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

Would one have thought that had read of Hezekiahs earnest prayer in his sickness, and the Miracle wrought to signify his deliverance (2 Kings 20.2, 3, 9.) and of his written song of praise, Isa. 38. that yet Hezekiahs heart should so deceive him, as to prove unthankful? You may see by his expressions his high resolutions to spend his life in the praise of God, Isa. 38.19, 20. [The living, the living he shall praise thee, as I do this day: The Fathers to the children shall make known thy truth. The Lord was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the Lord!] Would ⟨p. 300⟩you think that a Holy man, thus rapt up in Gods praise, should yet miscarry, and be charged with ingratitude? And yet in 2 Chron. 32.25. it is said of him [But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him: for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem.] And God was fain to bring him to a review, and humble him for being thus lifted up: as the next words show, ver. 26. Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart.] O Sirs, what Christian that ever was in a deep affliction, and hath been recovered by the tender hand of mercy, hath not found how false a thing the heart is, and how little to be trusted in its best resolutions, and most confident promises! Hezekiah still remained a holy faithful man: but yet thus failed in particulars and degrees. Which of us can say, who have had the most affecting and engaging deliverances, that ever our hearts did fully answer the purposes and promises of our afflicted state▪ and that we had as constant sensible thanksgivings after, as our complaints and prayers were before. Not I; with grief I must say, Not I, though God hath tried me many a time. Alas we are too like the deceitful ⟨p. 103⟩Israelites,