A26905:511
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.
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.
Obj. But I may fall under all these afflictions whether I love the world or not.
Answ. 1. But your perverse affections do provoke God to multiply such afflictions. Had you not rather bear a smaller measure, and taste of a cup that hath less of the ga••? 2. And if you were but Crucified to the world, the same Afflictions would be as nothing to your mind, which now seem so grievous to you, and cast you into such vexations and discontents. If it did as much to your flesh, it could not reach the heart; and if all be sound and well within, its no great matter how it is without. The very same kind of affliction, whether it be poverty, sickness,