A26917:331
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.
THE CHARACTER OF 1 A Sound Confirmed Christian, 2 And of the Weak C… › The Characters.
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.
3. And as for the seeming Christian, though he may approve of perfect holiness in another, and may wish for it himself, when he thinketh of it but in the general, and not as it is exclusive and destructive of his beloved sin; yet when it cometh to particulars he cannot away with it: He is so far from desiring it, that he will not endure it. The name of holiness he liketh; and that preservation from Hell which is the consequent of it: But when he understandeth what it is, he hath no mind of it. That holiness which should cure his ambition and pride, and make him contented with a low condition, he doth not like: He loveth not that holiness, which would deprive him of his covetousness, his intemperance in pleasant meats and drinks; his fleshly lusts, and inordinate pleasures! Nor doth he desire that holiness should employ his soul in the Love of God, and in daily prayer and meditating on his word, and raise him to a heavenly life on earth.
3. And as for the seeming Christian, though he may approve of perfect holiness in another, and may wish for it himself, when he thinketh of it but in the general, and not as it is exclusive and destructive of his beloved sin; yet when it cometh to particulars he cannot away with it: He is so far from desiring it, that he will not endure it. The name of holiness he liketh; and that preservation from Hell which is the consequent of it: But when he understandeth what it is, he hath no mind of it. That holiness which should cure his ambition and pride, and make him contented with a low condition, he doth not like: He loveth not that holiness, which would deprive him of his coveteousness, his intemperance in pleasant meats and drinks; his fleshly lusts, and inordinate pleasures! Nor doth he desire that holiness should employ his soul in the Love of God, and in daily prayer and meditating on his word, and raise him to a heavenly life on earth.
XIII. 1. A Christian indeed is one that maketh God and Heaven the End, Reward and Motive of his Life: And liveth not in the world for any thing in the world, but for that endless happiness which the next world only can afford. The Reasons which actuate his thoughts, and choice, and all his life, are fetched from Heaven. The interest of God and his soul as to eternity, is the ruling interest in him. As a traveller goeth all the way, and beareth all the difficulties of it, for the sake of the End or Place that he is going to: (how