A26905:565
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
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.
1. Keep a constant guard upon your senses; for this way the world creeps in to your hearts. It is by gazing on alluring objects, or hearing, or tasting, or the like, that the flames of concupiscence are kindled in the heart. By gazing upon beauty or comeliness of per••n, the heart of the wanton is infected with lust, and so incited to the damnable practises of uncleanness. The sight of the cup doth set an edge on the desires of the drunkard: and the sight of enticing meats, doth awaken and enrage the appetite of the gluttonous: and by the presence of the bait their disease is set awork, as worms in the body are by some kind of food. Clemens Alexandr. saith of these men, that their disease1 is called [Greek or Hebrew], that is, A madness about the throat: And [Greek or Hebrew], that is, A madness in the belly: And saith of them that are given to fullness or fineness of diet, for the pleasing of their bellies, that they are ruled by a Belly-Devil, which saith he, is the worst and most pernicious of all Devils. Lay siege then to this belly-Devil, and starve him out. It is by the sight of gaudy fashions, and curious apparel, that the minds of vain effeminate persons are provoked to desire the like. And the sight of pomp and honours doth kindle the fire of ambition; and the sight of buildings, and money, and lands, doth help to provoke the desires of the Covetous. See therefore that you always keep a watch upon your eyes. Let them not run up and down like a master-less dog, nor roll as the eyes of the lascivious, that are hunting after the prey of lust. If you have cause to pray as David, Psal. 119. 37. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity.] You must practise according to your prayers, and endeavour your selves to turn them away. Have not the best of us as much reason as Job to make a Covenant with our eyes? Job 31. 1. What ⟨p. 172⟩wonder if the Garrison surrender not where the besieged have free passage and continual supplies? And what wonder if the house be robbed, where the doors stand always open, and all is common to every passenger? Be sure therefore to keep a constant guard upon your eyes your appetites and every sense, or else the world will not be Crucified. Let not your eye move but by the conduct of your reason: at least, let it not fix upon any object, till reason give it leave.