A26905:509
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 19
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.
Answ. Wherever there be men to make the report, there will lightly be enough to believe it: And if they that know you will not believe it, yet that's but a few to the most of them abroad that hear of you, and know you not.
Answ. Wherever there be men to make the report, there will lightly be enough to believe it: And if they that know you will not believe it, yet thats but a few to the most of them abroad that hear of you, and know you not.
You may see then by this time, if Reputation with men be the thing you over-value, what a vain uncertain thing it is; and how easily God can make your sorrow arise even from thence where you expected your vain applause.
And you will find by experience if you do not prevent it, that while you over-value this or any earthly thing, you are in the road to these afflictions. It is Gods ordinary dealing with his children, and frequently with others, to punish them by their Idols, and to make them sickest of that which they have most greedily surfeited of. Could you but Crucify the world, and use it for God, it would have no power thus to vex and crucify your minds. It is you that sharpen it, and arm it against your selves, and give it all the strength it hath, by your over-valuing & overloving it. Its like a Spaniel that will love those best that beat him: but if you cocker it, it will fly in your faces.
And you will find by experience if you do not prevent it, that while you over-value this or any earthly thing, you are in the road to these afflictions. It is Gods ordinary dealing with his children, and frequently with others, to punish them by their Idols, and to make them sickest of that which they have most greedily surfeited of. Could you but Crucifie the world, and use it for God, it would have no power thus to vex and crucifie your minds. It is you that sharpen it, and arm it against your selves, and give it all the strength it hath, by your over-valuing & overloving it. Its like a Spaniell that will love those best that beat him: but if you cocker it, it will fly in your faces.