A26917:422
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 for the seeming Christian, though he can affectedly force his tongue to talk of any subject in religion, especially that which he thinks will most honour him in the esteem of the hearers; yet when he speaketh according to the inclination of his heart, his discourse is first about his fleshly interest and concernments, and next to that of the mere externals of religion, as controversies, parties, and the several modes of worship.
3. And for the seeming Christian, though he can affectedly force his tongue to talk of any subject in religion, especially that which he thinks will most honour him in the esteem of the hearers; yet when he speaketh according to the inclination of his heart, his discourse is first about his fleshly interest and concernments, and next to that of the meer externals of religion, as controversies, parties, and the severall modes of worship.
XXXIX. 1. A Christian indeed is one that so liveth upon the great substantial matters of Religion, as yet not willingly to commit the smallest sin, nor to own the smallest falsehood, nor to renounce or betray the smallest holy truth or duty, for any price that man can offer him. The works of Repentance, Faith and Love are his daily business, which take up his greatest care and diligence. Whatever opinions or controversies are a foot, his work is still the same: whatever changes come, his Religion ⟨p. 94⟩changeth not: He placeth not the Kingdom of God in meats, and drinks, and circumstances, and ceremonies; either being for them or against them; but in righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost: and he that in these things serveth Christ; as he is acceptable to God, so is he approved by such a Christian as this, however factious persons may revile him. Rom. 14.17, 18, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10. The strong Christian can bear the infirmities of the weak, and not take the course that most pleaseth himself, but that which pleaseth his neighbour for his good to edification.