232 EPISTLE DEDICATORY. a mind to follow it. 5. Make gospel-truths your own, by daily humble studies, arising to such a soundness of judgment, that you may not need to fake too much upon trust, lest, if your guides should miscarry, you miscarry with them. Deliver not up your understanding in captivity to any. 6. Yet do not overvalue your own understandings. This pride hath done that in church and state, which all discerning men are lamenting. They that know but little, see not what they want, as well as what they have ; nor that imperfection in their knowledge, which should humble them, nor that difficulty in things which should make them diligent and modest. 7. Apprehend the necessity and usefulness of Christ's officers, order, and ordinances, for the prosperity of his church : pastors must guide you, though not seduce you, or lead you blind- fold. But choose (if you may) such as are judicious, and not ignorant; not rash, but sober; not formal, but serious and spiritual; not of carnal, but heavenly conversations: especially avoid them that divide and follow parties, and seek to draw disciples to them- selves, and can sacrifice the church's unity and peace to their proud humors or carnal interests. Watch carefully that no weaknessesof the minister do draw you to adisesteem ofthe ordinances of God ; nor any of the sad miscarriages of professors should cause you to set less by truth or godliness. Wrong not Christ more, because other men have so wronged him. Quarrel more with your own unfitness and unworthiness in ordinances, thanwith other men's. It is the frame of your own heart that doth more to help or hinder your comforts, than the quality of those you join with. To these few directions, added to the rest in this book, I shall subjoin my hearty prayers, that you may receive from that gospel and ministry which you have owned, such stability in the faith, such victory over the flesh and the world, such apprehensions of the love of God in Christ, such direction in every strait and duty, that you may live uprightly, and die peaceably, and reign gloriously. Amen. Your servant in the faith and gospel of Christ, RICHARD BAXTER.. May 9, 1653.
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