A26905:528
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 20 › Direction 3: Direct. 3.
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.
Direct. 3.
THE Crucifying of the world doth very much depend upon the Crucifying of the flesh. For I have told you before, that the flesh is the master Idol, and the world is but its provision, and the Devils bait. And therefore it is the life of carnality that is the life of the world in you. When men have an Appetite that must needs be satisfied, and must have the meat and drink which it desires, and it is as much to them to deny their appetites, as if it were some great and weighty business; these beasts are far from Crucifying the world. For they must needs look after provision for these Appetites: He that must have the sweetest morsel•, and the pleasantest drink, must needs look after provision to maintain it. And he that hath a Proud corrupted mind, that must needs be somebody in the eyes of others, and therefore must needs be clothed with the best, and placed with the highest, and keep company with the greatest, or the idlest and merri est companions, this man doth think that he must needs have provision to maintain all this. No man doth admire the world, but he that Judgeth by his fleshly Interest, and is a s•ive to his sensuality. Set Reason in the throne: let •aith illuminate and advance it: subdue your inordinate se••ual desires: And then the world will wither of it self. The servants will hide their heads, or comply, if the Master be once conquered. Nay you may then press the world upon a better service. Remember that your sensual Appetite was made in order to the ⟨p. 155⟩preservation of your Natures, and to be ruled by Reason; if therefore it would become the predominant faculty, and would take up with its own delights as your end, and would rebel against its Guide and Master; its time then to use it as a rebel should be used, and with Paul, to buffet it, and bring it into subjection. And if you can do this, the work is done. Its a childish, if not a brutish thing, and below a man, to be captivated unto sense. Its the content of the higher faculties, that are the pleasures of a man: The pleasing of the throat is common to us with the swine. Its the basest Spirit, that makes the greatest matter of sensual things: and so must be drowned in unprofitable cares, What he shall eat or drink, and wherewith he shall be clothed.