A26955:27
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.
Direct. 3. In judging of your present state and actions, let one eye be always on the end: This will both quicken you to be serious in the duty, and direct you in all particular cases to judge aright. As the approach of death doth convince almost all men of the necessity of studying themselves, and calleth them to it from all other studies; so the considerate foresight of it, would do the like in better time▪ And it is the End that communicateth th• Good or Evil to all things in the way: an• therefore as they have relation to the End ▪ ⟨image 15⟩they must be judged of. When you peruse your actions, consider them as done by one that is entering into Eternity, and as those that must all be opened in a clearer light. If we separate our actions in our considerations from their ends, they are not of the same signification, but taken to be other things then indeed they are. If the Oaths, the Lies, the Slanders, the Sensuality and filthiness of impure-sinners, had not relation to the loss of Heaven, and to the pains of Hell, they were not matters of that exceeding moment as now they are: And if the Holiness, Obedience and Watchfulness of believers, had no relation to the escaping of Hell fire, and the attainment of eternal life, they would be of lower value then they are. The more clearly men discern that God is present, that judgement is at hand, that they are near to Heaven or Hell, where millions have already received their reward, the more seriously will they study, and the better will they know themselves.
Direct. 3. In judging of your present state and actions, let one eye be alwayes on the end: This will both quicken you to be serious in the duty, and direct you in all particular cases to judge aright. As the approach of death doth convince almost all men of the necessity of studying themselves, and calleth them to it from all other studies; so the considerate foresight of it, would do the like in better time▪ And it is the End that communicateth th• Good or Evil to all things in the way: an• therefore as they have relation to the End ▪