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

And O that we could stop here, and could not remember you how faithfully and honestly some have seemed to love and obey the word of God, and to delight in the Communion of Saints, that by seducers have been brought to deny the divine authority of the Scriptures, and to turn their backs on all Gods public Ordinances of Worship, and excommunicate themselves from the Society of the Saints, and vilify or deny the works of the spirit in them! Little did these men once think themselves, whither they should fall, under the conceit of rising higher: And little would they have believed him that had told them, what a change they would make. Had these men known themselves in time, and known what Tinder and Gunpowder was in their hearts, they would have walked more warily, and its like have scaped the snare: but they fell into it, because they feared it not. And they feared it not, because they knew not or observed not, how prone they were to be infected.

And O that we could stop here, and could not remember you how faithfully and honestly some have seemed to love and obey the word of God, and to delight in the Communion of Saints, that by seducers have been brought to deny the divine authority of the Scriptures, and to turn their backs on all Gods publick Ordinances of Worship, and excommunicate themselves from the Society of the Saints, and vilifie or deny the works of the spirit in them! Little did these men once think themselves, whither they should fall, under the conceit of rising higher: And little would they have believed him that had told them, what a change they would make. Had these men known themselves in time, and known what Tinder and Gunpowder was in their hearts, they would have walkt more warily, and its like have scap't the snare: but they fell into it, because they feared it not. And they feared it not, because they knew not or observed not, how prone they were to be infected.

2. Little do many think in their adversity, or low estate, what seeds are in their hearts, which Prosperity would turn into very ⟨p. 295⟩odious, scandalous sins, unless their vigilancy, and a special preservation do prevent it. Many a man that in his shop, or at his plough, is censuring the great miscarriages of his Superiors, doth little think how bad he might prove, if he were in the place of those he censureth. Many a poor man that freely talks against the Luxury, Pride and Cruelty of the Rich, doth little think how like them he should be, if he had their temptations and estates. How many persons that lived in good repute for humility, temperance and piety, have we seen turn proud, and sensual and ungodly, when they have been exalted! I would mention no mans case by way of insulting or reproach: but by way of compassion, and in order to their repentance that survive, I must say that this age hath given us such lamentable instances as should make all our hearts to ache and fear, when we consider the crimes and their effects. Would the persons that once walked with us in the ways of Peace and Concord, and Obedience, have believed that man that should have fore-told them twenty years ago, how many should be puffed up and deluded by successes; and make themselves believe by the ebullition of pride,