A26955:40
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
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.
Postscript.
Madam,
Since the writing of this Epistle, finding you under the afflicting hand of God, thought meet to remember you of what •ou know, that God thus traineth up his children for their Rest: whom he Loveth, •e chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth: If we endure chastening, God dealeth with us as with children: •nd if we be without chastisement whereof […] are partakers, then we are bastards and •ot sons, Heb. 12.6, 7, 8. The same flesh ••at would be pleased, will grudge when it […] displeased: and that which is our enticing enemy in prosperity, will be our disturbing enemy in adversity: As fleshly •inds misjudge of the law and service of •od, and cannot be subject because of the amity against him, Rom. 8.7. so do they misjudge of his chastisements: And so far […] they participate of this disease, the best ••ll be repining, and tempted to unworthy noughts of God. Even innocent nature •oth to suffer; Christ himself saith, If it ⟨image 23⟩be thy will, let this cup pass from me: An• nature so far as it is corrupted, is yet muc more averse, because the Flesh is more inordinately desirous of its ease, and passion more turbulent when it is denied, and th soul hath less apprehension and relish […] that Love of God, which is the cause an End, and should sweeten all to a Reconciled well-composed mind: and it is also less satisfied in the will of God, and it is le subject to it: and patience is defective because of the weakness of the Graces th should support us. Besides which also, tenderness of spirit, and overmuch sensibility, fears and trouble, are ordinary effect of the weak and tender nature of ma especially of the more weak and tend sex: And when all these concur (t averseness of the most innocent nature, t remnants of sin, and the special tenderne of your nature and sex,) your burden and trial is much the greater, and yo grief must needs be much the mo But, I beseech you, remember, that yo have not to do with an Enemy, but a Fther that knoweth what he doth, a meaneth you no hurt, but that which is t fittest means to your good, and to yo scaping greater hurt; that loveth you […]