A26905:542
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 6: Direct. 6.
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. 6.
Remember always that the world is the enemy of your salvation, and that if you be damned, it is like to be through its enticements; and therefore labour to be always sensible that you go in continual danger of it. And this will make you use it as an enemy, and walk in a constant fear least it should over-reach you. And see also that you endeavour as clearly as you can, to find out wherein its enmity doth consist; and then you will perceive that it is especially in seeming more Lovely then it is, as it is the fuel of concupiscence, and the provision of the flesh. And when you understand this, you will perceive, that your danger lieth in over-loving it, and that it killeth by its embracements: And this will direct you which way to bend the course of your opposition, and what you must do to be saved from its snares: To call the world an enemy is easy and common: but so far as your very hearts apprehend it as an enemy, so far you are out of danger of it: An easy enemy that is conquered by understanding that it is an enemy! And the way of its conquest is, by enticing men to take it for a friend.
REmember alwaies that the world is the enemy of your salvation, and that if you be damned, it is like to be through its enticements; and therefore labour to be alwaies sensible that you go in continual danger of it. And this will make you use it as an enemy, and walk in a constant fear least it should over-reach you. And see also that you endeavour as clearly as you can, to find out wherein its enmity doth consist; and then you will perceive that it is especially in seeming more Lovely then it is, as it is the fewel of concupiscence, and the provision of the flesh. And when you understand this, you will perceive, that your danger lyeth in over-loving it, and that it killeth by its embracements: And this will direct you which way to bend the course of your opposition, and what you must do to be saved from its snares: To call the world an enemy is easie and common: but so far as your very hearts apprehend it as an enemy, so far you are out of danger of it: An easie enemy that is conquered by understanding that it is an enemy! And the way of its conquest is, by enticing men to take it for a friend.