A26955:531
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.
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!
O therefore as ever you would have the Love of God to animate, and sanctify, and delight your souls, study the greatness of his Love to you, and labour with all possible speed and diligence, to find that Christ by his spirit is within you. It is the whole work of sanctification that Satan would destroy or weaken by your doubts: And it is the whole work of sanctification that by Love would be promoted, if you knew ⟨p. 377⟩your interest in the Love of Christ.
O therefore as ever you would have the Love of God to animate, and sanctifie, and delight your souls, study the greatness of his Love to you, and labour with all possible speed and diligence, to find that Christ by his spirit is within you. It is the whole work of sanctification that Satan would destroy or weaken by your doubts: And it is the whole work of sanctification that by Love would be promoted, if you knew