A26955:673
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.
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 Should have added more on this necessary subject; but that I have said so much of it in other writings, especially in the Saints Rest, Part. 3. chap. 7. and in my Treatise of Self-denial, and in the Right Method for Peace of Conscience.
I must confess I have written on thi• subject as I did of Self-denial, viz with expectation that all men should confess the truth of what I say; and yet so few be cured by it of thei• Self-ignorance, as that still we must stand by, and see the world distracted by it the Church divided, the Love of Brethren interrupted, and the work of Satan carried on by error, violence, and pride; and the hearts of men so strangely stupefied, as to go on incorrigibly in all this mischief, while th• cause and cure are opened before them and all in vain, while they confess the truth! so that they wil• leave us nothing to do, but exercise our compassion by lamenting the deliration of phrenetick men, while we are unable to save the Church, their brethren, or their own souls, from the dilaceratious and calamitous effects of their furious self-ignorance ▪ But Christ that hath sent us with the light which may be resisted, and abused, and in part blown out, will speedily come with Light unresistible, and will teach the proud, the scornful, ⟨p. 503⟩the unmerciful, the self-conceited, the malicious, and the violent, so effectually to know themselves, as that no more exhortations shall be necessary for the reception of his convictions; nor will he or his servants any more beseech men to consider and know their sin and misery, nor be beholden to them to believe and confess it. See Jude v. 14.15. And is there no Remedy for a stupefied inconsiderate soul? Is there no prevention of so terrible a self-knowledge, as the Light of Judgement, and the fire of Hell will else procure? Yes, the remedy is certain, easy, and at hand: even to know themselves till they are driven to study, and seek and know the Father and his Son Jesus Christ: