[February 6th, 1853.]
I. Its nature. II. Its difficulties. III. The means of its attainments.
I. Its nature.
All the objects of knowledge are included under the two heads of ourselves and what is not ourselves, the me and the not me. The two divisions are not equal, though both are vast. Self-knowledge philosophically considered, is the science of anthropology, including our nature, as to the elements of its constitution, and its relations to God and the world; physiology, or the science of the , the sentient, living organism; the science of mind, or mental philosophy; the science of morals, or moral philosophy. Here are four of the widest and most difficult fields of human knowledge, all embraced under the head of knowledge of ourselves.
Practically considered, self-knowledge includes 1. A correct apprehension of ourselves as intellectual beings. 2. A correct view of our peculiar dispositions and traits of character. 3. A correct knowledge of our religious or spiritual state.
A. Knowledge of Ourselves Intellectually
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Correct view of our peculiar intellectual gifts. Men differ; some men have a talent for one thing, some for another, some for one pursuit in life, some for another. It is not true that this is acquired. It is of great importance to know ourselves in this respect, (a.) In order to decide our profession, (b.) In order to determine our field of labor. Great mistakes are often committed, in choosing a wrong profession or a wrong field of labor.
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A correct view of our relative ability. (a.) Some men underrate themselves. (b.) Some, and most, overestimate their talents. The one produces despondency, and the other, pride and vanity, and often egregious mistakes.
B. Knowledge of Character
- Of our natural dispositions. 2. Of our characteristic traits, as pride, vanity, irritability, selfishness, censoriousness, moroseness, obstinacy.
C. Knowledge of Our Spiritual State
- As to the reality of our conversion. 2. Our religious state, absolutely and relatively. Self-ignorance on these subjects is very common, as for example in the case of the Pharisees, the Papists and persecutors generally, fanatics of all classes. Real Christians are often under delusion.
II. Its difficulties.
They arise, 1. From the nature of the subject, the soul.
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From the perverting medium of self-love and sin.
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From the want of due attention.
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From a wrong standard of judgment, as to knowledge, character and religion.
III. Means of obtaining self-knowledge.
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Self-examination and constant watchfulness.
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The word of God as a light and a rule.
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The illumination of the Holy Spirit.
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Collision with our fellow-men.
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Providential trials revealing to us what we are.
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