The mischiefs of self-ignorance and the benefits of self-acquaintance opened in divers sermons at…

8. It is for want of self-acquaintance that any man is Proud. Did men considerately know what they are, how quickly would it bring them low? Would corruptible ⟨p. 25⟩flesh that must shortly turn to loathsome rottenness, be stout and Lordly and look so high and set forth it self in gaudy ornaments, if men did not forget themselves? Alas, the way forgets the end: the outward bravery forgets the dirt and filth within: the stage forgetteth the undressing room. Did Rulers behave themselves as those that are subjects to the Lord of all, and have the greatest need to fear his judgment, and prepare for their account: did Great ones live as men that know that Rich and poor are equal with the Lord, who respects not persons; and that they must Speedily be levelled with the lowest, and their dust be mixed with the Common earth; what an alteration would it make in their deportment and affairs? and what a mercy would it prove to their inferiors and themselves? If men that swell with pride of parts, and overvalue their knowledge, wit or elocution, did know how little indeed they know, and how much they are ignorant of, it would much abate their pride and confidence. The more men know indeed, the more they know to humble them. It is the Novices that being lifted up with Pride do fall into the Condemnation ⟨p. 26⟩of the Devil. 1 Tim. 3.6. They would loath themselves if they knew themselves.

8. It is for want of self-acquaintance that any man is Proud. Did men considerately know what they are, how quickly would it bring them low? Would corruptible ⟨p. 25⟩flesh that must shortly turne to loathsome rottenness, be stout and Lordly and look so high and set forth it self in gawdy ornaments, if men did not forget themselves? Alas, the way forgets the end: the outward bravery forgets the dirt and filth within: the stage forgetteth the undressing roome. Did Rulers behave themselves as those that are subjects to the Lord of all, and have the greatest need to feare his judgment, and prepare for their account: did Great ones live as men that know that Rich and poore are equall with the Lord, who respects not persons; and that they must Speedily be levelled with the lowest, and their dust be mixed with the Common earth; what an alteration would it make in their deportment and affaires? and what a mercy would it prove to their inferiours and themselves? If men that swell with pride of parts, and overvalue their knowledge, wit or elocution, did know how little indeed they know, and how much they are ignorant of, it would much abate their pride and confidence. The more men know indeed, the more they know to humble them. It is the Novices that being lifted up with Pride do fall into the Condemnation