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

The Hinderances of self knowledge are some of them without us, and some within us; and so must be the Helps.

I. The external Hinderances are these.

1. The failing of Ministers in their part of the work through unskilfulness or unfaithfulness, is a great cause that so many are ignorant of themselves. They are the Lights of the world: and if they are eclipsed, or put under a bushel; if they are darkened by the snuff of their own corruptions; or if they feed not their light by the oil of diligent studies and other endeavours; or if they will not go ⟨p. 403⟩•long with men into the dark and unknown corners of the heart, what wonder if mens hearts remain in darkness, when those •hat by office are appointed to afford them Light, do fail them? It is not a general dull discourse, or critical observations upon words, or the subtle decision of some nice and curious questions of the schools, (though these may be useful to their proper ends,) nor is it a neat and well composed speech about some other distant matters, that is like to acquaint a sinner with himself. How many sermons may we hear (that to others ends are not unprofitable) that are levelled at some mark or other, that is very far from the Hearers hearts, and therefore are never like to convince them, or prick them, or open and convert them? And if our congregations were in such a case, as that they needed no closer quickening work, such preaching might be born with and commended: But when so many usually sit before us, that must shortly dye, and are unprepared, and that are condemned by the Law of God, and must be pardoned or finally condemned: that must be saved from their sins, that they may be saved from everlasting misery, I think it is time for us to talk to them of such things as