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

The chidings of Conscience are more friendly language then the flattery of your ignorant or proud associates: and should be more grateful to you then the laughter of fools, which is like the crackling of ⟨p. 199⟩thorns in the fire, (Eccles. 7.6.) Thy own home though it be a house of mourning, is better for thee then such a sinful house of mirth. Hear but what Conscience hath to say to you. No one will speak with you, that hath words to speak, which nearlier concern you. I beseech you, Sirs, be more frequent and familiar with Conscience then most men are. Think not the time lost, when you walk and talk with it alone. Confer with it about your endless state, and where you are like to be for ever; and what way you are in; and what thoughts you will have of your sins and duties, of the world and God, of yielding or overcoming at the last. Is there no sense in this discourse? Thou art dead and senseless if thou think so. Is idle talk and prating better? I hope you are not so distracted as to say so. If you have not blinded, deceived or bribed it, I tell you, Conscience hath other kind of discourse for you; more excellent and necessary things to talk of, then wantons, or worldlings, or pot-companions have. Its better be giving Conscience an account, what business thou hast had so often in such company; and how thou wouldst have looked, if death had found thee there? then without leave from from God or Conscience, to go thither again.

The chidings of Conscience are more friendly language then the flattery of your ignorant or proud associates: and should be more gratefull to you then the laughter of fools, which is like the crackling of ⟨p. 199⟩thorns in the fire, (Eccles. 7.6.) Thy own home though it be a house of mourning, is better for thee then such a sinfull house of mirth. Hear but what Conscience hath to say to you. No one will speak with you, that hath words to speak, which nearlyer concern you. I beseech you, Sirs, be more frequent and familiar with Conscience then most men are. Think not the time lost, when you walk and talk with it alone. Confer with it about your endless state, and where you are like to be for ever; and what way you are in; and what thoughts you will have of your sins and duties, of the world and God, of yielding or overcoming at the last. Is there no sense in this discourse? Thou art dead and senseless if thou think so. Is idle talk and prating better? I hope you are not so distracted as to say so. If you have not blinded, deceived or bribed it, I tell you, Conscience hath other kind of discourse for you; more excellent and necessary things to talk of, then wantons, or worldlings, or pot-companions have. Its better be giving Conscience an account, what business thou hast had so often in such company; and how thou wouldst have lookt, if death had found thee there? then without leave from from God or Conscience, to go thither again.