A26955:293
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.
Do you think to be saved by all that devotion, which gives God but the leavings of the flesh and world, and by a Religion that gives him but the outer rooms (when pleasure and gain are next your hearts) and that makes him but an underling to your Covetousness and Ambition? Think so if you can, when you are gone hence.
Cannot the Preacher now make the ungodly to know that they are ungodly, the unsanctified to know they are but carnal, and the Pharisee to know that his Religion is Vain? Death can convince the awakened soul of all this in a moment.
You can choose whether you will believe us: but Death will so speak as to be believed. You must be Voluntary in knowing your misery now: but then you shall know it against your wills. You must open the ⟨p. 193⟩windows, or must open your eyes, if you will see your selves by the Light which we bring to you: But Death irresistibly throws open all. To say in pride and obstinacy, [I will not believe it] will now serve turn to quiet your consciences, and make you seem as safe as any: But when God saith You shall feel it, your unbelief is uneffectual: It can then torment you, but it can no longer ease you. There's then no room for [I will not believe it.] God can without a word persuade you of that which you were resolved you would never be persuaded of.
You can choose whether you will believe us: but Death will so speak as to be believed. You must be Voluntary in knowing your misery now: but then you shall know it against your wills. You must open the ⟨p. 193⟩windows, or must open your eyes, if you will see your selves by the Light which we bring to you: But Death irresistibly throws open all. To say in pride and obstinacy, [I will not believe it] will now serve turn to quiet your consciences, and make you seem as safe as any: But when God saith You shall feel it, your unbelief is uneffectual: It can then torment you, but it can no longer ease you. There's then no room for [I will not believe it.] God can without a word perswade you of that which you were resolved you would never be perswaded of.