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

Though it be usual in Dedications to proclaim the honour of inscribed names, and though the proclaiming of yours be a work that none are like to be offended at that know you, they esteeming you the honour of your ••x and nation; yet that you may see I intend •ot to displease you by any unsafe or unsavoury applause, I shall presume here to lay […] double dishonour upon you: The one by prefixing your name to these lean and hasty sermons: The other by laying part of the •ame upon your self, and telling the world ••at the fault is partly yours that they are •••blished; Not only yours I confess: For ⟨image 3⟩had it not been for some such auditors as Christ had, Luk. 20.20. and Mark 12.13. and for the frequent reports of such as are mentioned Psal. 35.11. I had not written down all that I delivered, and so had been uncapable of so easily answering your desires. But it was you that was not content to hear them, but have invited them to recite their message more publicly: as if that were like to be valued, and effectual upon common hearts, which through your strength of charity and holy appetite, is so with yours. My own thoughts went in the middle way; neither thinking as those that accused these Sermons of injurious tendency, against — I know not whom, or what. (that have been so long in contention, that they dream they are still contending, and fancy every word they hear, from those that their uncharitableness calleth adversaries, to signify some hostile terrible thing; as the scalded head doth fear cold water:) nor yet did I think them worthy to be tendered by such a publication to the world: But valuing your judgement, and knowing that the subject is of great necessity, though the manner of handling be dull and dry, I hope it may be profitable to some; and I find nothing in it to be hurtful unto any, an• ⟨image 3⟩