A26905:572
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 21: Use last.
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.
SECT. XXI. Use last.
I Have been all this while Persuading and Directing you to be Crucified to the world, and the world to you. I doubt not but God hath done this work already upon the souls of many of you, even upon all that truly believe in a Crucified Christ. To such therefore I shall next address my speech: and in general, this is my earnest request to you, [That you would use the world as a Crucified thing, and as men that are Crucified to it should do.] I will not lengthen this discourse in using many motives to you. One would think that which way ever you look, you should have forcible motives before your eyes. If you look downward on earth, you may see enough to wean you from it: and if seeing will not serve, your most wise and gracious Father will make you ⟨p. 177⟩feel, and put the case beyond dispute. If you look upwards, you may perceive a better and more enduring substance, and an inheritance so much more glorious and enduring, as should suffice to take your minds from earth: If you look within you, what foot-steps of the Spirit may you there trace, what graces in act and habit may you find, which are all at mortal enmity with the world! You may read there a Law engraven upon your hearts, which condemneth the world to subjection and contempt: And many an obligation you may there find, wherein you are deeply bound against it: For I hope you have not cancelled them all, and forgot all the promises which you made to God. All your Professions, and all your blessed Privileges and Hopes, do engage you to another world, and to the hearty renouncing and forsaking of this. You say you are Crucified and Risen with Christ; If you be, then seek the things that are above: set your affections on the things that are above, and not on the things that are on earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God: When Christ who is your life shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are on earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is idolatry: For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience,