A26955:462
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.
8. Another instance of unobserved corruption of the heart, is, The frequent and secret insinuations of selfishness in all that we do toward God or man: When we think we are serving God alone, and have cleansed our hearts from mixtures and deceit, before we are aware, self-interest, or self-esteem, or self conceit, or self-love, or self-will, or self-seeking do secretly creep in and mar the work. We think we are studying and preaching, and writing purely for God, and the common good, or the benefit of souls; and perhaps little observe how subtly selfishness insinuates, and makes a party, and biaseth us from the holy ends, and the simplicity and sincerity which we thought we had carefully maintained: so that we are studying and preaching, and writing for our selves, when we take no notice of it.
8. Another instance of unobserved corruption of the heart, is, The frequent and secret insinuations of selfishness in all that we do toward God or man: When we think we are serving God alone, and have cleansed our hearts from mixtures and deceit, before we are aware, self-interest, or self-esteem, or self conceit, or self-love, or self-will, or self-seeking do secretly creep in and marr the work. We think we are studying and preaching, and writing purely for God, and the common good, or the benefit of souls; and perhaps little observe how subtilly selfishness insinuates, and makes a party, and byasseth us from the holy ends, and the simplicity and sincerity which we thought we had carefully maintained: so that we are studying and preaching, and writing for our selves, when we take no notice of it.
When we enter upon any office, or desire ⟨p. 327⟩preferment, or riches, or honour in the world, we think we do it purely for God, to furnish us for his service, and little think how much of selfishness is in our desires.