A26917:104
Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…
Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace with motives opening the lamentable effects of their weaknesses and distempers / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Nevil Simmons, 1669
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Directions 1: DIRECTIONS TO THE CONVERTED, For their establishment, growth, and perseverance.
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.
If a Papist be to plead his cause with them, how few have we that can answer him?
If an Infidel should oppose the Scripture, or Christ himself, how few among us are able to defend them, and solidly give proof either of the truth of Scripture, or of the Faith that they do profess?
And this is not all (though it is a heart-breaking case), but even in their Practice, alas, what ⟨p. 55⟩remissness and what corruptions do appear! How few in secret do keep any constant watch upon their hearts! and fear and abhor the approach of an evil thought? Nay how few are they that do not leave their fancy almost common, and ordinarily even feed on covetous, proud, malicious, or lustful thoughts, and make no great matter of it, but live in it from day to day! How few do keep up life and constancy in secret Prayer or Meditation! How few are the Families where the Cause and Worship and Government of Christ is kept up in life and honour; and where all is not dissolved into a little weary, disordered, heartless performance?
And this is not all (though it is a heart-breaking case), but even in their Practice, alas, what ⟨p. 55⟩remisness and what corruptions do appear! How few in secret do keep any constant watch upon their hearts! and fear and abhor the approach of an evil thought? Nay how few are they that do not leave their fancy almost common, and ordinarily even feed on covetous, proud, malicious, or lustful thoughts, and make no great matter of it, but live in it from day to day! How few do keep up life and constancy in secret Prayer or Meditation! How few are the Families where the Cause and Worship and Government of Christ is kept up in life and honour; and where all is not dissolved into a little weary, disordered, heartless performance?