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

3. How little are most Christians troubled for want of Love to men! (to Brethren, neighbours and enemies) how cold are their complaints for their defects in this, in comparison of other of their complaints! But is there not cause of as deep humiliation for this sin, as almost any other? It seems to me that want of Love is one of the most prevalent diseases among us, when I hear it so little seriously lamented. I oft hear people say, O that we could hear more attentively and affectionately, ⟨p. 325⟩and pray more fervently, and weep for sin more plenteously: But how seldom do I hear them say, O that we did love our Brethren more ardently, and our Neighbours and Enemies more heartily then we do, and set our selves to do them good! There is so little pains taken to bring the heart to the Love of others, and so few and cold requests put up for it, when yet the heart is backward to it, that makes me conclude that Charity is weaker in most of us then we observe. And indeed it appeareth so when it comes to trial: to that trial which Christ will judge it by at last, Mat. 25. When Love must be showed by any self-denial, or costly demonstration, by parting with our food and raiment, to supply the wants of others, and by hazarding our selves for them in their distress, then see how much we Love indeed! Good words cost little: so cheap an exercise of charity as is mentioned, Jam. 2.15, 16. [Depart in peace, be warmed, and filled] is an insufficient evidence of the life of grace; and will do as little for the soul of the giver, as for the Body of the receiver. And how little hazardous or costly Love is found among us, either to enemies, neighbours, or to Saints! Did we better know our hearts, there would ⟨p. 326⟩be more care and diligence used to bring them to effectual fervent Love, then to those duties that are of less importance; and we should learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, Mat. 9.13. & 12.7. which Christ sets the Pharisees twice to learn. More instances of greatest duties extenuated I might add, but I proceed.