A26917:348
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.
XVII. 1. Hence it followeth that a Christian ⟨p. 46⟩indeed preferreth the means of his spiritual benefit and salvation incomparably before all corporal commodities and pleasures. He had rather dwell under the teaching and guidance of an able experienced Pastor, though it be cross to his prosperity and worldly gain, than to live under an ignorant or dead hearted Preacher, when it furthereth his trading or more accommodateth his flesh: (Though yet he must not remove when God layeth any restraint upon him, by his duty to his family, or others:) He had rather if he be a servant, dwell in a family, where he may do or receive most spiritual good, than in a carnal family, where he may have more ease, and better fare, and greater wages. If he be to marry, he had rather have one that hath wisdom and piety without wealth, than one that hath riches without wisdom and piety. He is gladder of an opportunity (in public or private) for the profit of his soul, than of a feast, or a good bargain, or an opportunity for some gain in worldly things. Mat. 6.20.33.
XVII. 1. Hence it followeth that a Christian ⟨p. 46⟩indeed preferreth the means of his spiritual benefit and salvation incomparably before all corporal commodities and pleasures. He had rather dwell under the teaching and guidance of an able experienced Pastor, though it be cross to his prosperity and wordly gain, than to live under an ignorant or dead hearted Preacher, when it furthereth his trading or more accommodateth his flesh: (Though yet he must not remove when God layeth any restraint upon him, by his duty to his family, or others:) He had rather if he be a servant, dwell in a family, where he may do or receive most spiritual good, than in a carnal family, where he may have more ease, and better fare, and greater wages. If he be to marry, he had rather have one that hath wisdom and piety without wealth, than one that hath riches without wisdom and piety. He is gladder of an opportunity (in publick or private) for the profit of his soul, than of a feast, or a good bargain, or an opportunity for some gain in wordly things. Mat. 6.20.33