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

And also it will be very useful to desire often the help of more impartial judgements then your own: Fit enim nescio quomedo (inquit Cicero) ut magis in aliis cernamus, quam in nobis met ipsis, siquid delinquitur. Others can quickly spy our faults, as we can quickly find out theirs: Therefore as Poets and Painters do expose their works before they finish them, to the common view, that so what is blamed by many may be considered and amended; so should we in order to the judging of our selves, observe both what our friends and enemies say of us, and the more suspiciously try what others blame. But especially have some near judicious friends that will prudently and faithfully assist you. A true friend is an excellent looking-glass. Saith Seneca, Deliberate well first in the choosing of a friend, and then with him deliberate of all things.

And also it will be very useful to desire often the help of more impartial judgements then your own: Fit enim nescio quomedo (inquit Cicero) ut magis in aliis cernamus, quam in nobis met ipsis, siquid delinquitur. Others can quickly spie our faults, as we can quickly find out theirs: Therefore as Poets and Painters do expose their works before they finish them, to the common view, that so what is blamed by many may be considered and amended; so should we in order to the judging of our selves, observe both what our friends and enemies say of us, and the more suspiciously try what others blame. But especially have some neer judicious friends that will prudently and faithfully assist you. A true friend is an excellent looking-glass. Saith Seneca, Deliberate well first in the choosing of a friend, and then with him deliberate of all things.

And if you would have the benefits of friendship, discourage not plain dealing. Magis amat objurgator sanans (inquit August.) quam adulator dissimulans. I know a reprover should be wise, and love must be predominant if he will expect success; for if he speak laceráto animo, as Augustine saith, it will seem but punientis ⟨p. 485⟩impetus and not corigentis charitas.) But we must take heed of judging that we are hated, because we are reproved: that is, that a friend is not a friend, because he doth the office of a friend. Of the two it is fitter to say of a reproving enemy, He dealeth with me like a friend] then of a reproving friend, He dealeth with me like an enemy:] For, as Augustine saith, Accusare vitia officium est bonum, quod cum mali faciunt, alienas parts agunt] It is a good office to speak ill of vice, which when bad men do, they play another's part. It is a happy enmity that helpeth you to deliver you from sin and hell: and a cruel friendship that will let you undo your soul for ever, for fear of displeasing you by hindering it.