A26905:546
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 8: Direct. 8.
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. 8.
IT will much avail to the Crucifying of the world to you, that you study the improvement of all your Afflictions. Do not repine at them, and think them a greater evil then they are; but believe that they are a special advantage to your souls, for the mortifying of your inordinate affections to the world: and if you have but the wisdom and hearts to make use of them, they may do you more good then all the prosperity of your lives hath done. If you fall into poverty, or fall under slanders or reproach from men; if your friends prove false to you; if those that you have done good to prove unthankful; if the wickedness and frowardness of men do make you even weary of the world; remember now what an advantage you have for Mortification! When you have experience it self to disgrace the creature to you, and your very flesh doth seem to be convinced. Now see that you observe the teachings of this providence, and come off from the world, when you see it is so little worth; and set as light by it as it doth by you: Bethink you now that God doth this to lead you to himself, and ⟨p. 163⟩thankfully accept his call, and close with him as your portion, and be content with him alone, and let them take the world that can get no better. You see that adversity will make even a worldling speak hardly of the world, as men will do of their friends when they fall out with them. How much more should it help the gracious soul to a fuller sense of its vanity and nothingness, and of the necessity and excellency of more certain things. Its a great sin and folly in us, that we strive more to have afflictions removed then sanctified, and so we lose the gain that we might have got. Though affliction alone will do little good, yet grace doth make such use of affliction, that thousands in heaven will have cause to bless God for them, that before they were afflicted, went astray, and were deceived by the flatteries of the world as well as others. Abundance that have been convinced of the vanity of the world, have lingered long before they would forsake it, till affliction hath roused their sleepy souls, and by a louder voice hath called them away.