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

And hence it is that upright self-obs•••ving souls are so full in prayer, and […] to pour out their hearts so enlargedly •••fore the Lord, in confessing their sins, […] petitioning for grace, and opening th• necessities, and thanking God for spirit••• mercies! Some that are themselves acquai•••ed with themselves, and the workings […] grace, despise all this, and say, It is but […] ability to speak of the things which they […] most used to. I doubt not but mere acquired abilities and custom may advan•• some hypocrites, to pray in the language of experienced Christians. And I doubt no• but natural impediments, and want of use, an• of right education, may cause many to […] ⟨p. 171⟩convenient expressions, that have true de••res. But the question is, from whence it ••mes to pass, that so great a number of •hose that are most careful and diligent •or their souls, are so full in holy conference ••d prayer, when very few others that ex••ll them in learning and natural parts, •ave any such ability? And doubtless the •hief reason is, that the care and study of •hese Christians, hath been most about their spiritual estate; And that which they set •heir hearts upon, they use their tongues upon: Generally it cannot be imagined, why they should use themselves to those studies and exercises which procure those abilities, but that they highlyest esteem, •nd most seriously regard the matters that concern their salvation, which are the subject. I doubt not but God bestoweth his gifts upon men in the use of means, and that it is partly use that maketh men able and ready in these services of God: But what reason can be given, why one part of men use themselves to such employments, and another part are unable through disuse, but that some do set their hearts upon it, and make it their business to know themselves, their sins and wants and seek relief, when by the others all this is neglected.