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. XXXI. New, Vain Histories, and other Mens Matters, &c.

14. Another piece of Carnal pleasure to be denied, is, the Delight men have in reading unprofitable Histories, and hearing News that do not concern us, and meddling with other mens matters where we have no Call.

14. ANother piece of Carnal pleasure to be denied, is, the Delight men have in reading unprofitable Histories, and hearing News that do not concern us, and medling with other mens matters where we have no Call.

With some fancies this is a notable part of carnal delight: Many School-boys, and young effeminate wits are as much poisoned and carried away with reading Romances, feigned histories and tale-books, and play-books, as by almost any piece of sensuality. O the precious hours that have been lost upon this trash and trumpery; but of this I spoke before: that which now I speak is, even true History and Reports, as matter of mere News, to please a busy ranging mind. History is a very profitable study if it be used for right ends, and be rightly chosen. It's a very great help to understand the Scriptures, and to know the former and present state of the Church; and see the wonderful works of providence, that otherwise would be as lost to us. It is not fit that the wondrous works of God should die with those that have seen them, and not be transmitted to posterity. God should have the honour ⟨p. 206⟩of his glorious works, from generation to generation: and how shall that be if all be forgotten? He that knoweth nothing of any age but that which he lives in, is as folly as he that knows nothing of any Country or Town but that which he lives in. Some History is essential to our faith; and much more is integral to it; & yet much more is very serviceable to it. He that hath not some competent acquaintance with Church-History, will be at great disadvantages in the holding and defending his aith it self against an Infidel, or the purity of Religion against a Papist. And he that knoweth not the present state of the world, and of the Church through the world, doth scarce know how to order his affections, or compose his prayers even in those greatest petitions, about the honour & Kingdom & will of God. They cannot grieve with the Church in grief, nor mourn with it when it mourns: so that it is a great duty of a Christian to labour to understand by History the former and present state of the Church: And it is a great mark of a gracious soul that longs to hear of the prosperity of the Saints, and free progress of the Gospel; and a mark of a graceless person that careth not for these things.