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

To this I answer: It cannot be denied but all this is too true; and it is matter of lamentation, and must send us to God with the old petition which Christ himself hath put into our mouths, Math. 9.37, 38. [The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.]

To this I answer: It cannot be denyed but all this is too true; and it is matter of lamentation, and must send us to God with the old petition which Christ himself hath put into our mouths, Math. 9.37, 38. [The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.]

But consider that this is no wonder, or unusual thing: For all this, there is no nation under heaven that hath more able faithful Ministers of Christ, then are in these Nations. Alas how much of the Church is guided by mere ignorant Readers! and how much by superstitious deceivers! Did you know the case of the poor Christians in the Ethiopian, the Greek, and the Roman Churches, you would bless God that it is so well with us: Even when the Church was in a narrower room, yet God complained, Jer. 12.10. [Many Pastors have destroyed my vineyard: they have trodden my Portion under foot: they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness: They ⟨p. 427⟩have made it desolate: and being desolate it mourneth unto me:] And Jer. 23.1, 2. [Woe be to the Pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my Pasture, saith the Lord: therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the Pastors that feed my people: Ye have scatted my flock and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold I will visit on you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.] And I will set up shepherds over them that shall feed them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed] Then was the Church fain to take up this lamentation,