A26892:965
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.
8. He is very diligent to get the Sword and Government of Kingdoms, and States, and Countries, and Cities, and Corporations into his hands, or on his side: For he knoweth the multitude of the ignorant and vulgar people, are exceeding prone to be of the Religion of those that are able to help or hurt them; and to follow the stronger side: And that the will and example of the Ruler is as the first sheet or stamp, which all the rest are printed after. Therefore he will do his worst, to give the ⟨p. 108⟩greatest power to the most ungodly: If the Turk be the Emperor the most of the vulgar are like quickly to be Turks: If a Papist be their King, the most of them are likely to be Papists. Look into the present state of the Heathen, Infidel, Mahometan, Papal, and profane parts of the world, and into the History of all ages past, and you will see with grief and admiration, how much the Devil hath got by this.
8. He is very diligent to get the Sword and Government of Kingdoms, and States, and Countreys, and Cities, and Corporations into his hands, or on his side: For he knoweth the multitude of the ignorant and vulgar people, are exceeding prone to be of the Religion of those that are able to help or hurt them; and to follow the stronger side: And that the will and example of the Ruler is as the first sheet or stamp, which all the rest are printed after. Therefore he will do his worst, to give the ⟨p. 108⟩greatest power to the most ungodly: If the Turk be the Emperor the most of the vulgar are like quickly to be Turks: If a Papist be their King, the most of them are likely to be Papists. Look into the present state of the Heathen, Infidel, Mahometane, Papal, and prophane parts of the world, and into the History of all ages past, and you will see with grief and admiration, how much the Devil hath got by this.
§. 29. 9. Also he is very desirous to get our Society and Companions on his side; who are near us, and have frequent opportunities to do us good or hurt. For he knoweth by long and great experience how powerfully they draw, and how frequently they speed.