A26917:383
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. But in the Hypocrite Pride is the reigning sin: The praise of men is the air which he liveth in: He was never well acquainted with himself; and never felt aright the burden of his sins and wants: and therefore cannot bear contempt from others: Indeed if his corrupt disposition turn most to the way of covetousness, tyranny, or lust, he can the easier bear contempt from others, as long as he hath his will at home; and he can spare their love, if he can be but feared and domineer. But still his Pride is predominant; and when it affecteth not much the reputation of goodness, it affecteth the name of being rich or great. Sin may make him sordid, but grace doth not make him humble. Pride is the vital spirit of the corrupted state of man.
3. But in the Hypocrite Pride is the reigning sin: The praise of men is the aire which he liveth in: He was never well acquainted with himself; and never felt aright the burden of his sins and wants: and therefore cannot bear contempt from others: Indeed if his corrupt disposition turn most to the way of coveteousness, tyranny, or lust, he can the easier bear contempt from others, as long as he hath his will at home; and he can spare their love, if he can be but feared and domineer. But still his Pride is predominant; and when it affecteth not much the reputation of goodness, it affecteth the name of being rich or great. Sin may make him sordid, but grace doth not make him humble. Pride is the vital spirit of the corrupted state of man.
XXVII. 1. A confirmed Christian is acquainted with the deceitfulness of mans heart, and the particular corrupt inclinations that are in it; and especially with his own; and he is acquainted with the wiles and methods of the tempter, and what are the materials which he maketh his ⟨p. 73⟩baits of, and what is the manner in which he spreadeth his nets: He seeth always some snares before him: And what company soever he is in, or what business soever he is about, he walketh as among snares, which are visible to his sight: And it is part of his business continually to avoid them. He liveth in a continual watch, and warfare. He can resist much stronger and subtle temptations, than the weak can do. He is always armed, and knoweth what are the special remedies, against each particular snare and sin.