A Christian Directory, Part 1: Christian Ethics

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

41633

Title

A Christian Directory, Part 1: Christian Ethics

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Richard Baxter's text warns against internal strife and external persecution, urging Christians to maintain meekness, resist evil without revenge, and trust God amidst suffering. It emphasizes that true wisdom is peaceable, while worldly wisdom breeds conflict.

Summary up to 500 words

In this excerpt from Richard Baxter's *A Christian Directory*, the author offers a stern warning to young converts and believers regarding the dangers of sectarianism and the proper response to persecution. Baxter argues that joining a sect is perilous, as it quickly instills a feverish zeal for specific opinions, leading members to engage in bitter invectives against those who differ. This sectarian spirit corrupts church communion, taints prayers with partiality, and breeds malice disguised as zeal, ultimately destroying Christian love and peace. Baxter cites James 3:13-18 to contrast earthly wisdom, characterized by envy and strife, with heavenly wisdom, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. The text further addresses the inevitable trials of persecution and wrongs inflicted by others. Baxter warns that suffering can tempt believers to abandon their charity and meekness or to cross boundaries by censuring rulers and resisting authority. He observes a hypocrisy among those tainted by pride and schism: while they persecute others for non-compliance, they simultaneously cry out against the very vices of pride and uncharitableness that drive them. Baxter reminds readers that enmity between the godly and the wicked is as old as the conflict between Abel and Cain; expecting kindness from proud or ungodly Christians is unrealistic. He notes that religious zeal for preeminence often makes believers more dangerous to Christ than heathens were, citing Galatians 4:29 regarding the persecution of spiritual members by carnal ones. Baxter advises believers not to view such suffering as strange but as a common lot of the faithful. He urges them to resist evil without revengeful violence and to submit to higher powers, following the example of Christ who suffered without threatening or reviling. The author emphasizes that an angry zeal against those who hurt us stems more from corrupted nature than divine instruction. Instead of wishing harm upon adversaries, Christians are called to love their enemies and pray for them, thereby proving themselves children of God. Baxter concludes by encouraging patience and trust in the Lord, referencing Psalm 37, which instructs believers to cease anger and wait patiently on the Lord, leaving their names and lives in His hands so that even enemy actions may work for their ultimate good.

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy