A26955:580
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.
I answer, 1. Perhaps when they have resolved them, yet you would not be resolved. Have they not told you the truth and you would not believe it? Or directed you to Remedies which you would not use? They cannot when they have told you the truth, compel you to believe it; nor when they have told you what will do the cure, they cannot make you use it if you refuse.
I answer, 1. Perhaps when they have resolved them, yet you would not be resolved. Have they not told you the truth and you would not believe it? Or directed you to Remedies which you would not use? They cannot when they have told you the truth, compell you to believe it; nor when they have told you what will do the cure, they cannot make you use it if you refuse.
2. And what if the nature of the disease be obstinate, and will not be cured easily and at once, but with time and diligence and patience? Will you therefore think the means are vain? Must you at once, or in a short time, be resolved, and delivered from all your doubts, about your title to eternal life, or else will you cast off all advice? should you do so by your bodies, you may know what were like to be the issue: should your children learn thus of their teachers, they were like to make unhappy ⟨p. 423⟩Scholars. As you will not have done with Christ, if he cure you not at once, nor give over praying if you have not all your desires at once (if you love your selves) So you must not have done with the Counsel of your Guides, if they satisfy not your doubts at once: As you cease not hearing them in public, though you have still your doubtings; so why should you cease advising with them personally upon that account? Use Gods means, and be thankful, if by degrees they do the care, and prevail at last.
2. And what if the nature of the disease be obstinate, and will not be cured easily and at once, but with time and diligence and patience? Will you therefore think the means are vain? Must you at once, or in a short time, be resolved, and delivered from all your doubts, about your title to eternal life, or else will you cast off all advice? should you do so by your bodies, you may know what were like to be the issue: should your children learn thus of their teachers, they were like to make unhappy