A26905:8
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.
SIR,
UPON a double account I have thought it meet to direct this Treatise first to you: First because the first Embryo of it was an Assize Sermon preached at your desire, when you were high Sheriff of this County, which drew me to add more, till it swelled to this, which some of my Brethren have persuaded to venture into the open world. Secondly, because God hath given you a heart to be exemplary in Practising the Doctrine here delivered: And I think I shall teach men the more successfully when I can show them a Living Lesson for their imitation. I never knew that you refused a work of Charity that was motioned to you; but oft have you offered me ⟨image 4⟩that for the Churches service, which I was not ready to accept and improve. I would not do you the displeasure as to mention this, but that forward Charity is grown so rare in many places, that some may grow shortly to think that we preach to them of a Chimaera, a non-existent thing, if we do not tell them where it is to be seen: Especially now Infidelity is grown up to that strength, that Seeing is taken by many for the only true informer of their Reason, and Believing for an unreasonable thing. And I take my self to owe much thankfulness to God, when I see him choose a faithful Steward, for any of his Gifts. Its a sign he meaneth Good by it to his Church.
UPON a double account I have thought it meet to direct this Treatise first to you: First because the first Embrio of it was an Assize Sermon preached at your desire, when you were high Sheriff of this County, which drew me to add more, till it swell'd to this, which some of my Brethren have perswaded to venture into the open world. Secondly, because God hath given you a heart to be exemplary in Practising the Doctrine here delivered: And I think I shall teach men the more successfully when I can shew them a Living Lesson for their imitation. I never knew that you refused a work of Charity that was motioned to you; but oft have you offered me ⟨image 4⟩that for the Churches service, which I was not ready to accept and improve. I would not do you the displeasure as to mention this, but that forward Charity is grown so rare in many places, that some may grow shortly to think that we preach to them of a Chimaera, a non-existent thing, if we do not tell them where it is to be seen: Especially now Infidelity is grown up to that strength, that Seeing is taken by many for the only true informer of their Reason, and Believing for an unreasonable thing. And I take my self to owe much thankfulness to God, when I see him choose a faithfull Steward, for any of his Gifts. Its a sign he meaneth Good by it to his Church.