A26955:664
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.
Dir. 4. Observe then the workings and discoveries of the heart, and judge of its abundance, or habits by your words and deeds. Note what you were when you had opportunity to sin, when the full cup of pleasure was held out to you, when preferment was before you, when injury or provoking words did blow the coal; If then sin appeared, judge not that you are free, and that none of the roots are latent in your hearts; Or if you are sure that such dispositions are hated, repented of and mortified, yet you may hence observe what diseases of soul you should chiefly strive against, to keep them under, and prevent a new surprise or increase. It is usual for such licentiousness, such self-seeking, such ugly pride and passion to break forth upon some special temptations, which for many years together did never appear to the person that is guilty, or to any other, that it should keep the best in fear and self-suspicion, and cause them to live ⟨p. 495⟩inconstant watchfulness, and to observe the bent and motions of their souls: and to make use afterward of such discoveries as they have made to their cost in time of trial.
Dir. 4. OBserve then the workings and discoveries of the heart, and judge of its abundance, or habits by your words and deeds. Note what you were when you had opportunity to sin, when the full cup of pleasure was held out to you, when preferment was before you, when injurie or provoking words did blow the coal; If then sin appeared, judge not that you are free, and that none of the roots are latent in your hearts; Or if you are sure that such dispositions are hated, repented of and mortified, yet you may hence observe what diseases of soul you should chiefly strive against, to keep them under, and prevent a new surprize or increase. It is usual for such licentiousness, such self-seeking, such ugly pride and passion to break forth upon some special temptations, which for many years together did never appear to the person that is guilty, or to any other, that it should keep the best in fear and self-suspicion, and cause them to live ⟨p. 495⟩inconstant watchfulness, and to observe the bent and motions of their souls: and to make use afterward of such discoveries as they have made to their cost in time of tryal.