A26955:207
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.
They have leave to join in the Communion of Saints, and to enjoy the benefit of holy Society in prayer, and conference, and mutual love and spiritual assistance, and in the public worship of God: but they pass these by, as having more of trouble and burden, then of mercy, because they little know themselves.
They have leave to joyn in the Communion of Saints, and to enjoy the benefit of holy Society in prayer, and conference, and mutual love and spiritual assistance, and in the publick worship of God: but they pass these by, as having more of trouble and burden, then of mercy, because they little know themselves.
And their inferior Mercies of Health, and Wealth, and food, and raiment, and friends, and accommodations, they misesteem and misuse: and value them but as provision for the flesh, and the satisfaction of their sensual and inordinate desires, and not as their necessary provision for their duty in the way to Heaven! And therefore they are most thankful for their greatest snares: For that honour and abundance which are stronger temptations, then they can overcome: For those fleshly contentments and delights, which are the enemies of grace, and the prison of their noblest faculties, and the undoing of their souls. If they could for shame speak out, they would thank God more for a whore, or a successful gain, or the favour of their earthen ⟨p. 127⟩gods, or for preferment, or commodity, lands or houses, then ever they did for all the offers of Christ and grace, and all the invitations to a holy life. For there is much more joy and pleasure in their hearts for the former then the latter.
And their inferior Mercies of Health, and Wealth, and food, and rayment, and friends, and accommodations, they misesteem and misuse: and value them but as provision for the flesh, and the satisfaction of their sensual and inordinate desires, and not as their necessary provision for their duty in the way to Heaven! And therefore they are most thankfull for their greatest snares: For that honour and abundance which are stronger temptations, then they can overcome: For those fleshly contentments and delights, which are the enemies of grace, and the prison of their noblest faculties, and the undoing of their souls. If they could for shame speak out, they would thank God more for a whore, or a succesfull gain, or the favour of their earthen