A27009:509
The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…
The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed for T. Underhil, 1653
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.
DIRECTION XXVIII.
Be very Careful that you create not perplexities and terrors to your own soul, by rash mis-interpretations of any Passages either of Scripture, of Gods Providence, or of the Sermons or private Speeches of Ministers: But Resolve with Patience, yea with Gladness, to suffer Preachers to deal with their Congregations in the most searching, serious, and awakening manner: lest your weakness should be a wrong to the whole Assembly, and possibly the undoing of many a sensual, drowsy or obstinate soul, who will not be convinced and awaked by a Comforting way of Preaching, or by any smoother or gentler means.
Here are three dangerous enemies to your Peace, which (for brevity) I warn you of together.
HEre are three dangerous enemies to your Peace, which (for brevity) I warn you of together.
1. Rash Mis-interpretations and misapplications of Scripture. Some weak-headed Troubled Christians can scarce read a Chapter, or hear one read, but they'll find something which they think doth Condemn them. If they read of Gods Wrath and Judgement, they think it is meant against them. If they read, Our God is a Consuming Fire, they think presently it's themselves that must be the ewel: Whereas Justice and Mercy have each their proper objects: The burningest Fire will not waste the Gold, nor is Water the Fuel of it: But combustible matter it will presently consume. An humble soul, that lies prostrate at Christs feet, confessing its unworthiness, and bewailing its sinfulness, this is not the object of Revenging Justice: Such a soul bringing Christs Merits, and pleading them with God, is so far from being the Fuel of this Consuming ire, that he bringeth that water which will undoubtedly quench it. Yet this Scripture-expression of our God, may subdue carnal security even in the best, but not dismay them or scourage them in their hopes. Another […] in