A26892:984
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.
§. 47. 3. He doth all that possibly he can to keep the sinner in security, presumption and senselessness, even asleep in sin; and to that end to keep him quiet and in the dark, without any light or noise which may awake him; that he may live asleep as without a God, a Christ, a Heaven, a Soul, or any such thing to mind. His great care is to keep him from Considering: and therefore he keeps him still in company, or sport, or business, and will not let him be oft alone, nor retire into a sober conference with his conscience; or serious Thoughts of the Life to come.
§. 47. 3. He doth all that possibly he can to keep the sinner in security, presumption and senselesness, even asleep in sin; and to that end to keep him quiet and in the dark, without any light or noise which may awake him; that he may live asleep as without a God, a Christ, a Heaven, a Soul, or any such thing to mind. His great care is to keep him from Considering: and therefore he keeps him still in company, or sport, or business, and will not let him be oft alone, nor retire into a sober conference with his conscience; or serious Thoughts of the Life to come.
§. 48. 4. He doth his best to keep soul-searching lively Ministers out of the Country, or out of that Place; and to silence them, if there be any such: and to keep the sinner under some ignorant or dead-hearted Minister, that hath not himself that faith or repentance, or life, or love, or holiness, or zeal, which he should be a means to work in others: And he will do his utmost to draw him to be a leader of men to sin.
§. 49. 5. He doth his worst, to make Ministers weak, to disgrace the cause of Christ, and hinder his work by their bungling, and unskilful management, that there may be none to stand up against sin, but some unlearned or half-witted men, that can scarce speak sense, or will provoke contempt or laughter in the hearers.