A26905:533
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 4: Direct. 4.
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. 4.
BE sure to keep your minds intent upon the Greater matters of Everlasting life, and all your Affections employed thereupon. Diversion must be your cure: Especially to so powerful and transcendent an object. Be once acquainted with Heaven by a life of faith; and it will so powerfully draw you to it self, that you will be ready to forget earth, and take it as a kind of Nothing. Get up to God, and fix the eye of your soul on him; and his glory will darken all the world, and rescue you from the mis-leadings of that false fire that did delude you. Come near him daily, and taste how good he is; and the sweetness of his love will make you marvel at them that think the world so sweet; and marvel at your selves that you were ever of such a mind. You cannot think that the world will be cast out of your Love, but by the appearance of somewhat better then it self. You must go to Heaven therefore for a Writ of ejectment. You must fetch a beauty, a pleasure from above, that shall abase it, and silence it, and shame its competition. O what is earth and all things in it, to him that hath had a believing, lively thought of Heaven! Nothing below this will serve the turn. You may think long enough of the troubles of the world, and long enough confess its vanity, before you can Crucify it, if you see not where you may have something that is better. The poorest life will seem better then none; and a little in hand, will be preferred before uncertain hopes. Till faith have opened Heaven to you, as being the Evidence of the things invisible, and have showed you that they are not shadows but substances, which the promise revealeth, and Believers do expect; you will be still holding fast that little that you have; and you will say in your hearts, as some do with their tongues, [I know what I have in this world, but I know not what I shall have in another.] But the knowledge of God will soon make you of another mind. Let in God into the soul, and he will fill it with himself, and leave no room for earth and flesh. Learn what it is to walk with him, and to have a conversation in heaven, and it will cure you of your earthly mindedness,