A26951:1893
The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…
The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb. 11, 1, formerly preached before His Majesty, and published by his command, with another added for the fuller application : the second is instructions for confirming believers in the Christian faith : the third is directions how to live by faith, or how to exercise it upon all occasions / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1670
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.
5. We are much in danger of the sins which our callings, ⟨p. 423⟩trades and worldly interest, do most and constantly tempt us to. Every man hath a carnal interest, which is his great temptation; and every wise man will know it, and there set a double watch. The carnal interest of a Preacher, is applause or preferment: The carnal interest of Rulers and great men, I shall pass by; but they must not pass it by themselves. The carnal interest of Lawyers and Tradesmen, is their gain, &c. Here we must keep a constant watch.
6. We are much in danger of those sins, the matter of which is somewhat good or lawful, and the danger lieth only in the manner, circumstances or degree. For there the lawfulness of the matter, occasioneth men to forget the accidental evil. The whole Kingdom feeleth the mischief of this, in instances which I will now pass by. If eating such or such a meat were not lawful it self, men would not be so easily drawn to gluttony. If drinking wine were not a lawful thing, the passage to drunkenness were not so open: The apprehension that a lusory lot is a lawful thing (as Cards, Dice, &c.) doth occasion the heinous sin of time-wasting, and estate-wasting gamesters. If apparel were not lawful, excess would not be so easily endured. Yea the goodness of Gods own Worship, quieteth many in its great abuse.
6. We are much in danger of those sins, the matter of which is somewhat good or lawful, and the danger lyeth only in the manner, circumstances or degree. For there the lawfulness of the matter, occasioneth men to forget the accidental evil. The whole Kingdom feeleth the mischief of this, in instances which I will now pass by. If eating such or such a meat were not lawful it self, men would not be so easily drawn to gluttony. If drinking wine were not a lawful thing, the passage to drunkenness were not so open: The apprehension that a lusory lot is a lawful thing (as Cards, D•ce, &c.) doth occasion the heinous sin of time-wasting, and estate-wasting gamesters. If apparel were not lawful, excess would not be so easily endured. Yea the goodness of Gods own Worship, quieteth many in its great abuse.