A26905:351
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 12 › Application 1: Use 1.
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.
O that these truths were as plainly or truly transcribed upon your hearts, as they are plainly and truly contained in my Text•
1. For the first; that This is the End of Christ Crucified, and ⟨p. 69⟩of his Doctrine, I shall briefly show, 1. The Necessity of this Information. And 2. the certain ••••h of it.
1. For the first; that This is the End of Christ Crucified, and ⟨p. 69⟩of his Doctrine, I shall briefly shew, 1. The Necessity of this Information. And 2. the certain ••••h of it.
1. Both the Common's and the Dangerousness of erring in this point, do show the Necessity of this Information. It is not only the contemners of Religion, but also too many that go among us for very godly men, that know not where their happiness lieth, nor what the Christian Religion is. Almost all the apprehensions which they have of Happiness, are sensual; as if it were but a freedom from sensible punishments, and the possession of some delights of which they have merely sensual concerts. And so they think of Christ as one that came to free them from such punishments, and help them to such an happiness as this. And as for the true knowledge and fruition of God, in Love and Heavenly delights, they look upon these either as insignificant means, or as certain appurtenances and fruits of Religion, which we ought to have, but may possibly be without, though we be true Believers. A confidence that Christ hath freed them from torments, and made them righteous by imputation of his obedience unto them, they take to be all that is essential to their Christianity. And the rest they call by the name of Good works; which if it be not with them a term of as low importance, as the name of [Works] alone, or [Works of the Law] is taken to be in Paul Epistles, yet at least they take it for that which doth not constitute their Religion. So that true Sanctification is either not understood or taken to be of less Necessity then it is. A man that makes a great deal of talk and stir about Religion, and is zealous for his opinions and pious complements, goes currant with many for a true Believer, though the Interest of his flesh and of the world be as near and dear to him in this way of Religiousness, as other mens is to them in a way of more open professed sensuality.