A26955:211
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.
8. And as to the Lords Supper, what work they are there like to make that are unacquainted ⟨p. 130⟩with themselves, you may conjecture from the nature of the work, and the command of self-examination and self-judging. Though some may be welcomed by Christ, that have faith and love, though they doubt of their sincerity, and know not themselves to be children of God; yet none can be welcome that know not themselves to be sinners condemned by the Law, and needing a Saviour to Reconcile and Justify them. Who will be there humbled at the feet of Grace, and thankful for a Redeemer, and hunger and thirst for Sacramental benefits, that knoweth not his own unworthiness and necessities? O what inestimable mercy would appear in a Sacrament to us, in the offers of Christ and saving grace, and communion with God and with his Saints, if our appetites were but quickened by the knowledge of our selves?
8. And as to the Lords Supper, what work they are there like to make that are unacquainted ⟨p. 130⟩with themselvelves, you may conjecture from the nature of the work, and the command of self-examination and self-judging. Though some may be wellcomed by Christ, that have faith and love, though they doubt of their sincerity, and know not themselves to be children of God; yet none can be welcome that know not themselves to be sinners condemned by the Law, and needing a Saviour to Reconcile and Justifie them. Who will be there humbled at the feet of Grace, and thankfull for a Redeemer, and hunger and thirst for Sacramental benefits, that knoweth not his own unworthiness and necessities? O what inestimable mercy would appear in a Sacrament to us, in the offers of Christ and saving grace, and communion with God and with his Saints, if our appetites were but quickned by the knowledge of our selves?
9. And I beseech you consider, whether all your studies, and learning and employments, be not irrational, preposterous and impertinent, while you study not first to know your selves? You are nearest to your selves, and therefore should be best acquainted with your selves. What should you more observe then the case of your own souls! and what should you know better then