A26905:298
The crucifying of the world
The crucifying of the world by the cross of Christ with a preface to the nobles, gentlemen, and all the rich, directing them how they may be richer / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R. W. for Nevill Simmons, 1658
The Crucifying of the world, BY The Cross of CHRIST. › Part 1 › Section 7
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.
Obj. But what man living is such as you here describe? Is there any that are thus Crucified to the world, as to have no separated esteem of it, or thoughts or care of it; or Love, or Desire, or the rest of these Affections?
Answ. It is one thing to enquire what we are, and another what we ought to be, and should be if we were perfect: We ought to be such as I have mentioned, but we are not such in perfection yet; but only in sincerity. And how that sincerity may be known, I have elsewhere explained. In a word, In a perfect soul there is no Interest but Gods: In a sincere soul Gods Interest is the highest and greatest: In a perfect man God hath the whole heart: and in an upright man he is nearer to the heart then any thing else. In a perfect man there is a perfect subjection to God: and in an upright man there is none hath Dominion but God: he is highest, and his Rule prevaileth in the main, though some things that rebel are not perfectly subdued.
Answ. It is one thing to enquire what we are, and another what we ought to be, and should be if we were perfect: We ought to be such as I have mentioned, but we are not such in perfection yet; but only in sincerity. And how that sincerity may be known, I have elsewhere explained. In a word, In a perfect soul there is no Interest but Gods: In a sincere soul Gods Interest is the highest and greatest: In a perfect man God hath the whole heart: and in an upright man he is nearer to the heart then any thing else. In a perfect man there is a perfect subjection to God: and in an upright man there is none hath Dominion but God: he is highest, and his Rule prevaileth in the main, though some things that rebell are not perfectly subdued.
Obj. But I find that most of my Passions are stirred more sensibly about earthly, then heavenly things. How then can I say that I am crucified to the world?