in youth, it will naturally conclude, that there is no necessity to regard what was never inculcated upon it as a matter of importance then. Hence it will grow up into a difesteem of those things which are more essential to a wise and truly understanding man, than all those rudiments of fcience 'he brought with him from the school or college. It is melancholy to see, a young gentleman of shining parts, and a sweet disposition, who has gone thro' the usual course of academical studies, come out into the world under an absolute government of his passions and prejudices; which have increased with his learning, and which, when he arrives to a better acquaintance with human life and human nature, he is afhamed of; but perhaps is never able to conquer as long as he lives, for want of that assistance which he ought to have received in his education. For a wrong education is one of those three things to which it is owing (as an antient Christian and philofopher juftly observes) that fo few have the right government of their passions (h). I would (4) Eγγίνονlαι δε τα φαύλα παθη τη ψυχη δια τριων του1ων δια κακης αγωγης, εξ αμαθιως υπο καχεξιας μη αχθένες γαρ καλας εκ σαιδων ως δυνασθαι κραζεις των παθων εις την αμεριαν aut v Eu ajaloper. -Bad passions spring up in the at once to I would not be thought to depreciate any part of human literature, but should be glad to see this most useful branch of science, the knowledge of the heart, the detecting and correcting hurtful prejudices, and the right government of the temper and passions, in more general esteem ; as necessary form the gentleman, the scholar, and the Christian. And if there be any thing in this short treatise which may be helpful to students, who have a regard to the right government of their minds, whilst they are furnishing them with useful knowledge, I would particularly recommend it to their perusal. I have nothing farther to add, but to desire the reader's excufe for the freedom with which I have delivered my sentiments in this matter, and for detaining him fo long from his subject; which I now leave to his candid and serious thoughts, and the blessing of Almighty God to render it beneficial to his concerns both in the present life, and for all Eternity. THE b 2 the mind three ways; viz. thro' a bad education, great ignorance, or a disorder in the animal frame. Principally from a bad education. For if we have not been taught from our Child-hood to govern our paffons, with all possible care, they will soon come to have the government of us. Nemef. de Nat. Hom. pag. 182. CHAP. I. Page HE Nature and Importance of the T Subject. 13 23 CHAP II. We must know what Sort of Creatures we CH A P." III. God, to Christ, and our Fellow- CH A P. IV. of Life in which Providence hath placed CH A P. V. own Talents and Capacities; and in what 39 Page We must be well acquainted with our Inabi. lities, and those Things in which we are naturally deficient, as well as those in CH AP. VII. Concerning the Knowledge of our Constitu- The Knowledge of our most dangerous Temp- tations neceffary to Self-knowledge. Self-knowledge defcovers the secret Preju- The Neceffity and Means of knowing our Concerning the secret Springs of our Actions. 83 Every one that knoros himseif, is in a parti- cular Manner sensible how far he is go- verned by a Thirst for Applause. What Kind of Knowledge we are already furnished with, and what Degree of Es- Page Of our great and governing Views in Life. 126 How to know the true State of our Souls; Shewing the great Excellence and Advantage Self-knowledge the Spring of Self-poffeffion. 136 Self-knowledge leads to a wife and steady Humility the Effect of Self-knowledge. 143 Charity another Effect of Self-knowledge. 146 |