A26955:243
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.
3. We shall never attain to Rectitude or solid comfort and content, unless our studies go further then ourselves. For we are not the Rule to our selves, but crooked lines! and cannot know what is right and wrong, if we study not the Rule as well as ⟨p. 157⟩•ur selves. And alas, we are diseased, miserable sinners. And to be always looking on so sad a spectacle, can bring no peace or comfort to the mind. To be still looking on the sore, and hearing only the cry of conscience, will be but a foretaste of Hell. When we would be humbled and have matter of lamentation, we must look homeward, where the troubling thorns and nettles of corruption grow. But if we would be comforted and lift up, we must look higher, to Christ and to his promises, and to everlasting life: our garden beareth no flowers or fruits that are so cordial.
3. We shall never attaine to Rectitude or solid comfort and content, unless our studyes goe further then ourselves. For we are not the Rule to our selves, but crooked lines! and cannot know what is right and wrong, if we study not the Rule as well as ⟨p. 157⟩•ur selves. And alas, we are diseased, miserable sinners. And to be alwayes looking on so sad a spectacle, can bring no peace or comfort to the mind. To be still looking on the sore, and hearing only the cry of conscience, will be but a foretaste of Hell. When we would be humbled and have matter of lamentation, we must look homeward, where the troubling thorns and nettles of corruption grow. But if we would be comforted and lift up, we must look higher, to Christ and to his promises, and to everlasting life: our garden beareth no flowers or fruits that are so cordial.
This much I have spoke by way of Caution, 1. That you may not think I am driving you into the extreme of solitude, and confining or imprisoning you at home. 2. Because some scarce know how to avoid a fault, without running into another on the other side the way: nor how to understand the right use of a doctrine, but are turning it into an abuse, and building sin upon the foundation of righteousness.