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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.
2. When we are reproved of any disgraceful sin, how hardly goes it down, and how many excuses have we? how seldom are we brought to downright penitent confessions? What secret distaste is apt to be rising in our hearts, against the reprover! And how seldom hath he that hearty thanks which so great a benefit deserves! And would any think in our humiliations and large confessions unto God, that we were so proud! To know this by our selves, would make us more suspicious and ashamed to be guilty of it.
2. When we are reproved of any disgracefull sin, how hardly goes it down, and how many excuses have we? how seldom are we brought to downright penitent confessions? What secret distaste is apt to be rising in our hearts, against the reprover! And how seldom hath he that hearty thanks which so great a benefit deserves! And would any think in our humilations and large confessions unto God, that we were so proud! To know this by our selves, would make us more suspicious and ashamed to be guilty of it.
3. When any preferment or honour is to be given, or any work to be done that is a mark of dignity, how apt are we to think our selves as fit for it as any, and to be displeased, if the honour or employment do pass by us!
4. When we are admired, applauded, or excessively esteemed and loved, how apt are we to be too much pleased with it? ⟨p. 322⟩which showeth a proud desire to be some body in the world: and that there is much of this venom at the bottom in our hearts even when we lay our selves in the dust and walk in sackcloth, and pass the heavieest judgement on our selves.