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

And if men knew themselves, it would teach them on what terms to expect the hearing of their prayers. Neither to be accepted for their merits, nor yet to be accepted without that faith, and Repentance, and desire, that seriousness, humility, and sincerity of heart, which the very nature of Prayer to God doth contain or presuppose. He that nameth the name of Christ, must depart from iniquity, 2 Tim. 2.19. and must wash himself and make him clean, and put away the evil of his doings from before the eyes of God, and cease to do evil, and learn to do well; Isa. 1.16, 17. As knowing that though a Simon Magus must Repent and Pray, Acts 8.22. and the wicked in forsaking his way, and thoughts, and returning to the Lord, must seek him while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near] Isa. 55.6, 7. and the prayers of a humbled Publican are heard, when he sets his prayer against his sins; Yet if he would cherish his sin by prayer, and flatter himself into a ⟨p. 122⟩presumption and security in a wicked life▪ because he useth to ask God forgiveness; i• he thus regard iniquity in his heart, God will not hear his prayers, Psal. 66.18. and we know that such impenitent sinners God heareth not, John 9.31. And thus the prayers of the wicked as wicked, (which are not a withdrawing from his wickedness▪ but a bolster of his security, and as a craving of protection and leave to sin) are but an abomination to the Lord, Prov. 17.8. & 28 9. Ferrum prius extrahendum, The bullet, the thorn must be first got out, before any medicine can heal their wounds. Saith Augustine [Plus Deo placet latratus canum, mugitus boum, grunnitus porcorum, quan cantus clericorum luxuriantium] [The barking of dogs, the lowing of beasts, the grunting of swine, doth please God better then the singing of luxuriant Clergy men.] Did men know themselves, and who they have to do with in their prayers, they would not go from Cards, and Dice, and gluttony, and fornication, and railing, lying or reviling at the servants of the Lord, to a few hypocritical words of prayer, to salve all till the next time, and wipe their mouth, as if one sin had procured the forgiveness of another. Nor would they shut up a day