perswaded Ananias and Saphira, that it was but reasonable to retain part of that which was their own. Nay, commonly it is discontents and cares which prepareth poor wretches for those appearances of the Devil, which draweth them to Witchcraft, for the supplying of their wants. If you took God for your God, you would take him for the sufficient disposer of the world, and one that is fitter to measure out your part of earthly things, than you your selves: And then you would rest in his wisdom, will, and fatherly providence; and not shift for your selves by sinful means. Discontentedness of mind, and distrust of God, are the cause of all such frauds and injuries. Trust God, and you will have no need of these.