A26955:105
The mischiefs of self-ignorance and the benefits of self-acquaintance opened in divers sermons at…
The mischiefs of self-ignorance and the benefits of self-acquaintance opened in divers sermons at Dunstan's-West and published in answer to the accusations of some and the desires of others / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R. White for F. Tyton, 1662
THE Mischief of Self-ignorance, AND Benefit of Self-acquaintance. › Part
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.
9. It is self-ignorance that makes men rush upon Temptations, and choose them, when they customarily pray against them. Did you Know what tinder or gunpowder lodgeth in your natures, you would guard your eyes and ears and appetites and be afraid of the least spark: you would not be indifferent as to your company nor choose a life of danger to your souls, for the pleasing of your flesh; to live among the snares of honour or beauty and bravery, or sensual delights: you would not wilfully draw so near the brink of Hell, nor be nibbling at the bait, nor looking on the forbidden fruit, nor dallying with allurements, nor hearkening to the Deceiver, or to his messengers. It is ignorance of the weakness and badness of your hearts, that maketh you so confident of your selves, as to think that you can hear any thing, and see any thing, and approach the snare, and treat with the Deceiver, without any danger, self-acquaintance would cause more fear and self-suspicions.
9. It is self-ignorance that makes men rush upon Temptations, and choose them, when they customarily pray against them. Did you Know what tinder or gunpowder lodgeth in your natures, you would guard your eyes and eares and appetites and be afraid of the least spark: you would not be indifferent as to your company nor chuse a life of danger to your souls, for the pleasing of your flesh; to live among the snares of honour or beauty and bravery, or sensuall delights: you would not willfully draw so neare the brinke of Hell, nor be nibbling at the bait, nor looking on the forbidden fruit, nor dallying with allurements, nor hearkening to the Deceiver, or to his messengers. It is ignorance of the weakness and badness of your hearts, that maketh you so confident of your selves, as to think that you can heare any thing, and see any thing, and approach the snare, and treat with the Deceiver, without any danger, self-acquaintance would cause more feare and self-suspicions.
If you should scape well a while in your ⟨p. 27⟩self-chosen dangers, you may catch that at last that may prove your woe.