knowledge guideth the tongue understanding is a well-spring of life to him that hath it the heart of the wise teacheth his mouth and addeth learning to his lips that is as if he had said whereas a fooles heart is upon the tip of his tongue to vent and utter whatever he knoweth at all adventures a wise mans tongue is ordered and guided by his heart to keep and observe a decorum both in speech and silence And concerning actions Solomon bringeth in wisdom speaking thus in her own person saying Prov. 8.19 20. My fruit is better then Gold yea then fine Gold and my revenue then choyce Silver and then addeth a reason saying I lead in the way of righteousnesse and in the midst of the paths of judgement Now on the other side if thine eye be evill thy whole body is full of darknesse as a man that hath an ill sight a pearl in his eye or is pur-blind is oftentimes nay evermore deceived in his choyce and misseth his mark So he that hath his understanding darkned and dazzeled wanteth a right judgement to guide him in the worship and service of God the corruption of his own heart and proud flesh the sleights and suggestions of Satan and the evill examples of others with whom he liveth being as Gregory Nazianzen saith interposed between the eye of his mind and the light of the Gospel as a thick cloud or the shadow of the body of the earth between our eyes and the light of the Sun Now where this evill eye is there is nothing but darknesse and the fruits of it amazednesse horrour and confusion where understanding is wanting the whole life must be nothing but disorder knowledge in the soule is as a King in his Realm the head to the body the eye in the head a Pilot in a ship yea in a word as the Sun to the world now what truer mirrour of misery then a Realme without a King or Governour or whose King is a child not so much in years as in discretion as Rehoboam was and what can that body do that hath an head blind without eyes or that is still distempered fit for nothing but sleep what can be expected to become of a ship whose Pilot and guide is still stark drunk neither knowing nor caring how to guide her at Sea nor bring her to shore and what greater darknesse is there in the greater world then when the Sun the eye thereof hath run his race and is gone to rest untill his rising again as great disorder discomfort and confusion is there in a man without knowledge and spitituall understanding nay farre greater unlesse Jesus Christ the Sonne of Righteousnesse arise in it and shine upon it by the beames of his grace and favour 2. Knowledge is usefull to strengthen a man a knowing man is a strong man Eccles 7.19 a fool is a weak man wisdome strengthneth the wise more then ten mighty men that are in the City saith Solomon it will more support and strengthen a man then many great friends in Court or City it will strengthen a man in great straits Friends may faile a man and oftentimes do faile him but true wisdome doth not faile a man in the greatest straits it leadeth a man through the greatest difficulties and supports him under them to this purpose the Apostle prayeth that the Colossians might be filled with the knowledge of Gods will Colos 1.9 10 11. in all wisdome and spirituall understanding and increase in the knowledge of God that they might be strengthned with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulnesse Wisdome strengthens us rightly to use our spiritual armour both defensive and offensive as it is best for us and appointed to us When a great King besieged a little City and built great bulwarks against it there was found in it a poore wise man and he by his wisdome delivered the City then said I wisdom is better then strength Eccles 9.14 15 16. and verse 18. he addeth Wisdome is better then weapons of warre the Devill is like this great King that cometh against and besiegeth the little City of the soule buildeth great bulwarks against it but a poor Christian by wisdom delivereth his soule a man that knoweth his own weaknesse and wants that knoweth the necessity of grace that knoweth Jesus Christ to be the Fountain of wisdome and strength he goeth out of himselfe to Jesus Christ making use of the vertue of his death and resurrection to overcome all temptations unto sin 3. Knowledge doth exceedingly encourage a man and hearten him against all discouragements when a man knoweth God knoweth his service and knoweth what God requireth at his hands this doth exceedingly encourage a man upon the performance of his duty Paul saith 2 Tim. 1.12 I am not ashamed of my sufferings for the preaching of the Gospel and giveth this reason for I know whom I have believed and he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day When a man knoweth the will of God and walketh according to the light he hath received when a man knoweth the promises and his own interest in them this doth mightily encourage a man under sufferings when once we have gotten understanding of Christ and the Promises and Priviledges by him the heart is full of courage he knoweth then let God cast him into what state or condition he will that it shall go well with him this will make a man couragious in death it self What though I die yet saith he with Job Job 19.25 I know that my Redeemer liveth and in that he liveth he liveth for my good he is my life Col. 3.4 who is the life My life is bound up in him who is the Fountain of Life and because he liveth I shall live also Joh. 14.19 4. Knowledge is sweet and comfortable Eccles 11.7 light is sweet and it is a comfortable thing for a man with his eyes to behold the light of the Sun So when an ignorant soul is enlightened with the true knowledge of God and his wayes this is very comfortable What a comfort is it to come out of the dark dungeon of ignorance into Gods marvelous light the light of knowledge raiseth a drooping spirit Ignorance of God and of his Word ignorance of our selves also is the cause of much trouble of spirit when we are ignorant of our own estate and of our grounds of comfort It is the great design of the Devil to blind our eyes in soul-troubles that we may not see the Well of Comfort that runneth by us as poor Hagar that was ready to perish for thirst had not eyes to see the Fountain by her Now true knowledge leades the soul to the Promises to the waters of Comfort to the breasts of Consolation where he may suck and be abundantly satisfied Psalm 97.11 Light is sowen for the righteous and joy for the upright
not there define faith but onely describe it by one of the effects of it because it makes things clear and evident which it never saw as by faith we do believe the creation of the world though we never saw it sight and knoweldge is no hinderance of but a help to faith 1 Joh. 4.8 Visus est prima amoris linea Quisquis te cognoscit amat te plus quà m se venit ad te ut gaudeat de re Hinc est Domine ut non tantum diligo quantum debeo quia non plenè cognosco te quia parum cognosco parum diligo as Stephens faith was not any whit lessened but rather helped by his sight of Christ sitting at the right hand of God 2. Knowledge is the root of love he that loveth not knoweth not God saith the Apostle he that knoweth God most loveth him best therefore many men do not love him because they do not know him there be two feet on which we must walk to heaven saith one if ever we mean to come there viz. Faith and Love he that wants faith is lame on the right foot and he that wanteth love is lame on the left foot and both these follow after knowledge A man that knoweth God in Covenant and as an all-sufficient God cannot chuse but love him till a man knoweth Christ in the fulnesse of his perfections as Mediatour he cannot truly love him For as men naturally love the children of their own body so men are apt to dote upon the brats of their own brain and to be in love with their own imaginations till they come to know the Lord naturally man hath an operating fancy to set up somewhat in his understanding and in his heart above and besides God till he comes to a distinct knowledg of God in Christ It is true it is not knowledge that makes a man a good man but love and sanctified affections 1 Cor. 13.1 2. August Soliloqu cap. 1. for though I speak with the tongues of men and Angels and though I have the gift of Prophesie and understand all mysteries and all knowledge c. and have not love I am become as sounding brasse or a tinckling cimball and all this profiteth me nothing the devill and wicked spirits know much and yet have no love to God yet there can be no love to God where the knowledge of God is not 3. Knowledge is the root of obedience as soon as Abraham knew the Lord Gen. 12.1 Sit. 3.3 he obeyed the voyce of the Lord when God called him to get out of his countrey from his kindred and from his Fathers house the foolish and disobedient are put together by the Apostle disobedience springs from folly as obedience springeth from wisdom what is the reason 1 Cor. 2.14 the naturall man scorneth at the things of the spirit and they are foolishnesse to him it is because he cannot perceive the excellency of them Behold the fear of the Lord that is wisdom and to depart from evill Job 28.28 Haec irae impetum cahibet superbiae tumorem sedat that is understanding After true knowledge followeth obedience of the heart and life the end of learning The Commandement of God is obedience for if the end of all practicall knowledge be obedience then much more the end of the commands of God The knowledge of Christ is the only means to suppresse sin and vice 5. Knowledge is the only way to true happinesse 1. Tim 2.4 5. it is the will of God that all men should be saved saith the Apostle but how may some say he addeth in the next words and to come unto the knowledge of the truth and it is not only the way to true happinesse but it is true happinesse inchoate John 17.3 this is life eternall to know thee the only true God and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ saith our Saviour Moses first prayes to God Lord tell me thy name he beggeth acquaintance with God and then saith he afterwards Lord shew me thy glory they that be wise Dan. 12.3 shall shine as the brightnesse of the Fâ—rmament saith Daniel Revel 4.8 there are no ignorant fools in Emmanuels land Glorified creatures are said to be full of eyes within seeing eternal happinesse consisteth in vision they must be full of heavenly light and knowledge Now we know but in part but then shall we know as we are knowne 1 Cor. 13.12 6. Knowledge is very usefull and necessary to the soule 1. To direct and guide a man as God hath put the Sun and Moon in the Firmament to rule the day and the night so he hath put knowledge into the soul to guide and govern men in their practises and to dictate to them what is to be done what is to be avoyded A man without knowledge is like a blind man wanting a guide to direct him if the understanding be clear and good the man is safe but if the understanding be darkened then he falls into the pits of sin and errour Matth. 6.22 The light of the body is the eye saith our Saviour if therefore thine eye be single the whole body shall be full of light but if thine eye be evill thy whole body shall be full of darknesse The meaning is that as the eye is the light and guide of the body so is the understanding the guide of the soule and as the body followeth the fortune of the eye if the eye be single that is clear and good the whole body is full of light and every member will be able to do its proper work as if it had an eye in it but if the eye be evill or blinded then the whole body is full of darknesse that is every member mistaketh in its operations as the eye in the body guideth the feet how to walk and the hand how to work and every member how to do his part and duty and the whole body to decline and avoyd danger so rectified reason and a single eye will guide our wills and affections teaching them what to chuse and what to refuse and if the judgement be cleared from corrupt principles then the whole soule will be full of light and the whole life of man will be good for as where the eye is clear and quick-sighted the body is well guided so where the understanding and reason and judgement is rightly informed there the soule is well ordered otherwise there is nothing but disorder and confusion True knowledg will direct thy choyce to forsake the bad and follow the good to leave earthly things Eccles 9.15 Eccles 10.6 and cleave to heavenly Wisdome is Profitable to direct saith Solomon even as light directeth him in his way the knowledge of God in a saving way will make thee not to place happinesse in pleasing thy humour with the ancient Philosophers but it will make thee content with Paul to give over all to gain Christ Prov. 15.22 true
it followeth woe to the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given him 2. Hast thou been without the meanes of grace for 30 or 40 years past and lived in ignorance so long and wilt thou refuse the means of grace now it is offered thee in thy age thy sin will be double and thy condemnation will be the greater If I had not come and spoken to them they had not had sin but now they have no excuse for their sin saith our Saviour if thou hadst allways been without the means of knowledge thou mightest have pleaded Joh. 15.22 Lord had I known thy will I would have done it but now Christ by his messengers hath spoken to thee and yet thou art ignorant and prophane thou hast no excuse for thy sin it is the sadning of many a Ministers heart to see the blockish ignorance that is among their people and that few or none will come to them to be instructed what thronging is there to the chambers of Lawyers for their advice and counsel touching mens outward estates what running after great men to get offices and places of preferment what posting to Physitians for advice if the body be sick and a little out of frame If an indulgent Father have his only son lie very sick by him how earnest is he in enquiring of the physitian what he thinks will become of his poor child and whether there be any hopes of his recovery but the precious soul that is more worth then the whole world as our Saviour intimateth to us this is neglected and never lookt after when shall you see a man or woman come to a Minister and say O Sir what shall I do to be saved I am a poor ignorant creature I pray teach me good judgement and knowledge and cause me to understand the feare of the Lord shew unto me the way of salvation but with grief I speak it we may sit till we freez before people will come to us on such an errand Most people will never send to a Minister till the Physitian leaves them and death stands ready to take them and then a Minister is called to come to them to speak some words of comfort to their languishing soules and what hard censures are past upon a Minister if he will not pronounce them then to be meet partakers of inheritance among the Saints in light who have walkt in darknesse all their life we dare not speak peace to those to whom God speaks nothing but wrath and indignation lest we bring that curse upon us in Deut. Deut. 27.18 27.18 Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of his way what a terrible curse would light upon us if we should now seal you up for Gods Kingdom when you know not one step of the way that leadeth thither let me tell you if you die without knowledge you die in your sins and as death takes thee so shall judgement find thee and then they that said unto the Almighty in their life depart from us we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes they I say shall hear God saying to them at their death depart from me I know ye not ye workers of iniquity or I never knew you to this day you that have hated the light of knowledg the light of grace shall be for ever without the light of life We read in the Gospel of one that went not into the Vineyard till the 11th hour of the day but did he refuse to go into the Vineyard when he was called surely no do you think it had been a tolerable excuse for him to have answered Christ when he was called It is now too late I am an old man at the last part of my life the better part of my life is spent and gone I can do thee but little service now and have but a little time to get the saving knowledge of thy will I will therefore shift as well as I can for that little time that remaineth as I have done to this day therefore trouble me not now you see he maketh no such excuse but as soon as ever he is called upon to know and turn to the Lord he goes into the Vineyard And now if God open thine eyes in thine old age thou wilt bitterly lament that thou wast no sooner acquainted with God and his ways August Meditat. as Austin did who meditating on the knowledg of God brake forth into such words as these Alas O Lord that I knew thee no sooner I have begun very late to love thee a beauty very ancient a beauty very new Too late have I begun thou wast within and I sought for thee without and have cast my self with such violence upon these created beauties without knowledge of my Creatour to defile thy self daily more and more 3. Dost not thou think thy condition to be dangerous because thou art not sensible of thy danger persons oftentimes in the greatest danger are least sensible of their danger as men that are sick of a phrensie will sometimes laugh and sing and those that are stung with an asp they lye laughing the poison being of that nature as it killeth them without putting them to any present pain these men are insensible of the dangerous estate they are in and their friends knowing in what condition they are do weep to see them laugh so it fareth with them that are sick of the phrensie of sin and ignorance and poisoned with the venome of the old Serpent they are many times at the brink of the pit of destruction they are at hell-mouth and do drop into hell it self before they fear any danger and like the Syrian souldiers that were smitten with blindnesse in the midst of Samaria 2 Kings 6.20 before they knew where they were he that should by night travel over a narrow bridge Sapientis est non quae ante pedes sunt modo videre sed etiam quae futura sunt prospicere Seneca under which were a deep river or go upon the edge of a very steep hill from which if he should have fallen he must needs be drowned in the one and break his neck from the other he goes on without fear but let him be brought back in the morning and shewed what danger he escaped and it will make him even to tremble to think of the greatnesse thereof and then he will stand like a man amazed and wonder he should escape so iminent a danger so all the while thou walkest in darknesse thou knowest not where thou goest nor whither thou art going An ignorant sinner is every moment ready to drop into the infernal pit Judg 20.34 and when he is near to destruction yet like the Benjamites he knoweth not that evil is near him But if ever the Lord open his eyes by the light of his word and spirit then he will stand amazed and wonder at the goodnesse of God towards him he
will then tremble to think of the danger he hath escaped therefore the Apostle calleth the light of grace marvellous light because when God brings a man out of the dungeon of darknesse into the true light 1 Pet. 2.9 every thing is then to the poor soul very marvellous and full of admiration 4. thou sayest thou art not sensible of any danger in an ignorant estate no marvel for thou art dead and dead men are senselesse men the dead know nothing Paul tells us Ephes 4.18 that those that have their understanding darkened are alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them there is no life in the soul without knowledge spiritual knowledge is as it were the seed of true life in the soul and it maintaineth the life thereof and as the body is dead without the soul so the soul is dead without saving knowledge therefore being spiritually dead thou must needs be insensible of thy danger and so thou thinkest thou art in a good estate but hear O thou dead and sottish soul what the Lord saith unto thee this day Ephes 9.14 out of his word Awake thou that sleepest and stand up from the dead and Christ shall give thee light he doth not say Christ shall give thee life but Christ shall give thee light i. e. the light of knowledge if thou wilt awake from thy pleasing sleep and slumber Let me beseech you then if you love your souls labour to know God betimes even in your youth that is a commendable youth that is old in grace and savoureth of the wisdom of the Ancient of dayes happy is he whom Gods effectual grace saluteth at his Cradle whose spirit is Gods candle to discern youthful lusts and vanities so as to avoid them If we know God when we are young we shall not be strangers to him when we are old see thou that thy lampe be ready whensoever the Bridegroom passeth by thee make not that the task of thy Age which should be the practise of thy whole life you know by experience that a ship the longer it leakes the harder it is to be emptied an house the longer it goes to decay the worse it is to repair a nail the further it is driven in the harder it is to draw out again and can we perswade our selves that the trembling joynts the dazeled eyes the fainting heart and failing legs of a decrepit and indisciplinable old age is able to repair the many ruines which so many years ignorance have brought upon us Are there not twelve hours in the day saith our Saviour If any man walk in the day he stumbleth not John 11.9 10. because he seeth the light of this World but if a man walk in the night he stumbleth because there is no light in him It is no wisdom to defer to get the knowledge of God Non semper manet in foro pater-familias August Greg serm 1. de sanctis till old age cometh which usually brings with it a bedroll of follies to repent of no wisdom to post off this knowledge to the last hour the Lord of the Vineyard is not alwayes in the Market to set thee a work saith Austin and no marvel saith another Father if that man at the last gaspe forget himself who in all his life neglected to remember God Object 3 Others are ready further to object We have neither time nor leisure to get knowledge one saith I am in great trading and have a great many servants and much businesse in my hands to look after And another faith I have a great charge of children at home to look to and provide for and I cannot go abroad nor spare any time to get knowledge I live altogether by my labour I can spare no time for such occastons Resp 1 It is not multiplicity of businesse nor weightinesse of affairs that can excuse any mans ignorance and therefore those that are in the highest places and have the management of the greatest affairs are charged to know the Lord and to study his Word Who hath greater affairs than a King yet even Kings are commanded to know the Lord thus David chargeth Solomon his son now entering upon the Regal Dignity And thou Solomon my son 1 Chron. 28.9 know thou the God of thy Father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind Kings and great Personages are to take care of Religion and Gods Service which they cannot do without the knowledge of the Lord therefore God charged Moses that the King that should rule his people after him should take a copy of his Law Deut. 17 18 191 and write it in a Book and keep it by him and read therein all the dayes of his life that he might learn to fear the Lord his God and to keep all the words of that Law and his Statutes to do them So God commandeth Joshua the Captain and General of the Armies of Israel The Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shalt meditate therein day and night Josh 1.8 that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good successe And according to the direction of God to Moses Samuel upon the election of Saul their first King 1 Sam. 10.25 having declared to the people the manner of the Kingdom wrote it in a book and laid it up before the Lord where no doubt the King might repair to it or have a copy taken out of it for his private instruction Herein doubtlesse Jehojada the Priest 2 Kings 12.2 instructed King Jehoash this Book surely had lien neglected by the space of 57 years viz. the time of Manasses and Amnon the Father and Grandfather of King Josiah for in his time we read that Helkias the High-Priest told Saphan the Scribe That he had found the Book of the Law which he took and read first by himself and afterwards before the King whose heart melted at the hearing of it 2 Reg 22.8 9 10 11 because his Predecessours had neglected the Law and not hearkened to the words of that Book to do it Thus you see it is not weighty affairs that must hinder men from the knowledge of the Lord. Therefore Christ upbraides Nicodemus for his ignorance Joh. 3.10 Art thou a Master of Israel and knowest not these things Ignorance of God and of the things of God in them that are Rulers is a very great sin those that rule over others are to defend the true Religion and the truths of Christ and those that are professors thereof now this they be not able to do unlesse they have knowledge to discern between truth and falshood Now as weighty affairs so neither must multiplicity of businesse hinder us from attending on the means of knowledge to this purpose our Saviour gives Martha a check that she was cumbred with too
if thou wantest the riches of true knowledge men may welter upon their Gold like Heliogabalus as Lampridius and Herodian report of him and yet for spiritual knowledge have hearts like stones and heads like beetles and be beggers in the midst of their abundance destitute of all heavenly riches of riches towards God Prov. 3.14 The merchandise of wisdom is better then the merchandise of silver and the gain thereof then fine Gold Merchants that trade for silver and gold bring in much profit but the merchandise of wisdom is better and more profitable My fruit is better then Gold yea then much fine gold saith wisdome It brings in peace of conscience it filleth the heart with unspeakable joy Prov. 8.16 it comforts the soul in the greatest distresse this is the fruit that groweth upon the tree of Knowledge 3. 1 Tim. 6.20 Haec scientiarum nobilissima scientia nobilissima eorum It far transcendeth all other kind of knowledge other knowledge compared with this knowledge is but as the Apostle saith Science falsely so called what will it avail a man with the Grammarian to be able to speak write purely and use elegant phrases in his words if he want the knowledge of God to direct him to live purely and holily for want whereof he committeth many soloecismes and absurdities in his works and actions what comfort can it afford a man to have been a fine Rhetorician and eloquent Oratour and having used many pleasing words to men if in the mean time he want a light within him to shew him how to do those things that are pleasing to God what will it help the Musitian to have had a tunable tongue with an untunable heart what will it posit the Logician to be able to dispute subtilly if he be gravelled and set Non-plus in the Devills sophistry what will it help the Lawyer to be able to prescribe to others the rules of equity and himself to live in the practice of all iniquity what good will it do to the Geometrician to know the measure and compasse of the whole earth and not to know and consider that himself must shortly return to the earth what will it advantage the Astronomer to have his eyes lifted up to heaven if he be ignorant of the God of heaven and his heart be groveling upon the earth what will it help the Arithmetician to be cunning and skilfull in numeration addition substraction multiplication division and all the severall branches of that Science Psal 90.12 if in the mean time he forget Moses numeration and never pray unto God to teach him to number his dayes and to apply his heart unto wisdom or Zacheus division in restoring what he had ill gotten to the right owners and disposing of what he had to spare of what he had well gotten to the poor and needy members of Christ what is a man profited with the Physician to know the state and constitution of other mens bodies and yet be ignorant how it fares with and what shall become of his own poor soul In a word if we were so well read in histories and had such firm and sure memories as that we could discourse of the affaires of all forreign and farre Countries as Turkie Persia the East and West Indies c. and in the meane time be strangers at home not knowing how things go in that Microcosme or little world of our selves it would but little profit us what if we could describe as in a Map or Table the warres of the Trojans Grecians Romans Turks and Persians and in the mean time be ignorant that we have a politick powerful mighty and malicious Adversary to encounter with our selves as Peter tells us 1 Pet. 5.8 yea that he useth treachery and treason against us being in league with our owne flesh which he stirreth up to rebell against the good motions of the spirit and make us yeeld our selves to be his Slaves and Vassals Beloved all these knowledges in their kind are good and commendable and good ornaments to those that have attained them and may be means to fit and furnish men to be more serviceable to Church and common-wealth but they must all be subordinate and stoop to this most excellent knowledge the knowledge of God in Christ Compare this excellent knowledge with other knowledges contained in the writings of Philosophers and other humane authours and you will find it so far to excell and exceed them all as heaven doth the earth Chrysost Homil. 4. in 1 Cor. Vitrea argumenta quae subtilitate lucent vaintate franguntur August and you will find it so far to excell and exceed them all as heaven doth the earth for their discourses and disputations be but like spiders webs many times so subtill as we scarce conceive the reason of them yet withall so light as they yield no comfort or content when we do conceive it and as Austin saith their arguments are glassy which shine with subtilty and are broken with vanity They discourse of knowledge and dispute thereof and yet still remain blind and ignorant as Bats or Beetles in respect of the main and chief knowledge the knowledge of God and Christ 1 Cor. 2.2 Paul determined to know nothing else save Jesus Christ and him crucified These men discourse and dispute of happiness and yet remain themselves most miserable being so far from enjoying it as few or none of them ever truly knew what it was they talk of the truth but many of them are liars they talk of vertue and yet remain most vitious briefly we may say of all their speculations and curious Arts and Sciences without the saving knowledge of God in Christ which none of them ever attained unto by the Moon-light of nature that it was but docta quaedam ignorantia Scientia optima non solùm quae doctiores sed quae meliores homines efficit Bernard a kind of learned ignorance or ignorant kind of knowledge as Austin calleth it at least nothing worth in comparison of this heavenly knowledge for as Bernard hath noted that is the best knowledge not onely which makes men more learned but better and more holy All riches in comparison of this is but drosse and rubbish all wisdom in comparison of this is but foolishnesse 4. Knowledge is the Mother-grace 1. It is the Mother of faith If a man know God he will believe and trust in him They that know thy name will trust in thee Psal 9.10 we have known and believed saith the Apostle 1 John 4.16 Bellarmine saith Whosoever sees the Son and believes in him shall have everlasting life Joh. 6.40 that Faith ariseth from ignorance rather then from knowledge because saith he Faith is the evidence of things not seen but I say we first know a thing before we can believe now whereas the Apostle Heb. 11.1 saith Faith is the evidence of things not seen you are to understand that the Apostle doth
much worldly businesse Martha Martha Luke 10.41 42. thou art careful and troubled about many things but one thing is needful Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her 1 Pet. 4.9 Math. 25.34 In which speech of his he doth not simply condemn Martha for giveing him entertainment and a friendly welcome for hospitality is a commendable quality as appeareth in Abraham Gen. 18. and Lot Gen. 19. and the Widow of Sarepta 1 King 17. and the Shunamite 2 Kings 4. but onely lets us see that he had rather be entertained into our hearts than our houses Et attentè audiri potiùs quam lautè tractari He had rather have his Doctrine hearkened to diligently than his person feasted dain tily and therefore he tells Martha one thing is necessary Tempus audiendi tempus atendi Calvin viz. to hearken to his word whereby she might be made wise to salvation there is a time of getting knowledge as well as a time of getting riches wherefore else do we hear the word but that we may learn to know what to do and to do what we know now as Martha and Mary be Sisters so they must not justle but help one another saith Macarius Seek first the Kingdom of heaven and labour after that knowledge that leads to true happiness let every thing have its right place Government and ordering houshold-affairs I condemn not and making provision for temporal things but every thing must be moderated and reduced to the right order 2. Thou complainest thou wantest time to get knowledge is not this a vain plea in many men they can find time enough to be Idle time enough to go to the Alehouse and be drunk time enough to keep vain and wicked company and to break the Sabbath time enough to hunt after sensuall pleasures and vain recreations and when carnal and prophane persons meet together how much time will they spend in idle vain frothy and rotten Communication and yet can find no time for but think it a disgrace to talk and confer of the word of God the Lord commands us to keep his words in our hearts to teach them diligently to our children Deut. 6.6 7. to talk of them in our houses when we sit down when we walk by the way when we lye down and when we rise up What! have we time enough to eat and drink and to rise up to play and follow our sports and recreations have we time enough to provide for our bodies and for our families have we time enough to pamper our flesh and indulge our lusts and cannot we spare a little time to get saving knowledge for the good of our immortal soules do you not know that Christ hath said if you first seek the Kingdom of God and the righteousnesse thereof and take care for the good of your soules that God will take care for all other things for you Matth. 6.32 33. which you stand in need of your heavenly Father knoweth that you need these things and he hath promised if you seek Gods Kingdom first these things shall be added to you Object 4 Others are ready to object and say you tell us of getting knowledge we have had a poor and mean education and been but little instructed in the way to get knowledge and we find it a very hard and difficult thing for we read he that will get knowledge must seek for it as silver and dig for it as for hidden treasure he must take abundance of pains to obtain it Resp Men do frame more difficulties to themselves about the attaining of knowledg then they have cause men might as easily learn the plain principles of Religion as they might learn to play at Cards and Chesse if they were as willing to learn the one as they are to learn the other but the plain truth is as Peter speaks of these things men are willingly ignorant they are slothfull and sluggish and not willing to take any pains to get the knowlege of God Prov. 22.13 the sluggard cries out there is a Lyon in the way I shall be slain in the streets and therefore he will take no pains to get knowledge mark what the wise man saith Knowledge is easie to him that understandeth Prov 14.6 or to him that hath a mind to know the Lord it is very easie the yoke of Christ is easie and his burden is light So that it is a groundlesse fear in many men to think that the knowledge of God and of the mysteries of salvation is a thing so difficult to attain let me tell you that you must take some pains to get knowledge Nil tam difficile est quod non solertia vincat but if you be willing to put your hands and hearts to the work it will the more easie if you watch daily at wisdomes gates and wait at the posts of her dores then shall you find it more easie to you then you can imagine what shall men spend much time and pains to get gold and silver out of the earth shall covetous wretches toil and moile to get a little worldly riches and shall we not take a little pains to get that which is better then all riches for the merchandise of it is better then the merchandise of silver and the gain thereof then fine gold Prov. 3.14 the sweet pleasure and inestimable profit that you will reap by it will farre exceed all your pains and labour let me adde by way of encouragement to you to take some pains to get knowledge that if the salvation of your soules be necessary then the knowledge of God is necessary without which you cannot be saved If therefore a man will take heed to what he reads and hears Encline his heart unto wisdom and understanding and hide the knowledge of God in his heart and ponder upon what he readeth and heareth that were the way to get knowledge It is incredible to those that never made triall to what abundance of spiricuall knowledge a poor plain man a common and ordinary person may attain unto Ephes 3.4 and what understanding he shall have in the mystery of Christ if he be diligent in the use of the means to acquire heavenly knowledg Object 5 But ignorant persons are apt further to object and say What needs all this running after Sermons and reading and studying of the Scriptures if we can but say our Belief and the Lords Prayer and the ten Commandements we know as much as we need to know and as much as all the preachers of the world can tell us and we know and are told that if we can but love God with all our hearts and our neighbours as our selves it is enough and this we are instructed in and what need we to know any more Resp If a man should speak of any Art or Science in the world and should discourse of the great skill and long experience that is requisite to make a
understandings that hath the key of David that in some measure you may be able to comprehend Divine Mysteries that they may not be as a sealed book unto you Esay 29.9 10 11. Pray further with David Psal 8611 Teach me O Lord thy way and I will walk in thy truth As God hath set a course to the Heavens with all their Hosts the Sun Moon and all the Stars and as he hath set the Sea his bounds which he must not passe without his permission yea special injunction So he hath not left man at liberty to do what he listeth but hath appointed him a way to walk in instructing him in the knowledge of himself this appeareth in that presently after he had made our first Parents Adam and Eve he gave them divers directions how to order and carry themselves 1. By sanctifying a Sabbath and resting from their labours the seventh day as God did from his Genes 2.2 3. 2. By dressing and keeping the Garden Genes 2.15 3. By abstaining from and not medling with the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge Genes 2.17 Then after their Fall and expulsion out of Paradise he taught them how to worship him and serve him which instructions doubtlesse he imparted to his posterity else what can we imagine should move his sons Cain and Abel Gen. 4. to offer sacrifice and afterwards he instructed Noah before the coming of the Flood to prepare an Ark wherein to preserve himself and Family with a certain number of all kind of creatures whereby the species and kinds might be preserved and the world renewed Genes 6.14 ad finem Then after the Flood he instructeth them what they should eat and from what they should abstain Genes 9.3 4 Afterwards he instructeth Abraham and gives him as it were an Epitome or abridgement of his whole worship and service saying I am God Almighty walke before me and be perfect Genesis 17.1 Again in the same Chapter he gives him particular instructions concerning Circumcision and in divers other places about other matters and thus in a continued Series Rank and Succession he hath from time to time taught his people first by Moses and afterwards by his other Prophets as he tells us Hosea 8.12 So Micah 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what the Lord doth require of thee c. Now if any one shall demand where this duty is shewed he may finde it Deut. 10.12 13. You see then that from the beginning man hath not been left to himself but been instructed by God in the way wherein he should go Direct 4 Be conversant in the Scriptures which are the rules of knowledge he that will be a Physitian must learn the precepts that teach Physick he that will be a Musitian must learn the rules of Musick the Oratour must learn the rules of Rhetorick the Plough-man the rules of husbandry and so every man the rules of his profession or else he shall never be a proficient in his Art or Science nor be accounted a Crafts-man that is ignorant of the principles of his Craft even so no man can attain to the practice of those duties that belong to a Christian that is ignorant of the rules of the Word he that is ignorant of the Scriptures is ignorant of Christ Qui Scripturam ignorat Christum ignorat Hieron praefat in Isaiam saith Hierome It is a most happy ignorance saith Hilary which rather deserves reward then pardon when a man trusteth to the Scriptures in that he cannot comprehend therefore let me exhort you to study to read the Scriptures they are able to make you wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 read them frequently it is recorded of Alphonso King of Spain that he read over the Bible with Lyra's glosse and notes upon it fourteen times notwithstanding his other employments and of Anthony an Egyptian Monke August lib. 1. de doct Christ Dom. 5. post Epiph. of whom Austine in his first book de doctrina Christianâ saith that though he had no learning yet by often hearing the Scriptures read and meditating upon what he heard he learned much of them without book and attained a competent measure of understanding and knowledge Comparate vobis Biblia animarum pharmaca Chrysost homil ad pop Antioch Chrysostome thus exhorts the people of Antioch Get ye Bibles the Physick of your soules read them often for there you may find a salve for every sore a medicine for every spiritual malady here is the bread of life that must feed our hungry souls here is the light that must direct and guide us in the way to heaven as Bishop Cranmer in his Preface before the Bible The Book of God is the treasure of knowledge Hieron epist ad Paulin. Singuli libri singula fercula Anbros offic lib. 1. cap. 22. as Hierom speaks Convivium sapientiae a banquet of wisdom so many books so many messes the Scriptures are saith Doctor Sutton like to Tagus in Lusitania or Ganges in India which the Scripture calleth Pishon whose very sand and gravell is gold but when an ignorant man seeks Christ in them he falls into many Labyrinths like the Jewes and loseth himself when he should feast at this table his meat becomes his poyson the savour of it killeth him because it is the savour of death to him when he seeks for gold he is blind-folded and falls into a pit for the vaile is over his face 2 Cor. 3.5 that which should be his Pilot is like an ignis fatuus to seduce mislead him most men desire to be conversant in those Authours that treat of good arguments for the ripening of their knowledge and therefore many are delighted in history which doubtlesse is a very commendable study and the more comendable if men propound to themselve the Acts of these famous and honourable personages of whom they read not only to be admired but also to be imitated and followed as occasion shall be offered Some men are so given to the search of antiquity and finding out of nice quirks and quaint distinctions as they will take infinite toile to read Manuscripts and rude dunstieall Writers whereby they have lost even the habit of writing and speaking handsomely themselves others again are so delighted and carried away with a delicate smooth phrase and fluent stile as they will vouchsafe even to read most obscene Authours for their matter good for nothing but for the dung-hill to learn a good phrase and composition of speech Now if you defire both excellent matter and eloquent words then read the Scriptures diligently and when you have so done tell me what learning there lacketh To begin with that which every one makes most reckoning and account of and how deservedly I will not dispute I mean the Law if ever thou meanest to be a good Lawyer have recourse to the Law of God the ground of all humane Lawes and observe what Lawes were moral and perpetual binding all people
Why say the Scribes that Elias must first come So likewise Nicodemus saith How can these things be Joh. 3.9 So the Eunuch to Philip Of whom speaks the Prophet this of himself or of another Act. 8.34 When you read and hear the word and study and meditate upon it and yet remain ignorant in many points have recourse then to your Minister and Gods Messenger whose mouth the Prophet tells you must preserve knowledge you must seek the Law at his mouth This Austin tells us was one cause Vt diligentiam praestemus inquirendi potiùs quam temeritatem affirmandi August why some things in the Scriptures were so hard that we may rather shew diligence of enquiring than rashnesse of affirming Pythagoras saith that those were the best of his Schollers and the greatest Proficients in knowledge that were the most inquisitive and askt the most questions Yet such is the sottishnesse of many people that they will remain grossely ignorant in many things rather than they will ask questions to betray their ignorance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heracl Sick persons are not ashamed to tell the Physitian what their Disease is neither is it good to hide ignorance but to bring it forth that it may be healed saith Heraclitus when John Baptist's disciples were infected with envy and repined at Christ that he should out-strip and excell their Master with the people as is evident by the complaint they make Joh. 3.26 where they come unto him saying Rabbi or Master He that was with thee beyond Jordan to whom thou barest witness and baptizedst behold now he baptizeth more than thou and all men come unto him Hereby the holy Baptist perceiving them to be infected with ignorance and infidelity he sends them to school to Christ to correct their ignorance that they might hear the words of his wisdom to correct their incredulity they might see his Works of wonder therefore two of his disciples are sent to Christ with this question Luk. 7.19 Art thou he that should come or shall we waite for another Some think that John Baptist moveth this doubt on the behalf of himself but this could not be for first John Baptist could not be so incredulous but believe what was testified by God the Father from Heaven at his Baptism Mat. 3.17 This is my well beloved son in whom I am well pleased Yea he testified of him before he baptized him and had born this testimony That he was not worthy to carry his shooes after him Mat. 3.11 Joh. 1.29 and again Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world Now John Baptist could not doubt of Christ and give such large testimony of him nor was John inconstant and unsetled like a reed shaken with the wind as our Saviour testifieth of him Thus Elisha knew and was assured that his Master Elias was taken up into Heaven and yet for the satisfaction of the children of the Prophets in that point he is at last contented 2 Kings 2.17 that they shall send fifty men to seek him by the space of three dayes in the mountains So John Baptist knowing his disciples to be too much infected with the leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees by reason of their too much familiarity and correspondency that they had one with the other he sendeth them therefore to Christ to be better instructed and that they might be satisfied both concerning his person that he was true man their eyes telling them that he had the dimensions and natural properties of a true humane body and true God too working such wonders as could not be done without the finger of God and also for his office that he was a most absolute Physitian both of body and soul yea the very Messiah and Saviour of the World Thus the Publicans the Souldiers and the People come to John Baptist and say to him Master what shall we do Luk. 3.10 12 14. being ignorant they come with a desire to learn of him and here they ask a profitable question they ask not what God did before he made the World what Pharaohs Daughter or the Queen of Sheba's names were whether Solomon was saved or not whether Jonas were ever at Nineveh before he went thither to preach whether ever the Virgin Mary had any more children than Christ but they go plainly to the point to enquire about a matter needful for them to know What shall we do to avoid the wrath and enjoy the favour of God Thus you see it is our duty not to conceale Etiamsi senes magis decet docere quam discere magis tamen decet discere quam ignorare Gregor but to discover our ignorance To this purpose one of the Ancients hath a good saying Albeit it becometh old men rather to be teachers than learners yet it is more comely for them to learn than to be ignorant If a Minister be well seen in Physick or in the Law his house shall be frequented and made oraculum civitatis but for Divinity few will trouble him which sheweth that men have more care of their bodies and goods than of their souls Let me entreate you to frequent much the company of those that are godly-wise Prov. 13.20 such as have the true knowledge of God and Christ in them he that walketh with wise men shall be wise saith Solomon but a companion of fools shall be destroyed The Queen of Sheba pronounced Solomons servants happy which continually stood before him to hear his wisdom though wisdom be condemned by the foolish world for madnesse Math. 11.19 yet wisdom is justified or commended of her children Associate thy self with the godly-wise and thou also shalt become more wise Direct 8 If thou hast any small measure of knowledge be thankful for that little I will blesse the Lord who hath given me counsel Psal 16.7 saith David if thou hast received any glimpse of the saving knowledge of God in Christ then blesse the Lord who hath given thee counsell and made thee to understand aright he that is thankful for a little shall have more It is just with God to suffer their understandings to be darkened who are not thankful for the light It is charged upon the Heathens that when they knew God Rom. 1.21 they glorified him not as God neither were thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened Unthankfulnesse for light received makes way for darknesse blindnesse and ignorance Direct 9 Labour to be humble and poor in spirit he hath promised to teach the humble Psal 25.9 Prov. 11.2 Jam. 4.8 Luk. 1.53 with the lowly there is wisdome God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble he fills the hungry with good things Pride keeps a man farre from God and makes him unfit to come near him that which brings a man near is humility without humility it may be said to us as Didimus said to proud Alexander that
we want vessels to receive Gods gifts and graces Hoc est humilitatis miraculam ut elatio deorsum humilitas sursum tendat Aug. de Civit. 4. Dei lib. 1. cap. 13. for as full vessels will hold no more liquor so a soul stuffed with pride and vain glory cannot receive in nor hold Gods gifts graces the proud shut their windows and will not receive in the light of saving knowledge God is not so prodigal of his grace as to cast it in upon those that are not willing to entertain it heavenly mysteries are hid from the prudent but revealed unto babes This is a wonder of humility saith Augustine that pride tends downward humility upwards the more true knowledge a man hath the more he is sensible of his want of knowledge and that which he hath is nothing to what he wants Quest Now peradventure some may step in and ask me what shall we do with our knowledge having attained to a competent measure thereof Resp I shall shew you what is to be done with it Direct 1 As you know what to do so now you must do what you know put in practice what you know In Paradise there was a Tree of Life Rom. 2.20 Aliud est habere legem Dei in corde Aliud habere cor in lege legem in corde habent qui veritatem sciunt cor in lege habent qui veritatem diligunt as well as a Tree of Knowledge and as one saith well One apple of the Tree of Life is worth twenty of the Tree of Knowledge We read in Scripture that there is a form of Knowledge as well a form of godlinesse A form of knowledge is nothing else but an Idaea of truth floating in the brain that hath no influence on the heart or life like a Winters Sun which shines but warms not knowledge is as the eyes to direct us practice as the hands and feet to perform that direction knowledge alone is as the eyes without feet and hands and practice without a solid knowledge is as strong legs and nimble hands in a blind man light and life are best together if naked knowledge be sufficient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then the Devill is a most perfect creature who hath one name from the greatnesse of his knowledg all men in the world do come short of him in the knowledge of good and evill he knoweth good but not to love and seek it he knoweth evill but not to hate and flee from it his actions and affections are set close unto his knowledge as Devils are called understanding spirits Eph. 6. â—2 so also they are stiled spiritual wickednesse his serpentine subtilty hath purchased him the name of an intelligent spirit but his wickednesse calls him Sathan an enemy to God It is said of the Cherubins that there were hands under their wings Ezek. 1.8 The word Cherubin signifies light intimating where there is the light of knowledge there should be hands to put that light into practice The Egyptians in their Hieroglyphicks painted a tongus and an hand under it to shew that knowledge and speech is good when that which is known and spoken John 13.17 is put in practice If you know these things sayes our Saviour happy are you if you do them It is nothing for one to have the Trumpet at his lips as Gideons souldiers who hath not the Torch in his hand saith a Father Greg. Nax the voyce of Athanasius was a thunder-clap and his life a lightning flash saith he because words never thunder well if examples enlighten not True wisdome is a prudence of works not of words saith Cyprian He that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin It is a great sin not to know what thou doest Jam. 4.17 a greater not to do what thou knowest Grave est peccatum non scivisse quod facias gravius non fecisse quod scias Ambr. de offic lib. 2.20 saith Ambrose for as one saith at the last day we shall not be demanded Quid legimus sed quid egimus nec modo quid diximus sed quomodo viximus what we have read but what we have done nor so much what we have spoken as how we have lived Bernard Knowledge and practice must go together for else as the saying is true amongst the Philosophers that power is to none effect which is never produced into act So it is as true in Divinity that it is a vain and idle antention Frustrà est potentia quae nunquam preducitur in actum Scientia contemplativa practica contemplativa quae docet res sibi subjectas scire tantum contemplari enjus finis est ipsa cognitio hac sufficit in Metaphysicis Physicis Mathematicis altera practica seu activa dicitur quae non solùm dicet scire sed agere operari aliquid corum quae cagnoscimus hujus finis est actio haec requiritur in disciplinis Ethicis Oeconomicis Politicis Porter Physic lib. 1. cap. 5. August 83. Quaest that is never put in execution The end of knowing Gods will is to do it There is say the Philosophers contemplative and practical knowledg contemplative or speculative is that which teacheth a man to understand things in their own nature and only to contemplate whose end is bare knowledge and this is sufficient in Metaphysicks Physicks and Mathematicks Practical or active knowledge is that which not only teacheth a man to know but to do the things which he knowes the end of this knowledge is action and this is required in Disciplines Ethicks Oeconomicks Politicks and Religion consisteth not in a bare naked profession but in action and practice all the bells of Aarons garments ring out a loud peal of practice and it is the common tenent of all the Fathers that Religion consisteth not so much in the fine faire leaves of knowledge profession and good words as in the sound and savoury fruits of practice and good works Yea even some of the Heathen have taught this truth for Aristotle affirmeth that felicity or happinesse consisteth not in the Theory or Knowledge but in the practice of vertue a man that hath knowledge without practice is like a man that carrieth a Lanthorn behind him to give light to others but breaks his own shins or like Noabs Carpenters Lyraglos in Jac. 1.22 that made an Ark to save others but were drowned themselves Lyra observeth that as that Physick is vain that doth not purge the bad humours and procure the health of the body so that knowledg is no better that makâ—â— no amendment upon the soule Aristotle in his Ethicks saith that such as content themselves with the naked knowledge of moral vertue and go no farther caring not to practice it are not unlike to such as consult with and ask the advice of Phyficians concerning their bodily diseases but care not for having them administer or apply any thing to
them to cure or recover them and therefore no marvell though the one retain unsound unhealthy bodies notwithstanding they know their diseases and the other have the corruptions and maladies of their minds and souls remaining though they have been discovered to them to put in practice what we know of Christ is one great evidence of our love to him John 14.21 Qui habet in memoria qui servat in vita qui Sermonibus qui servat in moribus qui habet audiendo qui servat faciendo Aug. tract 75. in Johan He that hath my Commandements and keepeth them he it is that loveth me saith our Saviour upon which words one of the Ancients hath this meditation he that hath them in his memory and keepeth them in his life which hath them in his speeches and keepeth them in his manners which hath them by hearing which keepeth by doing them how justly then are they here to be censured that think Religion to be nothing else but matter of speculation and discourse and that there is little else required of a Christian then an ear and a tongue of such Parisiensis complained in his time when he said that many men were Solis auribus Christiani let me tell you as we must have ears to hear heads to understand hearts to believe and tongues to confesse so we must have hands to practise else we shall but deceive the world with a vain show of of profession and deceive our selves without hope of salvation it is not the knowers and the hearers of the Law but the doers of the Law shall be justified Jam. 1.21 It is not every one that sayes to Christ Lord Lord and so scrape acquaintance with him that shall enter into heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven saith our Saviour c. Psal 7.21 22. And if to know and do the will of God be the way to true happinesse this then confutes the dreams and conceits of the ancient Philosophers being much troubled about this mattter scarce two sects concurring in opinion it also sets down a speedy course and short cut to find out what we all seek though in a different and diverse sort and of most men Seneca saith truly that it fareth with men in this pursuit as it doth with men going to Physick who oftentimes seek and pay dear for that which doth them but little good whereas it is at home growing in their gardens that would cure them if they knew but the vertue of it and how to apply it so saith he many men weary themselves in seeking felicity without themselves whereas that that must lead them to happinesse is within themselves so I say true happinesse consisteth not in any outward thing but in the knowledge and practice of Gods will upon which consideration Austine hath this meditation The Kingdome of heaven saith he is set to sale stand thou not upon the price of it it is worth much more then thou shalt pay for it give but thy self for it and thou shalt have it But thou wilt say thou art not good enough for it and being evill it will not receive thee he tells thee further how to help that by giving thy self to it thou shalt become both better to thy self and fitter for it if thou demand farther how thou shalt give thy selfe to it I answer by putting thy self to School to Jesus Christ and learning and taking forth this one Lesson of knowledge and doing the will of God Object But it may be objected that our Saviour Christ making none capable of blessednesse but such as know and do the will of God revealed seems to speak of a matter only in imagination such a thing as indeed never was nor ever shall be for we cannot attain perfect knowledge much lesse perform perfect obedience in this life for the Apostle Paul saith 1 Cor. 13.9 Luke 17.10 Here we know but in part and our Saviour himself saith to his disciples say ye when you have done all these things which are commanded you We are unprofitable servants Resp God that made us knowes whereof we are made and therefore requires of us no more then he will enable us to perform in this frail condition Praecepta Dei imperfectè tantum implentur in via perfectè non nisi in patria Aquin. Aquinas saith truly Gods precepts are imperfectly fulfilled in this life perfectly only in heaven and of this imperfect obedience God in mercy accepteth dealing with his children as Augustus Coesar was wont to do with his young souldiers commending their service not only when they performed what they should but also when they endeavoured what they could so Bernard tells us God reputes that for being done Illud pro facto reputat deus quod homo quidem verè voluit sed non vaeluit adimplere Bern. which man truly willed to to do but was not able to perform and now under the Gospel God measureth mens actions not by the thing done but by the mind of the doer yea the Lord is so well pleased with our willingnesse of doing his will upon the knowledge of it revealed unto us that it pleaseth him sometimes to accept and account that as done which indeed never was done as appeareth Heb. 11.17 where it is said that Abraham offered up Isaac whereas the plain Text Gen. 22.12 assureth us that he offered him not obtulit voluntate non re Gorran obtulit i. e. offerre voluit He offered him that is he was willing to have offered him Lyrae nisi divinitus impeditus prohibitus esset unlesse he had been hindered and forbidden by God and therefore the Lord accounted it as done and the Spirit of God guiding the hand of the Apostle in writing this Epistle bids him set it down as done and where there is but a little done with a willing mind 2 Cor. 8.11 12. he accepteth according to what a man hath and not according to what he hath not therefore the poor Widow that cast in but two mites into the Treasury is said by our Saviour to cast in more than the Rich men that cast in their gifts out of their abundance they cast in out of their great plenty and she out of her penury had cast in all the living that she had this little of hers Lu◠21.1 2 3. is not Arithmetically but Geometrically more not simply in respect of the gift but comparatively in regard of the mind of the giver and the acceptance of the receiver who measureth the mind not the matter the quality of the giver not the quantity of the gift the Rich men peradventure out of their ambition as well as from their abundance gave much but she out of her penury for meer devotion and pity consecrated her little All to the service of him from whom she acknowledged her self to have received all that she had and for whose sake she shewed her self willing to part with
all again doing it from her affection and not from affectation Affectus saepe numero imponit nomen operi Ambros Luk. 1.6 The affection many times imposeth the name on the work An example in this kind we have in Zachary and Elizabeth the Parents of John Baptist of whom it is said they were both just before God and walked in all the commandments of God without reproof not but that God could have reproved them in the rigour of his justice Incedentes 1. viventes Beza versantes Erasmus but because they endeavoured to walk in all the Gommandments of God blamelesse the Lord would not to shew the riches of his mercy and to encourage others to follow their example they walkt in them all they desired no exemption from any or toleration and dispensation for the breach of any but so far forth as God enabled them they endeavoured to keep them all blamelesse or without reproof And to this purpose Augustin saith that peccatores conversi non sunt amplius peccatores not that they have not sin remaining in them for so the best shall have so long as they are in this world but because fin raigneth not in them it shall not be imputed to them Thus the Scripture testifieth of Noah Gen. 6.9 Joh. 1.47 that he was a man perfect in his generation and of Nathanael that he was a true Israelite in whom was found no guile Thus you see that it is not enough that we know what we ought to do but also that we do what we know You know the doome that is passed on that Steward Luk. 12.47 or Servant that knew his Masters will and did it not he should be beaten with many stripes Direct 2 Having attained Heavenly knowledge see thou lose it not it is a precious Jewel and ought carefully to be kept and not to be lost Keep sound wisdom and discretion Prov. 3.21 is the advice of the Wise man the losse of heavenly knowledge is the greatest losse because thereby you lose all those excellent things which the knowledge of God procureth for you Men that have great parts and much knowledge and afterwards lose it may be compared unto those that are witty to get money and spend it as fast as they get it being at the years end not a peny the better for all they have gotten knowledge cannot be gotten without much pains and therefore let it not be easily lost it will be your shame to lose that carelessely the obtainment whereof hath cost you dear as men that have their eye-sight are very careful to preserve it so we ought as carefully to preserve knowledge which is the eye of the soul The eye of the body is very tender therefore God hath guarded it with lids which close and open most speedily at the pleasure of a man So it is with the eye of the mind and therefore we should much esteem the good that may preserve it and carefully shun the evil that may hurt it You that are Parents will often call upon your children to be good husbands and keep together and not to waste and squander away what you have given them or shall leave them and you that are Christians should often call upon your souls to keep good judgement and knowledge and not to lose it And let me tell thee if thou keepest sound wisdom and discretion it will also keep and preserve thee from many corporall dangers and spirituall falls Direct 3 Art thou a man of knowledge see what good thou hast gotten by thy knowledge art thou wise thou must be wise for thy self what ever thou knowest thou must labour to know it for thy good as Eliphaz speakes Job 5. ult A wise man will labour to know the goodnesse of every thing The eye of the body can see any thing but it self but it is the glory of heavenly knowledge which is the eye and beauty of the soul that it sees it self by an admirable reflection upon it self Thus thou shouldest be often thinking with thy self God hath opened the eyes of my understanding he hath shined into my heart giving me the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ he hath given me a more piercing head a more sublime speculation a deeper insight and penetration into divine My steries than to many others Oh! what am I the better for it do I find my heart more lifted upwards my affections more raised from the earth and set on heavenly things It is a spice of Atheisme to look at any thing as good in its own nature and not to extract some good out of it and get some good by it How few men do worship God as they know him they can say that God is good and yet never love nor seek him that he is just and powerful yet fear not to offend him that he is wise yet submit they not to his wisdom that he is omniscient and yet they breed and feed wicked thoughts in their hearts they believe there is an hell for sin and sinners and yet go on in the way of sin and that there is laid up a Crown of glory in Heaven for well-doing and yet they follow the multitude to do evil such knowledg as this is no better than Atheism and Infidelity That is the best knowledge that reduceth all duties promises and threatnings to our persons joying affection to light and moving the heart according to things known and out of all draweth actions that serve to expresse that knowledge doing all as in the presence of the glorious Sun of Righteousnesse where this care is sin findeth a bridle and grace a spur They who walk in this light enjoy the unspeakable fruits thereof whilest others are as void of them as they are strangers to the light it self Direct 4 Labour to grow in knowledge according to the advice of the Apostle 2 Pet. 3.18 do not shew your selves children by thinking you know enough already for he that thinks he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing as he ought to know Brethren be not children in understanding but in understanding be men 1 Cor. 14.20 the Apostle commendeth the Corinthians for abounding in knowledge 2 Cor. 8.7 Col. 1.9 and gives thanks for the Colossians upon the like account Solon was wont to say I grow old alwayes learning many things It is written of David Chytreus a German Divine when he was even upon the point of death that he raised up himself upon his pillow as well as he was able to hear the discourses of his godly friends that sate by him and said that he should die the more comfortably if he might die learning something There is none so cunning in Christs School but may learn more even David a prime Scholler of the highest form desireth to be further informed Lord teach me thy wayes Ps 86.11 And so Solomon his son though he were the wisest King amongst men and the wisest man amongst
Temple then will he be more offended and displeased for the neglect of his spiritual as our selves and our children be 1 Cor. 6.19 How justly then are those carelesse Parents to be reproved who as if their children consisted altogether of body and had no soules take care onely to scratch and scrape a little goods together for them Dum esset disertus non curabat licet esset Dei culturâ desertus Aug. lib. 2. contess cap. 3. Majori sollicitudine me parturiebat Spiritu quà m peperat carne parturivit carne ut in hane temporalem nascerer corde ut in aeternam lucem renascerer August but never care for having them taught how to use it Austin confesseth that his Father was not much better for thus he saith of him that he spared no cost that he might be learned but he cared not much though he were lewd and wicked But for Monica his mother in whose heart he saith the Lord had begun to build his Temple she ceased not to do her uttermost endeavours every way that he might be truly religious and us well Gods child by grace as hers by nature And surely where this duty is neglected children neither know their duty towards God their Parents or any body else as appeareth in the History of a certain 'old man of Athens that came before Solon a Judge at that time and in that place where he lived and complained that his son was undutiful and disobedient which he knowing to be a foul fault caused the young fellow to be called in to see what he could say for himself and my Author saith he was not able to deny it whereupon he decreed that because he had shewed no duty while he lived therefore he should enjoy nothing by his Father when he died and so deprived the young man of his inheritance for his disobedience sentence being past the young man answered for himself that howbeit he could not altogether deny the fact yet it was not altogether his fault but partly his Fathers because he never afforded him any education instruction or good bringing up whereby he might learn to do his duty either to him or others which being likewise affirmed by the Son and not disproved by the Father he punished him also and deprived him of the solemnity of his Funeral It is not enough for Parents to excuse themselves from this work of instructing their children saying they will do it hereafter but they must take the soonest time they have opportunity We know it is a practise among Husbandmen and Gardeners Quo semel est imbut a recens servabit odorem Testa diu to set and sow both trees plants and seeds in the spring of the year so we are to sow the seed of the true knowledge of God and of Religion in children in the spring of their age Teach a child in the trade of his way and when he is old he will not depart from it Prov. 22.6 That a child is capable of instruction may appear in that he is apt to learn rude rhymes immodest songs dances and the like as children are capable to mock and scoffe as the children that mockt Elisha 2 Reg. 2. so also to cry Hosannah as those did to Christ Math. 21.15 and though children do not so readily encline to good as to evil yet childhood is not so corrupt as a riper age and for any man to say it is not good to set an old mans head upon a young pair of shoulders I say that it is never too soon to learn good things they that neglect it when they be young are uncertain where they shall live to learn being old therefore it is good to make use of the present time In the morning sow thy seed Eccles 11.6 Remember thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth Eccles 12.1 1. It will be easie and familiar to them Lam. 3.27 it is easie for a man to bear the yoke from his youth for thus by use and custome which is another nature grave jugum will become suave jugum as our Saviour tells us Math. 11.29 Tender twigs are easily bowed but old trees sooner break than bend The Lord commandeth a Parent not to withhold correction from his child Prov. 23.13 for if thou smite him with the rod he shall not die Now if they are to be corrected betimes for vices then also are they capable of instruction and ought betimes to be instructed So God requireth that they should be taught concerning the Passeover It shall come to pass Exod. 12.26 27. that when your children shall say unto you What mean you by this service that you shall say It is the sacrifice of the Lords Passeover who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when he smote the Egyptians and delivered our houses And Exod. 13.14 It shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come saying What is this that thou shalt say unto him By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt from the house of bondage 2. All men are to provide for their Families and he that provideth not for his family 1 Tim. 5.8 is worse than an Infidel Now good nurture is as necessary to children as nourishment and even as they cannot live without meat so they cannot do well without the knowledge of God and his Word which is Cibus mentis their spiritual food as Gregory calls it that Common-wealth neither cannot well stand where the good education of children is neglected 1. How justly are those Parents to be condemned that let their children grow old in years but still be young in knowledge like Rehoboam and season them not at first with good things but cocker them whereby they have as little comfort of them as Eli had of his sons who were sons of Belial and knew not the Lord and were destroyed Negligent Parents onely desire to have children and then no matter whether they be instructed in the knowledge of God or no and so good or bad heirs of heaven or hell whereas they should desire to have a holy seed to furnish the Earth with Saints and Heaven with Citizens carelesse Parents that onely desire to have children and no more are like ill husbands that cast their corn into the ground and then never care what becomes of it whether the birds or beasts spoil it Such Parents have commonly as little comfort of their children being grown up as they had little care in bringing them up in the knowledge of the Lord. 2. How are those Parents also to be reproved that are so far from teaching their children good things Quorum vita turpis eis objurgandi libertas eripitur Plutar. Turpe est doctri cum culpa redarguit ipsum as they teach them evil things either by giving them evil example or by acting or talking of what evil they have done with a kind of delight for of such it is true as Plutarch saâ—th They lose
imperatorem i. e. being freed from the Ferula and discharged from subjection to a Tutour that even they be left to the guidance of their own discretion 2 Tim. 2.22 whereby they must follow Pauls counsell to his Schollar Timothy to fly all youthfull lusts and labour being well instructed in the grounds of true Religion as they grow in yeares to grow in wisdome and knowledge then shall no man have cause to despise their youth as the same Apostle speaketh 1 Tim. 4.12 But the wisdome of their young yeares shall be their Crowne and Glory As Virgil said of Aeneas his Sonne Sequitur Patrem non passibus aequis he followeth his Father not with even and equall steppes so it may be said of most of the children of faithfull Parents Let me presse this upon you that are old to teach the young do you not read that the Psalmist speaks often that the praises of the Lord should he declared from generation to generation Psal 22.31 Psal 79.13 And so the very Heathen understood that it was the duty of the old to teach the young Praecipere mitem convenit pueru senem Seneca Jura senes norint quid liceátque nefasque Fásque sit inquirant legémque exanima servant Ovid. Old men are or should be very knowing it belongeth to them to teach and to youth to learne of them this is chiefly to be observed among Christians hence it appeareth how grossely old men sinne if they who ought to informe others do themselves know little or nothing of those things that appertain to everlasting salvation and if they have neglected the meanes of knowledge and in their old age are so rude and ignorant that they had need to bee taught by children the heads of Catechisme which sometime happeneth what will they be able to answer to the righteous Judge of all the world when he shall aske them how they have done their duty upon the earth Let every christian now be conscientious in this duty to exhort and instruct one another to edify one another and provoke to love and to good works to stirre up one another to the wayes and work of godlinesse And to move you all hereunto I desire you to consider 1. The great benefit that will come to such as truly performe this duty the Lord hath made a gracious promise to it Jer. 23.22 if we stand in his counsell and cause his people to heare his words i. e. if we faithfully instruct them in the knowledge and feare of the Lord then we shall turne them from their evill way and from the evill of their doings Happy is that man that can turne a sinner from evill wayes and evill doings to the wayes of godlinesse This is the Reason why the Apostle will not have the believing husband or wife to separate one from another because by dwelling together they may instruct and do good one to another 1 Cor. 7.16 for what knowest thou O wife whether thou shalt save thy husband or how knowest thou O man whether thou shalt save thy wife 2. If thou canst winne but one soule to Christ Isa 2.28 thou shalt bring much glory to God Solomon saith that in the multitude of poople is the Kings honour So herein is the great King of heaven honoured when many people shall go and say Come ye and let us goe up to the mountaine of the Lord to the house of the God of Jacob and he will teach us of his wayes and we will walke in his pathes he that converteth a sinner shall save a soule from death and cover a multitude of sins Jac. 5.20 3. It will bring in great peace and comfort to your own soules what greater comfort in the world then to see those that sate in darknesse to have the eyes of their understandings opened to see those that were dead translated from death to life to be new borne to be converted unto God Oh what abundance of comfort will this consideration work upon thy heart However let Ministers do their duty Parents their duty Husbands their duty Christians their duty in their respective places and then let the successe be what it will we shall have comfort therein Ezek. 2.5 Ezek. 2. God commands the Prophet to speak to the people whether they would hear or whether they would forbear and thus saith the Prophet Isaiah though I have laboured in vain and spent my strength for nought Isa 49 4 5. yet surely my judgement is with the Lord and my work or my reward with my God though Israel be no gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength Thanks be to God saith Paul which alwayes causeth us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest by us the savour of his knowledge in every place 2 Cor. 2. 14 15. Heb. 3.13 for we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish Therefore exhort one another daily while it is called to day Do not think it a duty onely belonging to the Minister to instruct and stir up others in the wayes of Religion Per hoe nil aliud est scientia nostra quam culpa Salvian it is his duty principally but it is thy duty also Do not say with wicked Cain Am I my brothers Keeper If thou seest thy neighbour lying in the pit of ignorance and thou hast that which might help him out and doest it not thou art guily of his perishing by this our knowledge is no thing else but a fault saith Salvian Labour with all thy might to help thy Wife and Children Servants and friends and neighbours out of this dark dungeon Hath God enlightened you with saving knowledge Direct 7 Eph. 5.8 See that you walk as children of the light If a man have never so much knowledge if he walk not answerable to it it is but a glow-worm light if thy head be full of light and thy workes be full of darknesse it is an evidence that the light that is in thee is no better than darknesse The night is farre spent saith the Apostle the day is at hand let us therefore cast off the workes of darknesse Rom. 13.12 Pareus in loc and let us put on the Armour of light Pareus by night understandeth our estate of ignorance and blindnesse before our effectual calling and conversion and by day our estate of illumination and grace after our conversion Let us therefore saith the Apostle cast off the workes of darknesse Sin may be called workes of darkenesse 1. Because for the most part they proceed from the ignorance of Gods will not revealed to such as are yet unconverted Thus Paul saith That the Gentiles walked in the vanities of their minde having their understandings darkened Eph. 4.18 being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that was in them and did men know the dangers that follow sinners they would