A26915:585
Directions and persuasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…Directions and perswasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…
Directions and persuasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation of souls, and of those scandals, heresies, and desperate apostasies that are the consequents of a counterfeit, or superficial change / by Richard Baxter.Directions and perswasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation of souls, and of those scandals, heresies, and desperate apostasies that are the consequents of a counterfeit, or superficial change / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by A.M. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
Directions to Sinners that are purposed to Turn, and are under the… › Direction 12
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.
This course should be more ordinary with us: and if Conversion it self were not so rare, or else so defective, that it doth too little quicken men to a sense of duty, and sin, and Mercy, or so doubtful, and by slow degrees, that it is scarce discerned by many that have it; were it not for some of these; more ordinary would it be, to the great rejoicing and benefit of the Church.
This course should be more ordinary with us: and if Convers•ion it self were not so rare, or else so defective, that it doth too little quicken men to a sence of duty, and sinne, and Mercy, or so doubtfull, and by slow degrees, that it is scarce discerned by many that have it; were it not for some of these; more ordinary would it be, to the great rejoycing and benefit of the Church.
The Conclusion, And now I have given you Directions in the most great and necessary business in this world; They are such as I received of God, and if Faithfully practised will put your Salvation past all hazard. But what they have ⟨p. 522⟩done, or what they will do, I cannot tell; but must leave the Issue to God and you. Its pity eternal Glory should be lost, for want of yielding to so holy, and sweet, and reasonable a course. It is lamentable to observe, what ignorant, base, unworthy thoughts the most have of the very Office of the holy Ghost, who is the sanctifier of all that God will save. The very name of Regeneration and Sanctification is not understood by some, and is but matter of derision to others; and the most think that it is another kind of matter then indeed it is. To be baptized, and come to Church, and to say some cold and heartless Prayers, and to forbear some gross disgraceful sins, is all the Sanctification that most are acquainted with: (and all have not this:) And thus they debase the work of the holy Ghost. If a Prince have built a sumptuous Palace, and you will show men a Swine-sty, and say, [This is the Palace that the Prince hath bin so long a building] were not this to abuse him by contempt? If he build a Navy, and you show a man two or three pig-troughs and say, [These are the Kings ships] would he not take it for a scorn? Take heed of such dealing