A26955:530
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.
And do I need to tell you what a powerful incentive it is to Love, to know that you are beloved? It will make Christ much more dear to you, to know how dear you are to him. What is said of affective Love in us, may partly be said of attractive Love in Christ. Eccles. 8.7. Many waters cannot quench Love, neither can the floods drown it: no riches can purchase what it can attract; when you find that he hath you as a seal upon his arm and heart, v. 6. and that you are dear to him as the apple of his eye; what holy flames will this kindle in your breast! If it be almost impossible with your equals upon earth not to Love them that Love you (which Christ telleth you that even Publicans will do, Matth. 5.46.) how much more should the Love of Christ constrain us abundantly to Love him, when being infinitely above us, his Love descendeth, that ours may ascend! His Love puts forth the hand from heaven, to fetch us up.
O Christians, you little know how Satan wrongeth you, by drawing you to deny, or doubt of the special Love of God. How can you Love him that you apprehend to be your enemy, and to intend your ruin? Doubtless not so easily as if you know him to be your friend. In reason is there any likelier way to draw you to hate God, then to draw you to believe that he hateth you? Can your thoughts be pleasant of him? or your speeches of him sweet? or can you attend him, or draw near him with delight, while you think he hateth you, and hath decreed your damnation? you may fear him, as he is a terrible avenger; and you may confess his judgements to be just: but can you amicably embrace the consuming fire and love to dwell with the everlasting burnings!
O Christians, you little know how Satan wrongeth you, by drawing you to deny, or doubt of the special Love of God. How can you Love him that you apprehend to be your enemie, and to intend your ruine? Doubtless not so easily as if you know him to be your friend. In reason is there any likelier way to draw you to hate God, then to draw you to believe that he hateth you? Can your thoughts be pleasant of him? or your speeches of him sweet? or can you attend him, or draw near him with delight, while you think he hateth you, and hath decreed your damnation? you may fear him, as he is a terrible avenger; and you may confess his judgements to be just: but can you amicably embrace the consuming fire and love to dwell with the everlasting burnings!