A26955:16
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
Dedication: To the right Honourable Anne Countess of Balcarres, &c.
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.
O the variety of learning that is contained in the secret writings of a sanctified heart! The variety of subjects for the most fruitful and delightful thoughts, which you •ay find recorded in the inwards of your •oul! How pleasant is it there to find the characters of the special Love of God, the ••eaments of his Image, the transcript of […] Law, the harmony of his gifts and graces, ••e witness, the seal and the earnest of his spirit, and the foretasts and beginnings of eternal Life! As Thankfulness abhors oblivion, and is a Recording grace, and keepeth Histories and Catalogues of Mercies; so […] it a Reward unto it self; and by these Re••rds it furnisheth the soul with matter for •he sweetest employments and delights; Is it […] pleasant to you there to Read, how God ••th confuted the objections of distrust? how […] he hath condescended to your weakness, ⟨image 9⟩and pardoned you when you could not easily forgive your self? how oft he hath entertained you in secret with his Love? and visited you with his consolations? How near him sometimes you have got in fervent prayer, and serious meditation? And when for a season he hath hid his face, how soon and seasonably he returned? How oft he hath found you weeping, and hath wiped away your tears? and calmed and quieted your troubled soul? How he hath resolved your doubts, and expelled your fears; and heard your prayers? How comfortably he hath called you His Child; and given you leave, and commanded you to call him Father; when Christ hath brought you with boldness into his presence! How sweet should it be to your remembrance, to think how the Love of Christ hath sometime exalted you above these sublunary things! How the Spirit hath taken you up to Heaven, and showed to your faith the Glory of the New Jerusalem, the blessed company of those Holy spirits that attend the Throne of the Majesty of God, and the shining face of your glorified Head! By what seasonable and happy Messengers he hath sent you the Cluster of Grapes as the first fruits of the land of promise! and commanded you oft to Take and ⟨image 9⟩