A26905:625
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 › Subsection
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.
8. To conclude, we see by daily experience, that where you give a penny to any good use, we have many from them. I have oft wondered at the impudence of blind malignant persons in this place. I must needs my self bear witness that in divers collections for charitable uses, we have had from those that profess Religion ten shillings and twenty shillings a man, when we have had from men that are commonly supposed richer, a shilling, or six pence, or a groat, or not a penny. And I can witness that among them there are frequent collections for persons in distress at home and abroad, when we never mention them to the rest of the people, as knowing them so worldly that it is in vain; and we should get a scorn from them sooner then a groat, when the persons whom they reproach as covetous will give many shillings; and that frequently time after time. And for collections at Fasts and Sacraments, all men may see the difference. I would not have mentioned any of these matters, but that the impudency of Calumniators doth in a sort constrain me: For when of my own knowledge we have had this many years more pounds from some of them, then we could have pence from others, for the relief of the poor in voluntary contributions, yet do I frequently hear these worldlings crying out of the covetousness of professors; as if they had brazed their fore-heads, as well as wilfully shut their eyes.
Quest. 8. But yet I would further be informed of you; To what end is it that you make this objection? Is it not with a desire to have a life of holy diligence despised in the world, or thought evil of, or judged needless? Ask your own hearts, and deal sincerely. And if it be so, is not this the very work of the Devil, which he hath been doing in all ages against the Church, and by which he ticeth souls to hell?
Quest. 9. And I would desire you to tell me, if covetousness be among them, Whether you are able to charge it upon their Religion or Profession? Do they not witness against it as much as any people in the world? Doth not the Bible which they read cry it down, and threaten damnation to it? Do not the Books