A26955:85
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.
5. The very uprightness and sincerity of our own hearts, in Faith, Hope, Love, Repentance and Obedience, is usually unknown to Incipients, or young beginners in Religion; ⟨p. 9⟩and to the weaker sort of Christians, how old soever in profession, and to melancholy persons, who can have no thoughts of themselves but sad and fearful, tending to despair; and to lapsed and declining Christians; and also to many an upright soul, from whom in some cases of special trial, God seems to hide his pleased face. And though these infirmities are their shame, yet are they not the Characters or Prognostics of their misery, and everlasting shame.
5. The very uprightness and sincerity of our own hearts, in Faith, Hope, Love, Repentance and Obedience, is usually unknown to Incipients, or young beginners in Religion; ⟨p. 9⟩and to the weaker sort of Christians, how old soever in profession, and to melancholy persons, who can have no thoughts of themselves but sad and fearfull, tending to despair; and to lapsed and declining Christians; and also to many an upright soul, from whom in some cases of special tryal, God seems to hide his pleased face. And though these infirmities are their shame, yet are they not the Characters or Prognosticks of their misery, and everlasting shame.
6. The same persons must needs be unacquainted with their Justification, Reconciliation, Adoption, and Title to everlasting blessedness, as long as they are uncertain of they sincerity. Yea, though they uprightly examine themselves, and desire help of their Guides, and watch and pore continually upon their hearts and ways, and daily beg of God to acquaint them with their spiritual condition; they may yet be so far unacquainted with it, as to pass an unrighteous judgement on themselves, and condemn themselves when God hath justified them.
6. The same persons must needs be unacquainted with their Justification, Reconciliation, Adoption, and Title to everlasting blessedness, as long as they are uncertain of theie sincerity. Yea, though they uprightly examine themselves, and desire help of their Guides, and watch and pore continually upon their hearts and wayes, and daily beg of God to acquaint them with their spiritual condition; they may yet be so far unacquainted with it, as to pass an unrighteous judgement on themselves, and condemn themselves when God hath justified them.