A treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at KidderminsterA treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at Kederminster

CHAP. XXII. False Stories, Romances, and other tempting Books.

5. Another point of sensuality to be denied, is, The reading or hearing of false and tempting Books, and those that▪only tend to please an idle fancy, and not to edify. Such as are Romances, and other feigned histories of that nature, with Books of tales, and jests, and foolish complements, with which the world so much aboundeth, that there's few but may have admittance to this Library of the Devil. Abundance of old feigned Stories, and new Romances are in the hands, especially of Children, and idle Gentlemen, & filthy lustful Gallants, or •ty persons that savour not greater matters, but have spirits suitable to such gauds as these. But if they were only toys, I should say the less; but having seen by long observation the mischief of them, I desire you to note it in these few particulars.

5. ANother point of sensuality to be denied, is, The reading or hearing of false and tempting Books, and those that▪only tend to please an idle fancy, and not to edifie. Such as are Romances, and other feigned histories of that nature, with Books of tales, and jests, and foolish complements, with which the world so much aboundeth, that there's few but may have admittance to this Library of the Devil. Abundance of old feigned Stories, and new Romances are in the hands, especially of Children, and idle Gentlemen, & filthy lustful Gallants, or •ty persons that savour not greater matters, but have spirits sutable to such gawds as these. But if they were only toyes, I should say the less; but having seen by long observation the mischief of them, I desire you to note it in these few particulars.