A26905:389
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 15
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.
But if flesh-pleasing and worldly prosperity be your end, that will seem the best calling to you, and that the best employment and course of life, which •ends most to advance and please your flesh: that will be the best company to them, and those their most beloved friends that further this prosperity: that will seem the best way of disposing of what they have, as to the main, what ever they may do on the by. Their practical judgement esteemeth this most eligible.
6. It is only a mans end, and the inseparable necessary means thereto, that he can by no means spare. Other things he can spare, and be without, but not without this. If God be your end, your heart is so upon him that you cannot be without him: you can be without honour, or riches, or life it self, but not without God. But if the world be your end, then its clean contrary; and that's the thing that you cannot be without. Hence is it that men plead necessity of that which is their end, and the necessary means. One thing seems necessary to the Christian: he must have God in and by Christ: I must use his means, saith he, I must avoid the contrary, How shall I do this evil, and sin against God? But the carnal mans necessity is on the other side. I must raise my Family if I can; at least I must keep my estate: I must not be undone: I must preserve my name, my life.
6. It is only a mans end, and the inseparable necessary means thereto, that he can by no means spare. Other things he can spare, and be without, but not without this. If God be your end, your heart is so upon him that you cannot be without him: you can be without honour, or riches, or life it self, but not without God. But if the world be your end, then its clean contrary; and thats the thing that you cannot be without. Hence is it that men plead necessity of that which is their end, and the necessary means. One thing seems necessary to the Christian: he must have God in and by Christ: I must use his means, saith he, I must avoid the contrary, How shall I do this evil, and sin against God? But the carnal mans necessity is on the other side. I must raise my Family if I can; at least I must keep my estate: I must not be undone: I must preserve my name, my life.