So the best wisdome is to be truely religious and to fear God Heathen Sages as Seneca and Socrates were wise in their generations and had many excellent gifts but they missed of the main like Alchymists who misse of their end yet find many excellent things by the way These Merchants found goodly pearls but the pearl of price they failed of Matth. 13.45 46. 2. Vse To acquaint our selves with the Scriptures where this true wisdome how to fear and reverence God rightly is taught and no where else We are sure those were writ by no private spirit but came from the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1.21 Private spirits and inward principles may be crosse one to another and who shall judge then what is right The Scripture Hereby we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error 1 Joh. 4.2 If they quote Scripture they confesse the Scripture to be above them as Marnixius justly derides the Papists who would prove by Scripture that the Church was above the Scripture If not then it is so because they say so and all the world will laugh at such a proof 3. Vse To perswade Magistrates to set up and to uphold true Religion and to encourage such as truely fear God by continuing Ministers and discouraging such as oppose it Such as quote Gallio's speech to shut Magistrates out of all matters of Religion may as well quote Rabshake's speech for a warrant to fight against Gods people Am I now come up without the Lord against this place to destroy it The Lord said to me Go up against this Land to destroy it 2 King 18.25 For that is recorded in Scripture also It is a poor proof that comes out of the mouth of an Heathen man 4. Vse Let all that would be truely wise get the fear of God into their hearts 2. Doct. All being is from God Therefore is he called Jehovah hecause he gives being to all creatures Who else made the world and all creatures at first Gen. 1. Of him and through him and to him are all things Rom. 11.36 In him we live and move and have our being Act. 17.28 Reason 1. Because nothing can make it self being must be before Working 2. None had a being before the world but God therefore he must give being to all 3. There was nothing to make any thing of and no creature can work without matter It argues an infinite power 4. No creature can put life into any thing Therefore all living things must be from God and what can dead things doe Vse 1. To praise God for our being as long as it lasts here and in heaven where our being will last to eternity While I live I will praise the Lord saith the Psalmist I will fing praises unto my God while I have any being Psal 146.2 All creatures attribute blessing honor glory and power to God for ever and ever Rev. 5.13 2. To use all our gifts and parts in Gods service for as we have those parts from him so likewise our very being without which we could have had no parts nor comfort 3. Doct. Things of greatest worth should be of greatest account with us Covet earnestly the best gifts 1 Cor. 12.31 Above all these things put on charity which is the bond of perfectnesse Col. 3.14 These things speak and exhort Tit. 2.15 For the affections should ever follow the judgement well informed Vse It blames those that make most account of meanest things and lose gold for counters eternall life for transitory pleasures Such are worse then beasts who will not neglect grasse and water for any thing 4. D. Knowledge is a matter of great excellency It is part of Gods image in man Col. 3.10 Husbands must dwell with their Wives according to knowledge 1 Pet. 3.7 As light is in the world What is all the world worth without the Sun What were all Aegypts pleasures and treasures worth in the three dayes darknesse So is knowledge the comfort of the soul Vse Labour for it more then for riches Spiritual things are more worth then temporall 5. Doct. Irreligious persons are in Gods account the fools of the world For they want Gods fear as naturall fools want wisdome The foolish shall not stand in thy sight thou hatest all workers of iniquity Psal 5.5 And Gods enemies are called foolish people Psal 74.18 Reason 1. Because they have not wisdome enough to scape hell 2. Nor to attain to eternall happinesse Vse 1. Envy not the policies and sleights of great men and States-men that have no religion in them The world may chronicle them for wise men but they are fools in Gods book Tamar tells Amnon though a Kings Son Thou shalt be as one of the fooles in Israel 2 Sam. 13.13 2. Be not proud of wit or learning If you have no true Religion your wit is good for nothing but to carry you to hell When one commended highly Julian the Cardinall to Sigismund he answered Tamen Romanus est Yet he is a Romane So may ye say of the greatest irreligious Politician Yet he is a fool Loe they have rejected the Word of the Lord and what wisdome is in them Jer. 8.9 6. Doct. None despise heavenly wisdome but such as know not the value of is Such as know not what they doe Luk. 23.34 Had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory 1 Cor. 2.8 The preaching of the Crosse is foolishnesse to men yet Gods wisdome most seen in it 1 Cor. 1.18 23. Because the excellency of it is so great that it would allure men to look after it had they spirituall eyes to see it It is so in other Arts also Scientia non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem Knowledge hath no enemy but an ignorant man Who is Asinus ad lyram as unfit for learning as an Asse to play upon an harp Vse Think never the worse of heavenly wisdome because so many sleight it The fault is not in the thing but in their shallow brains Who would sleight a jewel because a fool presers his bable before it Such are carnal men like Esau A Messe of pottage is better then Canaan to them Such fools were the rich man Luk. 12. Nabal 1 Sam. 25. 7. D. Wisdom it self though excellent is despised by many Fools hate knowledge vers 22 29. And no marvell for both God and Christ are despised by such He that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luk. 10.16 His wisdome is counted folly 1 Cor. 1.25 Vse Let not us think much to be despised Wisdome Christ and God are despised who have deserved much better of the Sons of men 8. Doct. They that sleight the means of knowledge sleight knowledge it self See v. 22 23 29 30. We account so in outward things We ask sick men refusing physick if they make no account of their lives We tell idle persons they care not for riches Vse It lies sore on the consciences of many who
antecedent follows sometimes in Scripture language As Psal 87.1 His foundation is in the holy mountains Whose A. v. 2. The Lords So here For their lives that is For the lives of the owners of those riches which they would take away v. 19. For the second interpretation the words are the same with v. 11. There they are cleerly spoken of the lives of others not of the robbers So v. 16. They lust to shed other mens blood not their owne And the owners v. 19. are those whose blood and life is sought v. 18. The former intimates no successe this fignifies a bad event The former to themselves this to others There being more difficulty in the former interpretation lesse in the latter let the indifferent Reader judge which is the better Vers 20. Wisdome eryeth without she uttereth her voyce in the streets Solomon like a good Physician having first shewed the danger of the disease to make willing to take physick and like a good Chirurgeon having used corrasives now gives curing medicines and lenitive plaisters Or having before given antitodes to keep men from ill courses now he gives cordials to encourage them to good Having forewarned the young man to take heed of bad company now he brings in Wisdome inviting him to her school So the Psalmist first disswades them from ungodly wayes and then invites men to delight in the Law of the Lord Psal 1.1 2. First depart from evill then do good Psal 34.14 This is the way to dwel for everâ—are Psal 37.27 He had shewed the arguments of sinners before to seduce men and answered them now that his admonition might have the more weight be by a Prosopopeia brings in Wisdome her self to the confusion of foolishnesse and ignorance soliciting him to good wayes If the young man should say that he desires nothing more then to avoyd the society of sinners and follow the dictates of wisdome but he is discouraged by the difficulty of attaining it No saith Solomon it is easie to attain it is not hidden any where nor far off to be sought after but offers it self to all rich and poor c. For the words of Wisdome note 1. A preface v. 20 21. 2. The speech it self to the end of the Chapter In the preface note 1. The beginning of Wisdomes proclamation In the fields and villages v. 20. 2. The progresse of it in more publick places as in walled Towns and Cities v. 21. For the words of this vers Wisdome Heb. Wisdomes For the word it self see on v. 2. But why Wisdomes in the plurall Some think the reason to be because it includes all true wisdome in it and all befide this holy wisdome is but folly And because it gives us divers and many documents for the good of our souls It contains many things to direct us in faith and life So seven Spirits are mentioned Rev. 1.4 to set forth the manifold graces of Gods Spirit Or it is called Wisdomes because it is the most excellent wisdome divine heavenly wisdome which teacheth us how to attain eternall life So Behemoth is put for a great beast Job 40.15 Thus this word may be used here for principall wisdome As also chap. 9.1 Wisdomes hath builded her a house And Psal 49.3 My mouth shall speak of wisdomes Some would read wisdome of wisdomes So some read for Behemoth the beast of beasts Job 40.15 And Remember to remember to keep boly the Sabbath day in the fourth Commandement And The Song of Songs Cant. 1.1 that is the best Song as appears by Gods choyce who preserved that when all the rest were lost Hereby is meant the highest wisdome called by St. James the wisdome from above Jam. 3.17 Wisdome is brought in here as some great Lady or Princesse the word is feminine calling on young men as her growing Subjects to hearken to her godly counsels And the word is plurall as God is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the plurall number to set out his state and majesty to may Wisdome Others take it to be meant of Christ the eternall wisdome of God the Father And so it is commonly interpreted ch 8.1 And may be here For he did cry before he was born even in the dayes of Noah 1 Pet. 3.19 20. And he is called Wisdome here because he is the eternall wisdome of God and also to fit the title to the matter As God is called the Father of mercies in promises to comfort afflicted ones and the just God in threatnings to scare sinners and the Lord in commandements to move to obedience so here Christ may be called Wisdome to counsel simple ones 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cryeth The word signifies a strong cry such an one as Souldiers use to send forth in the beginning of a battle or after a victory Thus men cry out in finging for joy or weeping for sorrow in prayer or praise in teaching or admonishing others as here She speaks not low but loud that all men may hear and to shew forth her earnestnesse It may be meant either of this proclamation of Wisdome here and in other places of Scripture left on record to be published all the world over or of Christ speaking by his Ministers in all ages and inviting men to look after saving wisdome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Without Some take this to be all one with the words following to shew that Wisdome speaks and that boldly to in all places But more particularly the word signifies sometimes the streets of a City which are without in respect of the houses Jeremy must have a piece of bread out of the Bakers street Jer. 37.21 Sometimes the Countrey villages and fields which are out of the walled Townes and lie open to all comers The suburbs of the City shall reach from the wall of the City and outward a thousand cubits round about Numb 35.4 So here for all other places are mentioned after Countrey-men as well as Citizens may hear Wisdomes voyce She uttereth Heb. she giveth That is she giveth out or putteth forth her voyce The Hebrews want compounds For the word See on v. 4. Wisdome as she speaks loud that all may hear so she speaks freely plainly and distinctly that all even the meanest may understand Her voyce The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sometimes fignifieth a voyce or sound in generall though not articulate That there be no more thunderings Heb. voyces of God Exod. 9.28 Sometimes it signifies words distinctly spoken In all that Sarah hath said unto thee hearken unto her voyce Gen. 21.12 So is it used here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the streets The Hebrew word hath its originall from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be broad as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Gr. because streets of Towns and Cities are wide for men horses and carts to passe by one another She cryes not in a corner or within dores onely or in fields or villages alone but in the streets of Towns and Cities
worth of it else would they love it and choose it v. 29. 4. Because it will not let them sin freely but raises whirlewinds in their consciences The evill doer comes not to the light lest his deeds should be reproved Joh. 3.20 Vse 1. Wonder not if some will not be won by long and powerfull preaching They hate knowledge 2. Take heed of the height of evill They shut reprovers out of dores as naughty boyes doe School-masters Glem Strom. l. 7. This damns many They have both seen and hated both me and my Father Joh. 15.24 Wisdome is accused by bad men but justified by her children Mat. 11.19 Vers 23. Turn you at my repreof behold I will pour out my spirit unto you I will make known my words unto you Wisdome having searched into their sores and discovered their diseases to them in the former vers doth now apply plaisters to them which may heal them After a short rebuke of their folly and contempt she administers good counsell in an exhortation Having shewed them that they were out of the way now she shews them how to get in again She had blamed them before for staying so long in wicked wayes Now she bids them turn speedily And this exhortation is backed afterwards with threats and promises For the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Turn you or return The word signifies 1. To return to a place from which one went away before Abraham returned unto his place Gen. 18.33 2. To return from anger or to be friends with one Surely his anger shall turn from me Jer. 2.35 3. To repent or return to God from whom we are all naturally gone astray And shalt return unto the Lord thy God Deut. 30.2 4. To doe the same thing again Isaac digged again Heb. returned and digged the wells of water which they had digged in the dayes of Abraham his Father Genens ch 26. v. 18. 5. To make to return or bring back Then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity Deut. 30.3 Here it is taken in the third sense for turning from the wayes of folly to the wayes of true wisdome from Satan to God A similitude taken from travellers that are gone out of their way or from children servants souldiers or scholars that run away from their governours and undoe themselves So Hagar fled from Sarah and is bidden to returne Gen. 16.6 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 At my reproof The word signifies 1. Verball reproving in words Thus she was reproved Gen. 20.16 2. Reall reproving that is correcting Oh Lord rebuke me not in thine anger that is as follows chasten me not in thy hot displeasure Psal 6.1 Here it is used in the first sense for the words of wisdome in the former versi or such like Seeing yeers have not brought you to discretion nor ye have wit enough to return from your evill wayes of your selves do it at my reproof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Behold She puts a note of admiration before the promise because abundance of grace especially in them who have lived long in wick ednesse is a thing worthy to be wondred at by all as it is for a Virgin to bear a Son Isa 7.14 Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I will poure out It signifies abundance of grace to be given as a fountain poures out plenty of water It notes great fulnesse in wisdome and great affection to others I will willingly poure it out of a full heart as water out of a fountain So abundance of folly and evill is poured out of a wicked heart The mouth of fooles poureth out folly Prov. 15.2 The mouth of the wicked poureth out evill things Prov. 15.28 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My spirit It signifies 1. The wind There came a great wind from the wildernesse Job 1.19 2. Vanity a thing of no substance empty like the wind What profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind Eccles 5.16 3. A corner or place or quarter of the earth where the wind may blow In four quarters were the porters 1 Chron. 9.24 4. The breath of a living creature which is kinde of wind Neither is there any breath in their mouths Psal 135.17 5. A Spirit or Angel Then a spirit passed before my face Job 4.15 6. The soul of a man The spirit of Jacob their Father revived Gen. 45.27 7. The life Thou hast granted me life Job 10.12 8. The Holy Ghost the third Person in Trinity The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters Gen. 1.2 9. The gifts of the Holy Ghost I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh Joel 2.28 So it is taken here for spirituall graces All three Persons are closely mentioned in this ch The Father called the Lord vers 7. The Son called Wisdome v. 20. The holy Ghost called the Spirit in this vers Some take it for illumination onely and gifts of knowledge So it agrees well with the words that follow I will make known my words unto you If ye hearken to my reproof I will tell you more of my minde Ye shal know more of heavenly truths So that pouring out of the Spirit is emptying of the soul declaring what Wisdome thinks which is worth the knowing And I will declare it as fully as if it flowed out of a fountain Others take it for sanctifying gifts of the Spirit The former agrees best with the words following Vnto you By making my minde known unto you By my words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I will make known By pouring out my spir it and declaring my whole minde unto you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 My words It signifies 1. A word Hear the word of the Lord Isa 1.10 2. A thing For things are revealed by words The thing proceedeth from the Lord Gen. 24.50 Here it is taken in the first sense Vnto you Heb. I will make you to know my words The summe of all is If ye will turn from your foolish wayes to hearken to me I will fill you with true wisdome Not that men have power to repent of themselves but these exhortations of Gods Ministers set home by Gods Spirit are means to bring sinners to repentance Figures Turn A Metaphor from men out of the way that must return or never come to their journeys end Poure out A Metaphor from a fountain that poures out water abundantly My Spirit A figure of the cause for the effect The gifts of my Spirit or meaning of it Note 1. An exhortation 2. A promise to encourage them He begins with a promise here and ends with another v. 33. and fills the middle with threatnings In the exhortation note 1. An act Turn you 2. The motive to it at my reproof The promise is double 1. Of the Spirit 2. Of knowledge In the first note 1. The word of admiration Behold 2. The agent I. 3. The act will poure out 4. The object my Spirit 5. The subject unto you In the second promise note 1.
still and harder in their Trades when gain comes Salomon finding his Ophir trade for gold to thrive 1 King 9.28 sent thither every three yeers 1 King 10.22 So let us be encouraged by what we have got already to get more wisdome 2. Doct. There is no expectation of attaining true wisdome without a conscionable use of all good means The Kings of Israel could not obtain true wisdome nor the wicked Kings of Judah because they used not the means prescribed to them to cause the Law to be written out for them and to read therein all the dayes of their life Deut. 17.18 19 20. Reason 1. Because God will not blesse their labours that go not his way They may as well expect strength without food health without physick warmth without clothes or fire crops without plowing or sowing 2. God will crosse those that go their owne wayes to get wisdome For they ascribe to themselves a power above God and a wisdome sutable that pull down his way to set up another Vse It shews us a reason why many have not true wisdome because they seek it not in Gods way and God will not give it in theirs They have no mind to learn it hear seldome pray seldomer never study 3. Doct. Much wisdome is needfull to find out the true religion Timothy from a childe had learned the holy Scriptures which were able to make him wise to salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 The wisdome that is from above is first pure then peaceable c. Jam. 3.17 Reason 1. Because it is high above us sense nor reason cannot reach it 2. There are many shews of false religions to deceive us As voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels a shew of wisdome in will-worship c. Col. 2.18.23 All is not gold that glisters Vse Marvell not that men are so ready to imbrace false religions Popery Idolatry Herefie It is for want of true wisdome They think themselves wifer then they are Vainman would be wise though man be born like a wild Asses colt Job 11.12 The name here given to God is Jehovah which signifies being 4. Doct. We must look upon God as the fountain of all being In him we live and move and have our being Act. 17 28. Of him and through him and to him are all things Rom. 11.36 Reason 1. Because this will be glorious to God when we see him in all things 2. It will be pleasing to us as to men to read their genealogies and to children to see their parents love in their clothes victuals c. 3. It will be profitable to others and keep us from wronging others He who made them will right them Vse Let us as see God in our being so praise him while we have any being Psal 146.2 5. Doct. The knowledge of God is worth the finding Let him that gloryeth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord Jer. 9.24 I count all things but losse for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord Phil. 3.8 Reason 1. Because Acquaintance with good men brings much good much more with God who can do us more good then all the creatures can 2. Heaven is not to be had without it This is life eternal that they might know thee the onely true God Joh. 17.3 No admission to live in a palace without the owners acquaintance Heaven is Gods palace Vse Woe be to them that seek so much to get acquaintance on earth but never look after acquaintance with God They may seek it when it is too late When they come to die and would scrape acquaintance with God he will say I never knew you Depart from me Matt. 7.23 Therefore acquaint thy self now with him and he at peace thereby good shall come unto thee Job 22.21 6. Doct. We must look upon God as most powerfull God hath spoken once twice have I heard this that power belongeth unto God Psal 62.11 Reason Because we may have need of more then a created power which is not to be found but in God Vse When men over-power you look up to Gods power This may ease your spirits Vers 6. For the Lord giveth wisdome out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding Here are the two first reasons why they which conscionably use all the former means shall attain true knowledge And they are taken from Gods liberality in giving wisdome inwardly to make the soul see the truth and his outward instruction of things fit to be discerned by that wisdome wrought in the soul within God gives fight and light Both are necessary and both from God For the words For. See on ch 1.9 Some the these words to the third v. as giving a reason why we should pray to God for knowledge because he is ready to give it Others knit it to the sourth v. thus by way of qualification Though thou must use all diligence to get heavenly wisdome yet know that all thy wit and labour cannot reach it but God must give it to thee or thou wilt never have it But it is best to knit it to the vers immediately before If any man should say I despair of getting heavenly wisdome My pains cannot reach it and God will not hear my prayers Bolomon answers in the text Despair not for God is as ready to give as thou art to aâ—k it The Lord. See on chap. 1.7 God gives true wisdome inclusively He can do it And exclusively None else can do it Giveth Heb. will give to wit if thou pray and labour for it as before For the word see on ch 1.4 Wisdome See on ch 1.2 Out of his mouth The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies 1. That member which we call the mouth of the body They have months but they speak not Psal 115.5 2. The manifestation of ones mind by speech or words which come out of the mouth According to thy Word shall all my people be ruled Gen. 41.40 The word is in Hebr. thy mouth 3. The wound top of a well or garment or vessel which is like a mouth A great stone was upon the wells mouth Gen. 29.2 4. The edge of a sword which devours or destroys men as the mouth doth meat And they slew Hamor and Shethem his Son with the edge Heb the mouth of the sword Gen. 34.26 5. The end or corner of a place The house of Bael was full from one end to another Heb. mouth 2 King 10.21 6. A part or portion as the mouth is a part of the face By giving him a double portion Heb. mouth Deut. 21.17 Here it is taken in the second sense for the manifestation of truth by God in his Word or by his Ministers Cometh It is not in the Originall but added by the Interpreters fitly to make up the sense and therefore it is printed in smaller letters Knowledge See on ch 1.4 And understanding See on vers 2. of this chap. Some take wisdome knowledge and
of the sentence So shall thy judgement be 1 King 20.40 6. Justice which ought to be in every sentence Which executeth judgement for the oppressed Psal 146.7 7. The instruments of executing the sentence or judgement When I send my four fore judgements upon Jerusalem Ezek. 14.21 8. The Judiciall Law of God Remember the Law of Moses with the statutes and judgements Mal. 4.4 9. Wisdome and discretion which are very needfull in judgement The Lord is a God of judgement Isa 30.18 10. Moderation which is very requisite in judgement Else Summum jus summa injuria The highest Law the highest injury O Lord correct me but with judgement not in thine anger lest thou bring me to nothing Jer. 10.24 11. Righteous promises Quicken me according to thy judgements Psal 119.156 12. The rite custome or manner of doing a thing which should be done with judgement How shall we order the childe Heb. What shall be the manner of the childe Judg. 13.12 that is How must the childe be bred 13. The form or shew of a person or thing What manner of man was he Hebr. What was the manner of the man 2 King 1.7 14. Right or title to a thing This shall be the Priests due from the people Dent. 18.3 15. A pattern according to which a thing is to be made And thou shalt rear up the Tabernaele according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the Mount Exod. 26.30 Here it is taken in the first sense God keeps his in paths of truth agreeable to his Word And preserveth The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies 1. To preserve by keeping out of sin or trouble Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me and the grins of the workers of iniquity Psal 141.9 Thy visitation hath preserved my life Job 10.12 2. To keep in prison Am I a Sea or a Whale that thou settest a watch over me Job 7.12 Keep this man 1 King 20.39 3. To watch exactly what is done by our selves or others I will keep my mouth with a bridle Psal 39.1 All my familiars watched for my halting Jer. 20.10 Here it is taken in the first sense to keep from sin or danger The way See on ch 1.15 Here is meant the businesse or undertaking or practicall course of Gods Saints Of his Saints It comes from a word that signifies mercy in the Originall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Some gives this reason because men come to be Saints by Gods mercy not by their owne merits Which is most true But the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying actively such an one as shews mercy as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such as do justly it may rather be that they are so called because they are mercifull like God Be ye therefore mercifull as your Father also is mercifull Luk. 6.36 Hence comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Storke a bird kinde to her aged parents Figures Paths Way Metaphors from Travellers Note 1. Gods direction 2. His preservation Note in the former 1. The person He. 2. The act keepeth 3. The subject the paths 4. The adjunct of judgement In the latter note 1. The act And preserveth 2. The object the way 3. The subject of his Saint 1. Doct. There is a certain path of truth This is life eternall that they might know thee the onely true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent Joh. 17.3 This path in Scripture is more sure then if God should speak from heaven There was a voyce from heaven But there was a more sure word of prophesie 2 Pet. 1.17 19. Written statutes are more sure directions then words of Princes Reason 1. Because else there is a necessity that all the world may be deceived If there be no certain knowledge in seeing or hearing where there is no obstacle then no man can tell whether another man be a man or a beast 2. There is no comfortable converse with God if we know not what to beleeve of his Mercy Justice and other attributes He that cometh to God must beleeve that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 There is no pleasing a man without knowing his qualities 3. There is no escaping hell without a certain rule of truth for our nature being corrupt and there being many wayes of error leading to hell no man can escape damnation 4. No more getting heaven then getting a Port at Sea if there be no certainty in the Compasse Vse It shews the wildnesse of those that plead for liberty of conscience for all errors As if a man should inform the State that there were no certain way to London and petition that all men might go at all adventures and no man be tied to go the ordinary way but every one go what way he thinks to be neerest over hedges and ditches and over mens grounds and gardens Ye will say this were injurious to men But are not heresies and blasphemies more injurious to God Are not mens consciences as corrupt as their wils and affections Why then should not others petition for liberty of will and affections to love whom they will and hate whom they will The best is that the Text tells us that God keeps his in the way of judgement If men will not keep theirs within their bounds God will keep his However there is a right way and men ought to labour to keep themselves and theirs in it 2. Doct. Good men must keep in the sure way of truth We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 Beware lest ye be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from your owne stedfastnesse 2 Pet. 3.17 Reason 1. Because of divine illumination God shews the wayes of error that we may avoyd them as Mariners take notice of rocks at Sea 2. Because of divine direct on He guides them in the right way like a tender Father As many as are led by the Spirit of God are the Sons of God Rom. 8.14 God gave the Sun that men should see to avoyd wrong wayes and follow right Vse It reproves all Gallio's followers that look after right and wrong but not after truth and error after the world not after heaven Sure if God give light he looks that men should make use of it 3. Doct. Heavenly wisdome is given to men by God to that end that men may keep in the way of truth To this end the Comforter which is the holy Ghost shall teach you all things Joh. 14.26 He is therefore called the Spirit of truth Joh. 15.26 Reason So it is in all the senses Eyes are given to distinguish colours Ears to distinguish sounds Nose to distinguish smells Palates to distinguish tastes Hands to distinguish hard things from soft Much more is heavenly wisdome given us to direct in the way of truth Vse To reprove such as boast of heavenly wisdome illumination
knowledge of those things he knew not before Wisdome In this verse it is taken for the Theorical part of wisdome to know the truth of things as appears by the opposition of manners in the next verse It may be meant of wisdome in general knowledge of the truth for many Philosopical truths are contained in this Book But it hath a special eye to the knowledge of God and divine truths as appears vers 7. And it signifies an exact knowledge of things by the causes or other properties whereby we may be able to distinguish between real and apparent truths And Instruction The word properly signifies the manner of teaching by which wisdome is attained It is set after wisedome because that is the end and perfection of instruction and therefore more worthy then the means Finis primus in intentione ultimus in executione The end is first in intention last in execution Men think of dwelling before they think of building It signifies such instruction as is communicated to boyes joyned with correction for the word imports both To make scholars bred up under severe discipline to learn wisedome These Proverbs are better then rods They will teach what rods cannot To perceive Heb. To understand or make to understand The words For thoughts cannot be understood They are known only to God Nor deeds are not said to be understood but to be seen Understanding properly hath relation to that which comes in at the ear Of understanding Words of weight worthy to be understood and well understood by those that delivered them and coming from men of great understanding and making them such that learn them Acute sentences full of good matter fit to passe for authentical like currant money This specifies what wisedome the holy Ghost here meant to wit knowledge of things to be believed As in the next verse he first names wisedome and then shews what kinde of wisdome he means To know justice c. I will not trouble you with that that troubles the interpreters how to distinguish wisdome instruction and understanding into knowledge by causes or other arguments and many other distinctions for I take it the latter in each verse doe but expound the former and instruction knowing perceiving and receiving doe but set out the means of attaining it For the figures Wisdome A figure of the general for the special For divine wisdome which indeed is the best of all other wisdome and deserves to carry away the name from all the rest Humane truths are not to be named the same day with divine So Christ is called the Son of man Gods Word the Bible and Scripture because he is the most excellent Son of Man and it the most excellent book and writing Instruction A figure of the cause for the effect For the wisedome gotten by instruction As Judah and Ephraim for their posterity Or of the adjunct for the object Instruction for the things wherein men are instructed as hope reserved for us in heaven for the things hoped for there Col. 1.5 Of understanding A figure either of the efficient for the effect as before because they came from understanding men or of the matter because they contain things worthy to be understood As here is wisdome Rev. 13.18 that is wise matter Or of the effect because they breed understanding men As pale death because it makes men pale For the division and arguments 1. Note the general 2. The particular The general To know wisdome and instruction And in it 1. The act To know 2. The object Wisdome 3. The means to attain it Instruction In the particular the wisdome here meant is set out 1. By an act To perceive 2. By the object The words 3. The adjunct Of understanding The Observations follow 1. Doct. In reading Scripture the end should be alwayes before our eyes Solomon writ the Proverbs that men might get wisdome by reading them So the builder still mindes his end whether he build for himself or to let out for gain and builds his house accordingly It is Gods great question in religion To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to me saith the Lord Isai 1.11 Reason 1. The end incites to the work Much profit sets the Seaman Plowman Tradesman on work Omnia in rebus humanis spebus aguntur All endeavours in humane affairs are driven on by hopes Salu. contra avar Spes alit agricolas spes sulcis semina credit Hope nourishes the husbandman and makes him commit his seed to the furrows Tibul. l. 2. el. 7. 2. The end orders all the means No man can fit the means unlesse the end be in his thoughts Workmen matter form all must be ordered by the end 3. The end attained perfects the work It is imperfect till the end be attained 4. Senselesse things only set no end before them as fire and water Beasts have an end they goe to the pastures and to the waters that their life may continue Vse It blames most readers of Scripture which travail to no end They read a chapter or make their children doe it out of custome meerly but know not why or wherefore Why should Gods Word be worst used by them They work and play for some end but read for none and therefore are never the better 2. Doct. Wisdome is to be gotten out of Scripture Solomon writ his Proverbs to teach men wisdome The holy Scriptures are able to make Timothy wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 The writers were wise men as Moses who was learned in all the wisdome of the Egyptians Act. 7.22 Davids wisdome and Solomons are well known by their works and reigns Pauls also who was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the Fathers Act. 22.3 As for Daniel God gave him knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdome and he had understanding in all Visions and Dreams Dan. 1.17 Those that were not learnedly bred had tongues and wisdome given them from God immediately The Lord took Amos an Herdman and bid him prophesie Amos 7.14 15. He found him unfit but he made him fit else no doubt he would not have sent him Some of the Apostles were Fishermen But on the day of Pentecost They were all filled with the holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Act. 2.4 From wise men we look for wise Books But that which is more then all this the most wise God guided their heads and pens which had been enough to have made a man blinde and foolish to write aright and wisely Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1.21 Vse Lose not your labour then to seek heavenly wisdome in humane writings with neglect of the Scriptures as your great Politicians and Moralists doe Men seek it in many arts businesses studies inventions but in vain here it is to be found and abundantly more then elsewhere Experience confirms it in
The agent I. 2. The act will make known 3. The object my words 4. The subject unto you 1. Doct. Ministers must shew the way of healing as well as the disease Isa 1.4 with v. 16 17. Ab sinfull Nation c. Wash you make you clean c. Hos 10.9 with v. 12. O Israel thou hast sinned from the dayes of Gibeah c. Sow to your selves in righteousnesse reap in mercy c. Rom. 3.9 with v. 21. We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles that they are all under sin But now the righteousnesse of God without the Law is manifested 1 Pet. 4.3 with vers 7. The time past of our lives may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles c. The end of all things is at hand Be ye therefore sober and watch Reason 1. Because else they should be like Job's friends Physicians of no value Job 13.4 Who cares for a Physician that onely can tell him he must die 2. They could else do no good to men by their Ministery He that tells a man he is in the wrong way or that the enemy comes upon him and cannot guide him in the right way or to a safe tower doth no good Vse Let Ministers teach men as to cast off solly so to hearken to Wisdomes voyce to come out of by wayes and darknesse unto the right way and light Else they are like him that snuffs a lamp and puts in no oyl 2. Dict. Reproof may turn some that would never turn of themselves The Angels speech made the Israelites weep Judg. 2.1 4. Peter's speech pricked the Jews to the heart and made them cry out Men and brethren what shall we doe Act. 2.14 37. Reason 1. Because we are naturally in sensible of our dangers as a man neer death ost-times feels no pain 2. We are not inquisitive after wayes of escaping as a mad-man never seeks to a Physician No suspicion no inquifition 3. Reproof rouzes up mens consciences and makes them look about them as a roaring canon wakes a man out of a dead sleep 4. It enflames their affections and makes them to look after salvation As pain felt makes a man look after a Physician that slighted him before Vse Let us highly esteem of reproofs it may be we should have gone on sleeping to hell else So did David Psal 141.5 Let the righteous reprove me it shall be an excellent oyl Giving ear to reproof is the high way to wisdome The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise Prov. 15.31 3. Doct. Wonderfull gifts are given by Gods Spirit Therefore Wisdome faith Behold See a catalogue of them 1 Cor. 12.4 c. Act. 2.17 c. Gises of knowledge wisdome healing miracles tongues prophesie See Abraham's admirable faith Heb. 11.9 10. He had Canaan yet like a stranger looked for heaven See Job's strange patience Job 1. Wonder at David's hearty thankfulnesse whereof the Psalms are witnesses and Solomon's vast wisdome set out in his rare Proverbs These could not grow in the Wildernesse of corrupted nature and therefore must come out of a garden planted by Gods Spirit Vse Acknowledge God in the gifts of his servants Nature Art Experience cannot produce those admirable effects and gifts which some men have attained Though dayes may speak and multitude of years may teach wisdome Yet there is a spirit in man and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding Job 32.7 8. 4. Doct. Abundance of spirituall gifts are given to believers A fountain is poured out on them The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life Joh. 4.14 This well is opened Joh. 7.39 This spake he of the Spirit which they that beleeve on him should receive Reason 1. Because the persons are many yea many thousands An hundred forty and four thousand Israelites besides an innumerable company of believing Gentiles Rev. 7.4 9. And if every one had but one several gift they must needs be many 2. Every one of these hath many gifts as knowledge holinesse righteousnesse meeknesse sobriety patience magnanimity faith hope charity c. All then must needs mount to an huge summe Vse Pray for abundance of spirituall gifts they are the best treasure Lose nothing for asking 5. Doct. They that will turn to God shall not want the plentifull help of Gods Spirit to direct them If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of my self Joh. 7.17 The Spirit of truth shall testifie of me Joh. 15.26 Reason 1. Because they will pray for Gods Spirit and God will give the Spirit to them that ask it Luk. 11.13 2. Because God is so free that he gives the Spirit to them that go away from him as to Paul Act. 9. Much more will he give it to them that return to him Christ that seeks the lost sheep will give his Spirit to the returning sheep Vse It encourages men to turn to God for then they shall have his Spirit for their Instructer Sanctifier Comforter 6 Doct. The Spirit and the Word must go together to guide Both are joyned in this vers The comforter shall bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Joh. 14.26 The Spirits must be tryed whether they be of God 1 Joh. 4.1 How shall that be known By hearing Gods Word Hereby know we the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error 1 Joh. 4 6. Reason 1. Because else contradiction untruth double dealing is put upon God For if his Word say one thing and his Spirit another he contradicts himself and must needs speak falsely in one of them for contraries cannot be true If it be day it is not night If a man bid his servant before men to do one thing and whisper the contrary in his ear Is not this double dealing 2. Because there is no other sure way to distinguish between a true speaking and a false speaking Spirit Vse It reproves those that crosse the Word under pretence of the Spirit and revelation and so set God at daggers drawing with himself and make him inconstant to say and unsay God in his Word bids read the Scriptures hear the Word saith Paul the great Apostle knew but in part Men deny all these by the Spirit A lying spirit must it needs be that contradicts Gods plain Word To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no light in them Isa 8.20 Vers 24. Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded In the two last verses Wisdome hath perswaded wicked men to repentance by expostulations exhortations and promises now she declareth the miserable estate of wilful persons with comminations menaces and threatning Seeing notwithstanding the plenty of means many would not get knowledge Wisdome threatens great mischiefs to them and shews the
instruction of the Chaldeans but Gods grace which made the young men wise Theodor. in Dan. 1.17 2. Take notice that our wisdome is not from our selves but from God It is not in our power to get it Be not then proud of thy wisdome as if God were a debtor to thee for using thy wisdome to his glory He hath paid thee beforehand he gave thee thy wisdome and if thou use it to his glory he will pay thee again with eternall glory Proud persons then must be dumb unlesse they make Solomon a liar who saith The Lord giveth wisdome What wisdome then soever we have we must not praise our selves for it as if we were something more then others which are voyd thereof but without advancing our selves we must confesse with St. James that every good and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights Jam. 1.17 Otherwise we should well deserve to hear Who maketh thee to differ from another And what hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive it why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it 1 Cor. 4 7. 4. Doct. All manner of heavenly knowledge is from God God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake to our Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken to us by his Son Heb. 1.1 2. Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven Mat. 16.17 Reason 1. Because none can teach us to know God but God himself Who can consider of the highest cause but by influence from the highest cause Who can see the Sun but by influence from the Sun 2. We cannot know heaven but by Gods revelation As we know not what is in the Indies but by relation of such as dwell or have been there 3. We know not the way to heaven but by Gods direction Mens brains may make a ladder to climbe to Kingdomes but Jacob's ladder where God stands at the top can onely reach to heaven Vse Try your wisdome whether heavenly or no in divine things by the originall of it The conscience is troubled with the guilt of sin God sets Christs blood alone before thee Papists set merits works of supererogation Popes pardons to help clense it Gods way is the best The soul is oppressed with filth of sin God offers his Spirit to clense this soul stable Papists talk of whippings abstinence from flesh yet are many of their votaries homines quos si vel foeno pasceres lascivirent Erasmi vita Men that would be wanton if they eat nothing but hay 5. Doct. Gods Word and Ministers must be regarded in the search of wisdome To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no light in them Isa 8.20 Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternall life and they are they which testifie of me Joh. 5.39 Quench not the Spirit Despise not prophesyings 1 Thess 5.19 20. Reason 1. Because the Scriptures are the fountains of heavenly wisdome 2. They are the touch-stone of divine truths Spirits must submit to be tryed by them 1 Joh. 4.1 2. 3. The Ministers are the conduit-pipes through which God ordinarily sends forth the waters of heavenly knowledge 4. They are Goldsmiths that know best how to use the touchstone of the Word to try truths It is their study and their trade Vse 1. To shew us the vanity of those men who trust to revelations and their owne Spirits in stead of Gods and slight the Scriptures and despise the Ministers Certainly they are far from true wisdome 2. To exhort us to read the Scriptures diligently and to hearken to Gods Ministers reverently For though men must use their owne endevours to get true wisdome else praying to God for it is but mocking of God yet they cannot by any labour of their owne attain it Therefore must our ears and hearts be enclined to our Teachers v. 2. By them doth God open his mouth to give us wisdome We should then resort to the preaching of the Word not slackly or for custome sake as hypocrites superstitious persons and Idolaters do but to the end that we may receive and learn wisdome of God through his grace and goodnesse whereby we knowing him may walk in his fear It is promised as a blessing Thine eyes shall see thy Teachers Isa 30.20 6. Doct. Inward capacity and outward discovery come both from God He gave Solomon wisdome to comprelâ—end many things which others could not understand He gave Mâ—ses knowledge of the Creation of the world Reason He gave man eyes to seâ— withall else he could not have had any comfortable view of the excellency of the creatures He placed the Sun and Moon in the firmament else eyes would have done no good Much more is there need of Christs help for spirituall light and sight Quod lux est videntibus visis id Deus est intelligentibus intellectis Thalasstus in Hecatontade That which light is to them that see and to things seen the same is God to understanding men and things understood Vse Seek both of God by his revelation of the truth in his Word and illumination to conceive it in the preaching of it by his Spirit Else no sound wisdome is to be gotten nor no spiritual light nor sight Vers 7. He layeth up sound wisdome for the righteous he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly The two next reasons follow why right searchers shall obtain true wisdome The one from Gods plentifull provision The other from his protection from errors For the words He layeth up Heb. he hideth He had said before that wisdome must be sought like an hidden treasure now he shews where it is hidden not with men nor in the bowels of the earth but with God Men lay up treasure God layes up wisdome and that in Christ in whom are all the treasures hid of wisdome and knowledge Col. 2.3 And who is the wisdome of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Now God doth not hide it to deprive men of it but that as a treasure he may keep it safe and bring it out to give to his children as they need it And it shews withall that God hath abundance of wisdome enough to serve himself and all creatures because he layes it up as men do riches who have much more then they have present use of And he layes it up for the good of his as he doth goodnesse O how great is thy goodnesse which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee Psal 31.19 So it is ready and at hand for them upon all occasions So we keep things carefully that we lay up for our children As the men of China do hide matter to make China dishes in the earth to make portions for their children Sound wisdome The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies 1. Essence or being or substance of a thing Hence may come the
the land by death or exile they shall live quietly and prosperously in it An opposition to v. 18. 22. Figures none Note 1. A comfortable dwelling promised to the righteous 2. A constant abiding even when others are cut off In the former note 1. The word of coherence For. 2. The persons the upright 3. The act shall dwell 4. The object in the Land In the latter observe 1. The persons And the perfect 2. The act shall remain 3. The object in it 1. Doct. The Scripture gives many encouragements to men to walk in good wayes As 1. Precepts All the ten Commandements the most exact rule of a godly life that ever was 2. Exhortations I beseech you therefore Brethren by the mercies of God Rom. 12.1 Who would not be perswaded when God himself exhorts by his Ministers that might command 3. Examples of the excellentest men that ever lived on the face of the earth See store of them recorded and commended who lived before Christs incarnation Heb. 11. Apostles afterwards Yea Christ himself the example of examples Be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ 1 Cor. 11.1 4. Rich promises If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the Land Isa 1.19 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth Mar. 5.5 4. The Gospel which shews us a second and greater ground of of godly life then the Law or Creation did The grace of God that bringeth salvatien hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodlinesse c. Titus 2.11 12. 6. It sets out the help of the Spirit Some walk after the Spirit and are led by the Spirit Rom 8.1 14. Without this help we might utterly despair of walking in good wayes We could no more do it then a man could choose or walk in a fair way in the world that had not a soul or spirit in him to direct him 7. Gods acceptation is there set out Our best actions are sinfull God likes not such And if they may not be accepted who would lose his labour to do them Cornelius his prayers and almes-deeds were come up for a memoriall before God Act. 10.4 8. Gods commendation This is more then acceptation When a Father proclaims to others what a good Son he hath it shews abundance of love in him and encourages the childe to please him So God doth animate us I know thy works Rev. 2.2 9 13 19. 9. Gods preservation of us in good wayes when our hearts are set upon them and we are ignorantly in danger So he kept Abimelech from touching Sarah Gen. 20.6 Vse It should encourage Christians to be more carefull of their wayes then all the world besides We should be brighter then others as the stars are brighter then the firmament Heathen have few encouragements in comparison of us Turks have not much more Jews want the New Testament Papists may not read the Scriptures We have all encouragements to good wayes Let us therefore say with the Psalmist I will run the way of thy commandements when thou shalt enlarge my heart Psal 119.32 6. Doct. When wicked men are cut off God sometimes spares the good The truth will appear if you compare this v. with the next And also in Noah's deliverance from the Flood and Lot's in Sodom When the wicked are cut off thou shall see it Psal 37.34 Reason 1. To shew Gods special care and providence over them Joseph's parti-coloured coat and Benjamin's large messe were signes of speciall love 2. To draw men to piety We are in part carnall Abraham hath Canaan and a numerous posterity promised him to encourage him in piety Vse 1. If we be preserved when others perish let us acknowledge Gods favour to be the cause of it We had sins as well as they and deserved to be cut off as well as they 2. Let us be encouraged to piety If there be any way in the world to escape judgements this is it Landlords do not use to turn their tenants out of dores while they keep covenants Good men are said to inherit the earth bad men onely to possesse it 3. Doct. Uprightnesse is expected of those that expect Gods blessing Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace Psal 37.37 Light is sown for the righteous and joy for the upright in heart Psal 97.11 Reason 1. Because God hates hypocrifie It is most contrary to the God of truth 2. He hates evill ends 3. He hates self-ends in men who should all serve his ends 4. He hates by-ends when men aim at any thing that tends not to his glory Vse Try if ye be sincere Else your hopes are like spiders webs Job 8.13 14. Try it by these notes An upright man is he 1. To whom nothing is displeasing that God hath done 2. To whom God is pleasing in all the good the man himself doth 3. To whom God is not displeasing in any evill that he suffers 4. That doth not resist God his Father when he goes about to mend him 5. That baleeves God his Father in all he promises 6. That layes all his sins upon himself 7. He that attributes all his good deeds to God 8. He that directs his will by Gods will as the Clock is ordered by the Sun-dial 9. He that doth all good from the heart 4. Doct. Perfection is expected of them that look for Gods blessing Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect Mat. 5.48 I will behave my self wisely in a perfect way O when wilt thou come unso me I will walk within my house with a perfect heart Psal 101.2 Reason Because all perfections are required of such as expect happinesse As 1. Perfection of sincerity This was proved in the former point A fincere man is a perfect man An hypocrite is but a picture of a man 2. Perfection of parts Every saving grace must be had and used So a childe is a perfect man A defective monster is not 3. Perfection of integrity When our obedience is universall to all Gods commandements 4. Perfection of degrees That is required intentionally and shall be given us actually before we come to heaven So a childe is not a perfect man till he come to his full growth Vse Be like good trees sound within and without in root body branches and grow higher toward heaven still Else look for no blessing from God 5. Doct. God often gives good men a comfortable and quiet continuance in their habitations As to David after his troubles from Saul and Absolon To Solomon for a long time Reason 1. That they may have the more time to serve God and do good A breathing time that the Churchet having rest may beâ—ed fied and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the holy Ghost may be multiplyed Act. 9.31 2. That they may have the more encouragement to do it Mens spirits are down in trouble and have enough