A26905:54
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
Preface: The Preface: To the Nobilty and Gentry, and all that have the Riches of this world.
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. Think not that your Riches are given you to fulfil the least inordinate desire of the flesh: Or that you may take ever the more sensual ease or pleasure, if you had all the world: But remember that better wages obligeth you to more work: And therefore rise as early, and labour as hard in your own employment (the more for the common good, the better) yea and deny your flesh a• much, as if you had but food and raiment. If you have much, give the more, and use the more, but enjoy never the more; and let not your sensual desires find ever the more provision: A rich man that is wise, and a faithful Steward; may live in as much self-denial, and labour as hard, and humble his flesh as much, as he hat hath but his daily bread. God sent you not in provision for his enemy: All that is made the food of sin, or that doth not help you up to God, is employed contrary to the end that you received it for.
Direct. 3. Think not that your Riches are given you to fulfill the least inordinate desire of the flesh: Or that you may take ever the more sensual ease or pleasure, if you had all the world: But remember that better wages obligeth you to more work: And therefore rise as early, and labour as hard in your own employment (the more for the common good, the better) yea and deny your flesh a• much, as if you had but food and rayment. If you have much, give the more, and use the more, but enjoy never the more; and let not your sensual desires find ever the more provision: A rich man that is wise, and a faithful Steward; may live in as much self-denyal, and labour as hard, and humble his flesh as much, as he hat hath but his daily bread. God sent you not in provision for his enemy: All that is made the food of sin, or that doth not help you up to God, is employed contrary to the end that you received it for.
Direct. 4. Be sure that you deal with the world as a Deceiver: Be very suspicious of all your Riches, and Honours, and Delights. Feed not on these luscious summer fruits too boldly, or without fear. Remember how many millions the world hath deceived before you. None come to Hell but those that are cheated thither by the flesh and the world. With what exceeding vigilancy then have you need to deal with such a dangerous deceiver; when all your happiness, and all your hopes is at the stake? and if you be deceived, you are undone: Its force is nothing so perilous as its fraud.