A26955:295
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.
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.
This day while you all sit here in the body, you are every one affected according as you apprehend your state to be, whether it be indeed as you apprehend it, or not: But when Death hath opened you the door into eternity, you will be all affected with your conditions as they are indeed.