A26955:532
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 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 ⟨p. 377⟩your interest in the Love of Christ.
12. It is the knowledge of Christ, dwelling in you, and so of the special Love of God, that must acquaint you with a life of holy Thankfulness and praise. These highest and most acceptable duties, will be out of your reach if Satan can hide from you that mercy which must be the chiefest matter of your Thanksgiving. Will that soul be in tune for the high Praises of the Lord, that thinks he meaneth to use him as an enemy? Can you look for any cheerful thanksgiving from him that looks to lie in hell? will he not rather cry with David, Psal. 6.5. [In death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? Psal. 30.9. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?] shall the damned praise thee, or shall they give thee thanks that must be scorched with the flames of thine indignation? Can you expect that Joy should be in their hearts, or cheerfulness in their countenances, or praises in their mouths, that think they are Reprobated to the fire of Hell? Undoubtedly Satan is not ignorant, that this is the way to deprive God of the Service which is most acceptable to him, and you of the pleasures