The several branches of self knowledge.

Page.

19

We

must know what sort of creatures we are, and
what we shall be.

CHAP. III.

The several relations in which we stand to God,
to CHRIST, and our fellow creatures.

CHAP. IV.

We must duly consider the rank and station of life
in which Providence hath placed us, and what it
is that becomes and adorns it.

CHAP. V.

Every man should be well acquainted with his own
talents and capacities, and in what manner they
are to be exercised and improved to the greatest
advantage.

CHAP. VI.

We must be well acquainted with our inabilities,
and those things in which we are naturally de-
ficient, as well as those in which we excel.

CHAP. VII.

29

36

50

54

56

Concerning the knowledge of our constitutional 59

sins.

CHAP. VIII.

The knowledge of our most dangerous temptations
necessary to self knowledge.

64

Every one that knows himself, is in a particular
manner sensible how far he is governed by a
thirst for applause.

CHAP. XIII.

68

81

87

89

What kind of knowledge we are always furnished
with, and what degree of esteem we set upon it. 93
CHAP. XIV.

Concerning the knowledge, guard, and govern-
ment of our thoughts.

CHAP. XV.

Concerning the memory.

CHAP. XVI.

CHAP. XVII.

Concerning the mental taste.

Of our great and governing views in life.

CHAP. XVIII.

How to know the true state of our souls; and
whether we are fit to die.

99

113

117

122

124

Self knowledge leads to a wise and steady conduct. 132

CHAP. XI.

Piety the effect of self knowledge.

Self knowledge teaches us rightly to perform the

144

148

150

153

duties of religion.

154

CHAP. XII.

We should have some regard to the opinions of
others, concerning us, particularly of our ene-
mies.

180

Frequent converse with superiors, a help to self

knowledge.

CHAP. V.

Of cultivating such a temper as will be the best
disposition to self knowledge.
CHAP. VI.

To be sensible of our false knowledge, a good step
to self knowledge.

CHAP. VII.

Self Inspection peculiarly necessary upon some
particular occasions.

CHAP. VIII.

To know ourselves, we must wholly abstract from
external appearances.

CHAP. IX.

The practice of self knowledge a great means to

promote it.

CHAP. X.

Fervent and frequent prayer the most effectual
means for attaining true self knowledge.

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189

191

196

199

207

TREATISE

OF

SELF KNOWLEDGE.

PART I.

CHAPTER I.

The nature and importance of the subject.

A DESIRE of knowledge is natural

to the mind of man. And nothing discovers the true quality and disposition of the mind more, than the particular kind of knowledge it is most fond of.

Thus we see that low and little minds are most delighted with the knowledge of trifles; as in children. An indolent mind, with that which serves only for amusement, or the entertainment of the fancy. A curious mind is best pleased with facts. A judicious, penetrating mind, with demonstration and mathematical science. A worldly mind esteems no knowledge like that A