A26905:641
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 22 › Benefit 1: Benefit 1.
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.
More particularly, 1. If you look to the Understanding, this Crucifixion to the world is a very great part of the Wisdom of the soul. For wherein doth wisdom more consist, then in judging of things as indeed they are, and especially in matters of greatest moment. He therefore that is Crucified to the world, must needs be wise: And, whatever his knowledge or reputation may be, he that wants this must needs be a fool. Is that a wise man, that knoweth the times and seasons, and how to do this or that in the world, and knoweth not how to escape damnation, nor where his safety and happiness must be sought? And is not he a wiser man that can see the snares that are laid for his soul, and so escape the burning Lake: then he that will sell his Saviour and his soul, for a little pleasure to his flesh for a moment? I make no doubt, but the weakest man or woman, that practically knows the vanity of this world, and the desirable excellencies of God and Glory, is a thousand fold wiser, then the most famous Princes or Learned men that want this knowledge. He never take that man for a fool, that can hit the way to heaven; nor that for a wise man that cannot hit it. Its the Greatest matters that try mens Wisdom, though childish Wit may appear in trifles.
2. To be Crucified to the world, is the Certain effect of a Living effectual faith. The dead faith that James speaketh of, may move you to so much compassion as to say to the poor, Go in peace; be warned and filled, Jam. 2. 16. But it will not so far loose you from the world, as to persuade you to part with it to supply his wants: At least you will never be persuaded to part with all and follow Christ, till the Belief of a Treasure in Heaven do persuade you to it, Luke 18. 21, 22. Can you say from your hearts, [Let all go, rather then the Love of God▪ ] And in a case of trial, do you certainly find, that There is nothing so dear to you, which you cannot part with, for God and the hopes of everlasting life? This is a sign of an effectual Faith: For neither ⟨p. 206⟩