The Christian Temper, Discourse 1 · Part 1
COL. 1.9.
—And to deſire that ye might be filled with the Knowledg of his Will, in all Wiſdom and Spiritual Underſtanding.
Multitudes periſh for lack of Knowledg, Hoſ. 4.6. and many periſh with Knowledg. Saving-Knowledg is rare. The Knowledg of the moſt will aggravate their Condemnation. The clearer their Light here, the hotter their Flames hereafter. Luk. 12.47. That Servant which knew his Lords Will, and prepared not, neither did according to his will, ſhall be beaten with many Stripes. Rom. 2.9. Tribulation and anguiſh upon every Soul of Man that doth evil, of the Jew firſt. Of the Jew firſt, as knowing moſt, being inſtructed out of the Law, (ver. 17, 18.) To be wiſe unto Salvation is to be wiſe indeed. But a common notional Knowledg, like a dead Faith, may deceive, will never ſave Men.
Now to ſhew, wherein ſound Spiritual-Knowledg differeth from other common knowledg.
(1.) Spiritual Knowledg differeth from Natural Knowledg, as this is a Knowledg of Natural things, that of Spiritual things. Natural Knowledg is the Knowledg of a Man, Spiritual Knowledg is the Knowledg of the Holy, (Prov. 9.10.) the knowledg of a Saint, or of a Chriſtian. Natural Knowledg is a Knowledg of God in his works, (Rom. 1.19, 20.) Spiritual Knowledg is a Knowledg of God, according as he is revealed in his Word, Pſal. 119.169.
But here you may ſay, Is there not a Literal Knowledg of the Word, different from Saving, Spiritual Knowledg? Anſw.
(2.) Spiritual Knowledg differs from a Literal Knowledg; as a Literal Knowledg doth not always infer a Spiritual Knowledg; though a Spiritual Knowledg doth not include the Literal. A Literal Knowledg is from a common illumination, Spiritual Knowledg from a ſpecial Illumination of the Spirit. Eph. 1.17. *Docet modum nempe per revelationem Sacrarum Literarum, quae fit tollendo velum è cordibus noſtris, & illuſtrando mentes noſtras, quò &c. De Revelatione hîc loquitur, non quae Prophetis ſpeciali modo ſiebat, ſed quae omnibus piis communis eſt. M. Pol. è Zanch. in Eph. p. 31. c. b.Not that it is by immediate Revelation, (as the Doctrine of the Gopel was made known to the Aſpoſtles.) Nor do Divines intend ſuch immediate Revelation or Inſpiration, when they diſtinguiſh betwixt Literal Knowledg, and Spiritual, as betwixt an acquired Habit, and an Habit infuſed: But this is by a ſpecial, powerful irradiation, and ſhining upon the Underſtanding, lightning, and raiſing it to a Spiritual diſcerning of the Myſtery, and method of Salvation, revealed in the Word, which a Man had but a ſlighty, overly Knowledg of before. 1 Cor. 2.14. The natural Man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are fooliſhneſs unto him: neither can he know them, becauſe they are ſpiritually diſcerned. Though by ſuch means as Reading, Hearing, Study, Conference, he may come to a notional literal Knowledg of the Scriptures, and of the Doctrine of Chriſt; yet without a ſpecial work of the Spirit, a Man cannot ſpiritually diſcern the ſame. Take a Natural Man, that knows moſt of the things of God, that can diſcourſe well of Regeneration, and other Points in Divinity; yet they are ſtrange things to him, he ſees them, but as things afar off; yea blindneſs of Mind, in a prevailing degree, ſtill hinders him from paſſing a right practical Judgment of the ſurpaſſing worth and excellency of Spiritual things, till he comes to this enlightning of the Spirit. And one that is thus enlightned, can ſay (as he, Joh. 9.25.) whereas I was blind, now I ſee. He hath other thoughts of Sin, than he had before: he hath other thoughts of God and Chriſt, of Heaven and Holineſs, than he had before.
(3.) Spiritual Knowledg is not ordinarily attained without means; and when it is attained, it teacheth ſtill to attend humbly, and diligently on the means God hath appointed.
The more common works of the Spirit prepare for the ſpecial works of the Spirit. So a common Literal Knowledg makes way for Spiritual Knowledg. Certainly, it is not the ordinary way and method of the Spirit, to dart in the Saving Knowledg of God and Chriſt immediately into Souls, that knew nothing of God and Chriſt before. But thoſe Divine Truths, which we had but a dim and ſlighty apprehenſion of, he ſheweth with fuller and plainer evidence. And as the Lord hath enjoyned us the uſe of the means, to attain to Knowledg, Men have no ground to hope they ſhould come to Knowledg in the neglect of means. Then ſhall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord. Hoſ. 6.3.
We are not now to look for immediate Revelations: but to hear what the Word ſaith, which was given by Divine Inſpiration. What the Scripture ſaith, that the Spirit ſaith. Heb. 3.7. Rev. 2.7. We are to wait on the Spirit, not to give us new Scriptures, but to open our Ʋnderſtandings to underſtand the Scriptures, which he hath already given. We are to Read, Hear, Pray, &c. that we may underſtand.
They that wholly neglect and deſpiſe the means of Knowledg, that will not go to the Law and to the Teſtimony, that ſeek not the Law at the Mouths of God's Meſſengers (whoſe Lips ſhould preſerve Knowledg) but deſpiſe propheſying, conceiting themſelves wiſer than their Teachers: And they that would be Wiſe and knowing, beſides, and above that which is written, and ſet up, cry up the Light within (as they ſpeak) above the written Word, how much ſoever they are conceited of their own Knowledg, ſhould know, that it cannot be ſound. Such as exalt their Wiſdom againſt the Wiſdom of God in his Word, contemning the means he hath appointed, are preſumptuous indeed, and Proud, knowing nothing, as they ought to know. Such are not taught, as the Holy Ghoſt teacheth, be their pretences to the Spirit never ſo high.
To receive Wiſdom's words, to incline our Ears, and apply our Hearts thereto, to cry after Knowledg, and lift up our Voice for Underſtanding, to ſeek her as Silver, and dig for her, as for hid treaſures, this is the way indeed to find the Knowledg of God, Prov. 2.1, &c.
(4.) Spiritual Knowledg is clear, and ſatisfying. True it is, that all who have the ſpecial Illumination of the Spirit, have not the ſame degree and meaſure of Knowledg, but recipitur ad modum recipientis. Some Chriſtians are but Babes, not Men of Knowledg. And we all know but in part, and ſee but darkly compared with the Saints in Heaven. Yet where God hath ſhined into the Hearts of any, to give the Light of the Knowledg of his Glory, in the Face of Jeſus Chriſt; Such muſt needs have a more firm and certain aſſent to the Truth, than they, who are in a ſtate of Darkneſs. As Peter ſaid, Joh. 6.69. We believe, and are ſure, that thou art that Chriſt the Son of the Living God. As Chriſt of the Diſciples, Joh. 17.8. They have received my Words, and have known ſurely, that I came out from thee. As the Apoſtle, Rom. 14.14. I know, and am perſwaded. As the Goſpel came to the believing Theſſalonians not in Word only, but alſo in Power, and in the Holy Ghoſt, and in much Aſſurance, 1 Theſ. 1.5. As the Apoſtle ſpeaks of the full aſſurance of underſtanding, to the acknowledgment of the Myſtery of the Goſpel, Col. 2.2. As Divines diſtinguiſh inter cognitionem & agnitionem, betwixt bare knowing, and acknowledging of the Truth. That of the Head only, this of the Heart alſo: that overly, and ſuperficial; this deep, and thorow. As the Apoſtle prayeth here, that they might be filled with the Knowledg of God's Will, foreign (the word here uſed) is foreign, cumulata & alta cognitio, a knowing thorowly, a deep apprehenſion of the Truth. Many have the Truth lying looſe on their Minds, have only fleeting, wavering apprehenſions of it: Whereas it is deeply impreſſed on the Minds of Believers. And though they may not have ſo much notional Knowledg as others have; yet they have not a bare Knowledg, but are come to an acknowledgment of the Truth, not a meer verbal, but a real hearty acknowledgment, at leaſt of all Truth abſolutely neceſſary to Salvation. And as the Anointing hath taught them, they ſhall abide in it, 1 Joh. 2.27.
Now, are we come to know the certainty of thoſe things, wherein we have been inſtructed? Do we ſee Spiritual things to be as great realities, as are in the World? Or, are we ſtill halting between two opinions, and but almoſt perſwaded of the Truth of Chriſtianity? Are our Minds hovering, and in ſuſpence, thinking theſe things may be true, or they may be falſe? Though a Man be able to diſcourſe Learnedly, and Orthodoxly, of the evil of Sin, and a Sinners Miſery without Chriſt, of Chriſt and his Benefits, and the way to be intereſted in him; of the Day of Judgment, Heaven, and Hell; that there is a place and ſtate of everlaſting Happineſs, prepared for the Righteous; and there is a place, and ſtate of endleſs Miſery, for all that are finally impenitent, and Unbelievers; if yet he has come to no certain concluſion with himſelf about theſe matters (he durſt not venture all he hath in the World upon the Truth of theſe things) ſurely it is but opinion that ſuch a one taketh up withal, it deſerveth not the name of Knowledg.
(5.) Sound Spiritual Knowledg is powerfully affecting. By this we are not only reſolved in our Judgments, but reſolved in our choice. A good underſtanding will chuſe the better part, is for cleaving to that which is good. So Wiſdom, and Spiritual Ʋnderſtanding are joyned here. And the wiſdom of the Prudent is to underſtand his way, Prov. 14.8. Spiritual Knowledg will teach one to approve things that are excellent, Phil. 1.9, 10.
A meer Notional Speculative Knowledg is of no effect, it leaveth the Will undetermined. And let a Man know never ſo much in Religion, if it be meerly ſpeculatively, not practically, it is in effect as if he knew nothing. Deut. 32.28. They are a Nation void of Counſel, neither is there any underſtanding in them. Hence the Scripture calleth all wicked Men Fools. So Chriſt calleth the Phariſees Blind (though many of them were knowing.) Their Knowledg being without effect, it was as if they had none. And can there be any greater Blindneſs, or Folly in the World, than for Men to prefer Worldly Pleaſures, Riches, Honours, before an Intereſt in Chriſt, and the Favour of God, and the Fruition of him; to prefer Fading Lying Vanities, before endleſs Joys, enduring Subſtance, and a never-fading Crown of Glory? to chuſe Sin, Hell and Everlaſting Deſtruction, before Righteouſneſs, Holineſs, and Eternal Happineſs? If this be not ſottiſh Folly, tell me what is?
As there is a form of Godlineſs, without the Power (2 Tim. 3.5.) So there is a form of Knowledg (Rom. 2.20.) without the Power. Notional Knowledg is weak indeed: but Spiritual Knowledg that is powerful. As they ſaid, Act. 4.20. We cannot but ſpeak the things which we have ſeen and heard: So we cannot but be affected with the great things God makes known to us by his Word and Spirit. †Eſt enim Sapiens, cui quaeque res ſaepiunt, prout ſunt. Bern.If we are come to a Spiritual diſcerning of things, then certainly we ſee an excellency in Chriſt, ſo as to deſire, and prize an Intereſt in him, above all things in the World: we ſee the evil of Sin, ſo as to dread, and hate, and reſolve againſt it, ſo as to forſake and flee from it; we ſee a Beauty in Holineſs, ſo as really to fall in love with it, and in good earneſt to follow after it. Iſa. 51.7. Hearken unto me, ye that know Righteouſneſs, the People in whoſe Heart is my Law. Vera cognitio non eſt imaginativa, ſed conjuncta cum ſerio affectu. Sound Knowledg reſteth not in the Head, but in the Heart. Wiſdom reſteth in the Heart of him that hath Ʋnderſtanding, Prov. 14.33. As we read of Wiſdom entring into the Heart, Prov. 2.10. When Wiſdom entreth into thine Heart.— And ſo,
(6.) Spiritual Knowledg is renewing. Col. 3.10. And have put on the new Man, which is renewed in Knowledg. It is Non modo Lux, ſed ſanitas quaedam & integritas Animae. It is not a Light in the Mind, but the ſoundneſs of the Mind. It is not only directing, but rectifying; not barely enforming, but reforming and transforming. It is true, that Knowledg which is not Saving, may make a great change in the lives of ſome. As we read of ſome Apoſtates, that had eſcaped the pollutions of the World through the Knowledg of Chriſt, 2 Pet. 2.20. But Spiritual Knowledg (that which is an effect of ſpecial Illumination) is an Introduction to Spiritual Renovation, to an inward thorow change. It not only brings Conviction, but is attended with Converſion. There is a turning from Iniquity, with this underſtanding of the Truth, Dan. 9.13. And a coming in to Chriſt. Joh. 6.45. Every Man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. So the Spirit guideth thoſe to whom he is given, not only to the Truth, but into Truth, into all (neceſſary) Truth, Joh. 16.13. An Emphatical Expreſſion. Tò docere, terminatur in intellectu: Sed ducere &c. pertinet ad voluntatem & affectum. The Truth ſpiritually apprehended makes a Spiritual Impreſſion on the Soul. The Heart is new caſt into the form and Mould of Divine Truth, Rom. 6.17. Thus Sound Knowledg makes ſound. Spiritual Knowledg maketh a Spiritual Man. As the Fear of the Lord (i. e. the Word, that teacheth his Fear) is clean, Pſal. 19.9. It is ſo, not only formalitèr, but effectivè, pure in it ſelf, and a cauſe of Purity. Spiritual Knowledg will make a Man ſpiritually minded. And this is a grand difference betwixt Notional and Spiritual Knowledg. The former doth ſomething enlighten, but not ſanctify: but the latter is alſo Sanctifying, Joh. 17.17. Sanctify them through thy Truth. Certainly, that Knowledg of the Truth is not Saving, which is not Sanctifying: Nor is our Knowledg ſanctified, if we are not ſanctifyed by it.
(7.) Spiritual Knowledg is humbling. Sound Knowledg does not puff up, ſo as other Knowledg does. 1 Cor. 8.1, 2. If any Man ſeemeth to himſelf to know any thing, (i. e. is lifted up with proud and high conceits of himſelf in regard of his Knowledg) he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. We cannot think it to be the Apoſtles meaning here to commend Scepticiſm, or a doubting of every thing in Religion; or to commend a fained Modeſty, or denying the Knowledg God hath given us; or to condemn Knowledg: but indeed to condemn Pride, in the opinion, or conceit of our Knowledg. There is a Woe to thoſe, that are wiſe in their own Eyes, Iſa. 5.21. True Wiſdom and Lowlineſs go together. Prov. 11.2. With the Lowly is Wiſdom. And Wiſdom and Spiritual Underſtanding go together.
Indeed Sound Spiritual Knowledg would take down the ſwellings of Pride. Pride cannot reign, where Sound Knowledg dwelleth.
Spiritual Knowledg cannot be without a Sound Knowledg of God. ‖Igitur ignorantes quique Deum, rem quoque ejus ignorent nec eſſe eſt. Tertul. de Poenitentia.And the more we know of God, the more we ſhall ſee cauſe to be humbled in our ſelves. As holy Job, the more he ſaw of God, the more he was humbled, Chap. 42.5, 6.
Again, Spiritual Knowledg cannot be without a Knowledg of our ſelves. And when the Spirit enlightneth Sinners, one of his firſt works is to convince of Sin, Joh. 16.8. Now certainly they that are lifted up in themſelves, know little of themſelves. They that are thorowly convinced of Sin, and come to know themſelves aright, cannot but have low thoughts of themſelves.
Again, Spiritual Knowledg is not without the Knowledg of Chriſt, *Cui enem veritas comperta ſine Deo, cui Deus cognitus ſine Chriſto, cui Chriſtus exploratus ſine Spiritu Sancto? Tertul. de Anima.(the only Mediator betwixt God and Man.) Now the Knowledg of Chriſt leads us out of our ſelves, makes us appear to be worſe than nothing in and of our ſelves.
Again, Let me add this; even they that are beſt learn'd in the School of Chriſt, cannot but be ſenſible that they know but in part, that they are very defective herein. Chriſt's Scholars the further they learn, the more they perceive their own I…norance and Shallowneſs. O the depths in Divinity! How ſhort are our Conceptions! How many Myſteries here that we are not able to dive into, or fathom? †Maxima pars corum quae ſcimus est minima pars corum, quae neſcimus.All we know is but little, to what we know not. It is the Novice in Religion, that is in moſt danger of being lifted up with Pride, 1 Tim. 3.6. While ſuch as know little are too often wiſe in their own conceits, they that have made greateſt proficiency, cannot but charge themſelves with folly. See Pſal. 73.16, 22. Prov. 30.2, 3.
(8.) Spiritual Knowledg is nouriſhing. As the Lord promiſeth, that his People ſhould be fed with Knowledg and Ʋnderſtanding, Jer. 3.15. As ſome have noted [with Knowledg and Ʋnderſtanding] there, may not only reſpect modum paſcendi, the manner how their Teachers ſhould feed them (ſcil. underſtandingly and prudently) but alſo materiam paſtûs, the matter of their Food, the ſound Knowledg of God's Word. This is nouriſhing. There's Heart in it. As Timothy was nouriſhed up in the Words of Faith, and of good Doctrine, 1 Tim. 4.6. As the Word of God is compared to Milk, 1 Pet. 2.2. Indeed there is both Milk and ſtrong Meat, Heb. 5.12. It is pabulum Animae. The Spiritual Knowledg of God and his Word does Souls good indeed. It is as Food to the Graces of the Spirit, as Fuel to holy Affections. Therefore the Apoſtle Peter prayeth, 2 Pet. 1.2. Grace be multiplyed unto you, through the Knowledg of God, and of Jeſus our Lord. And in his concluding exhortation, to grow in Grace, chap. 3.18. he addeth [and in the knowledg of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt] as a means ſpecially conducing to their growth in Grace.
I have ſhewed you even now, that Spiritual Knowledg is a great promoter of Humility. So doth it further on Repentance. As that expreſſion of a Mans knowing the Plague of his own Heart, 1 King. 8.38. may ſhew. There is no Repentance, without knowing the Plague of ones own Heart.
Spiritual Knowledg is both an In-let, and a ſtay and help to Faith, and truſt in God. Pſal. 9.10. They that know thy Name, will put their truſt in thee. So Knowledg is put for Faith, Iſa. 53.11. By his Knowledg (i. e. by the Knowledg of himſelf) ſhall my righteous Servant juſtify many. So it begets, and maintains the Fear of God. The Spirit of Knowledg, and of the Fear of the Lord, go together, Iſa. 11.2. Prov. 2.3, 5. If thou cryeſt after Knowledg — then ſhalt thou underſtand the Fear of the Lord. And if thou knoweſt God aright, ſurely thou wilt reverence him, thou wilt fear before him, thou wilt ſtand in awe of him, fear to offend him. Again, this is ever a Friend to the Love of God. Pſal. 91.14. Becauſe he hath ſet his Love upon me — becauſe he hath known my name. They that know his Name will ſet their Love on him. How great is his Goodneſs, and how great is his Beauty? If we know him aright, we cannot but admire him. Jer. 24.7. I will give them an Heart to know me, that I am the Lord] not only an Ʋnderſtanding, but an Heart to know me. They ſhall know me, ſo as to love, own and cleave to me. It follows [and they ſhall be my People, and I will be their God.] That this Promiſe [I will give them an Heart to know me] ſeemeth to be the ſame in ſenſe with that Deut. 30.6. The Lord thy God will circumciſe thine Heart, to love the Lord thy God. The Spiritual Knowledg of God hath both Light and Heat in it. It warmeth, it enflameth the Heart with love to him. It promotes Sincerity. Phil. 1.9, 10. Pſal. 36.10. O continue thy loving-kindneſs to them that know thee: and thy Righteouſneſs to the upright in Heart. Here they that know God, and the upright in Heart, are the ſame Perſons. They that know God aright, would dread to think of mocking God in Religion, would fear to play the Deceivers. Would not God ſearch this out? for he knoweth the ſecrets of the Heart.
Thus Spiritual Knowledg is ſound indeed. Notional-Knowledg is windy, and airy. Men may have their Heads ſwelled with it: but that's all. Their Hearts are not bettered by it. As Meat that lyeth on the Stomack undigeſted, is more noxious, than nouriſhing, it breedeth ill Humours: a meer ſpeculative Knowledg is like Food that digeſts not. I remember it is Bernard's compariſon.
(9.) Spiritual Knowledg is fruitful. Good Knowledg is like good Seed. As the Apoſtle ſays of the Word here, Col. 1.6. It bringeth forth Fruit in you, ſince the day ye heard it, and knew the Grace of God in Truth. It brings forth the Fruits of Repentance and Reformation. Pſal. 119.104. Through thy precepts I get Ʋnderſtanding: therefore I hate every falſe way. Job 28.28. The fear of the Lord, this is Wiſdom: and to depart from evil, is Ʋnderſtanding; And the fruit of Obedience. Pſal. 111.10. A good Ʋnderſtanding have all they that do his Commandments. Deut. 4.6. Keep my Statutes, and do them; for this is your Wiſdom, and your Ʋnderſtanding. 1 Joh. 2.3, 4. Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his Commandments. He that ſaith, I know him, and keepeth not his Commandments, is a Lyar, and the Truth is not in him. The Wiſdom that is from above is full of good Fruits, Jam. 3.17. The believing Romans were full of Goodneſs, filled with Knowledg. Rom. 15.14. So the Apoſtle prayeth for the Coloſſians here, that they might be filled with the Knowledg of God's Will— that they might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleaſing, being fruitful in every good work, and increaſing in the Knowledg of God, ver. 10. Thus, Who is a wiſe Man and endued with Knowledg among you? let him ſhew out of a good Converſation his Works with Meekneſs of Wiſdom, Jam. 3.13.
Notional Knowledg is vain and idle, barren and unfruitful: Spiritual Knowledg is operative, and practical. Let us know never ſo much, if our Knowledg be not ſincerely, and faithfully reduced into Practice, it will aggravate both our Sin, and our Puniſhment.
(10.) Spiritual-Knowledg is Communicative. Prov. 15.2. The Tongue of the Wiſe uſeth Knowledg aright. Others make no uſe of their Knowledg, or not a right uſe. Some would know only to know, which is meer curioſity; Some would know to make themſelves known, Bern. in Caiit. Ser. 36.which is Pride, and Vanity: the Spiritual Man is for Knowledg to regulate his own Life and Practice, and to edify and profit others, and this is Spiritual Wiſdom. R. Boulton.Without which (as one ſays) Knowledg is but a Strumpet, or Curteſan, kept only for ſenſual Pleaſure, not for Fruit, and Children. As Light is diffuſive, Spiritual Knowledg is Communicative. Such as have it, would have others better for what they know. Dan. 11.33. They that underſtand among the People, ſhall inſtruct many. Prov. 10.21. The Lips of the Righteous feed many. Prov. 12.18. The Tongue of the Wiſe is Health. Some carry Poyſon in their Tongues; and their Breath is infectious. But the Tongue of the wiſe is Health. The Lips of the Wiſe diſperſe Knowledg, Prov. 15.7. They feed many. Though all are not Teachers by Office, yet in a charitative way it is both their Duty and Deſire to inſtruct and admoniſh others, Neighbours, or Acquaintance, that they have opportunity of converſing with. As the Apoſtle ſays of them, Rom. 15, 14.— filled with Knowledg, able alſo to admoniſh one another. And eſpecially would the Lips of ſuch feed thoſe who are under their ſpecial charge: They would not that any under their charge, ſhould ſtarve and periſh for lack of Knowledg. If we are acquainted with God and Jeſus Chriſt, we cannot but be ſenſible of the Miſery of thoſe, who yet remain Strangers to him. We ſhall pitty them. And we ſhall endeavour eſpecially to acquaint ours with him.
Some indeed may be forward to put forth themſelves, to ſhew their Gifts, and Parts, when they have no deſign to help others forward. They that aim at their own Praiſe, not at others Profit, may have that Knowledg which puffeth up: but Saving Knowledg, that which is accompanied with true Grace, is for edifying. (1 Cor. 8.1.)
(11.) Spiritual-Knowledg is growing: How growing? Not in empty Notions, not in nice, and curious Speculations: but in more intimacy with ſound and practical Truths, and in ſolid Experience.
The Heart of him that hath Ʋnderſtanding, ſeeketh Knowledg, Prov. 15.14. The Knowledg of Wiſdom is ſweet to the Soul, when it is found; Sweet as Honey, and the Honey-comb (Prov. 24.13, 14.) The Soul that hath a taſte of it, will deſire more. And Knowledg is eaſy unto him that underſtandeth, Prov. 14.6. It is more eaſily increaſed, than at firſt attained. Every prudent Man dealeth with Knowledg, Prov. 13.16. Knowledg is a Commodity he dealeth with, and will deal with. The word in the Hebrew is in the future tenſe, noting a continued Act. Wiſe Men lay up Knowledg, Prov. 10.14. We heard before, that their Lips diſperſe Knowledg. So they are ever and anon laying out. But it is their care as well to lay in, to lay up Knowledg. They will be ſtoring up more and more of this Treaſure, which indeed is not leſſened by a ſeaſonable laying out.
But what ſhall we think of thoſe that deſpiſe the means of Knowledg. A wiſe Man will hear, and will increaſe learning, Prov. 1.5. They that are not for learning in God's way, ſure, they are not wiſe: they that ſay they know as much as Miniſters can teach them, they that think, they know enough already, their Knowledg is not ſound. Indeed their Pride, and fooliſh Self-conceit is more than their Knowledg.
Some again would know more: but are for knowing ſuch things, as God hath not revealed. †Ʋnde & ignorare tuts ſimum eſt, praeſtat per Deum neſcire, quia non revelaverit, quàm per hominem ſcire quia ipſe praeſumpſerit. Tertul. de Antma.A dangerous thing to be prying into God's Secrets. Such Star-gazers (as Mr. Vines ſays) fall into Pits and Quag-mires. How many that loſe themſelves in the Maze of their own Fancies, and Speculations; and not only loſe themſelves, but like Ignes fatui miſlead others. The itch of impertinent and unprofitable Knowledg (ſays Biſhop Hall) hath been the hereditary Diſeaſe of the Sons of Adam and Eve. Vol. 1. p. 1110.Many are for Curioſities, neglecting the Doctrine which is according to Godlineſs.
But would we joyn with the Pſalmiſt, Pſal. 119.66. Teach me good Judgment and Knowledg. I'le tell you what Knowledg it is that Sound Spiritual Minds are moſt for.
(1.) Spiritual Minds are for knowing more of God in Chriſt. This Knowledg is moſt neceſſary, and moſt excellent. This is Life eternal, Joh. 17.3. The Apoſtle Paul counted all things but loſs, for the excellency of the Knowledg of Chriſt Jeſus his Lord. Phil. 3.8. And they that would not hear of Chriſt Crucified, were not hearers for him, 1 Cor. 2.2. I determined not to know any thing among you, ſave Jeſus Chriſt, and him Crucified. 2 Cor. 4.6. God who commanded the Light to ſhine out of Darkneſs, hath ſhined in our Hearts, to give the Light of the Knowledg of the Glory of God, in the Face of Jeſus Chriſt. O marvelous Light! How are Angels taken with it, 1 Pet. 1.12. How pleaſant is this Light to all Sound Minds!
Yea, Spiritual Minds are not only for more Knowledg of God and Jeſus Chriſt, as revealed in the Scripture: but for an experimental Knowledg of him, in his ſpecial works of Grace on them. As the Apoſtle ſpeaks of God's revealing his Son in him, Gal. 1.16. Not only revealing Chriſt to him, but alſo in him. And how great a difference there is betwixt a meer Speculative Knowledg of Chriſt, and an Experimental Knowledg of him? The one is a Knowledg of Chriſt by report, and hear-ſay; the other a Knowledg of Acquaintance, and by Communion with him. How dark are the apprehenſions that a blind Man hath (from others diſcourſe) of the Sun, whoſe Beauty and Luſtre he never ſaw; *Gregorius in this reſpect compares a natural Man to one Born, and brought up in a Priſon or Dungeon. Vid. Dialo. l. 4. cap. 1.I ſay, how dark are ſuch a ones apprehenſions of the Sun, compared with ours, who enjoy its Light? Spiritual Minds are for ſuch an experimental Knowledg of God and Jeſus Chriſt. Yea, they are for an appropriating Knowledg. The more they know of God, the more earneſtly they deſire, and endeavour to diſcover their ſpecial propriety in God. They cannot be ſatisfyed, till they know him to be their God. The more they know of Jeſus Chriſt, the more they long to know that he is their Jeſus, and their Lord.
(2.) Spiritual Minds are for knowing more of themſelves. There can be no Sound Knowledg without Self-Knowledg. Nil proſunt lecta nec intellecta, niſi teipſum legas & intelligas. Let a Man Read, Study, Underſtand never-ſo-much, all his Knowledg is vain, and unprofitable, without an application of it to himſelf. Job. 5.27. Hear, and know thou it for thy good. In the Hebrew, it is, know thou for thy ſelf, or with thy ſelf. Many hear as for others, are more ready to apply the Word to others than to themſelves. Such are not likely to get good by what they hear, are no better for what they know. The Word is compared to a Glaſs. And it concerneth every one, to look his Face in this Glaſs. Yea, it is not enough to look with a ſudden Glance, and ſo away again: but we muſt continue therein, to know what manner of Perſons we are, and ought to be, Jam. 1.23, 24, 25. And Spiritual Minds are for Self-Acquaintance. Spiritual Knowledg will put Souls upon, and help in examining, and proving themſelves, that they may know themſelves.
(3.) Spiritual Minds would know all the Counſel of God, ſo far as concerneth them: and eſpecially they are for knowing what moſt nearly concerneth them. Knowledg without Wiſdom (as one ſays) is uſually curious, Dr. Manton on Jam. 3.13. p. 384.and cenſorious.
Sound Minds would be acquainted with the Word of God, pro or con. They are ready to receive it, whether it make for them, or againſt them. And ſo, The Ear that heareth the reproof of Life, abideth among the Wiſe. He that heareth reproof getteth Ʋnderſtanding, Prov. 15.31, 32. See alſo Prov. 19.25. What a ſtrict charge did Eli lay on Samuel, not to hide any thing from him, that the Lord had told him, 1 Sam. 3.17. And when he was told of the evil determined againſt his Houſe, he did not fret and fume; but ſaid [It is the Lord, let him do what ſeemeth him good.] So Hezekiah, 2 King. 20.19. But how few that would like to hear of their Sins, or are willing to hear of the Judgments God has denounced againſt them in his Word? Such Knowledg is too painful for the moſt. They had rather ſleep on in their Sins, than be ſo diſquieted. God's Meſſengers are accounted their Enemies, and Tormentors, when they tell them the Truth. Alas, we can meet with but few in compariſon, that are for right things, that will endure ſharp reproof (though needful to ſet them Sound.) But few that would have their Sores touch'd. But a Sound Mind would hear, and know the worſt of it ſelf. It is the Prayer of ſuch a one, Make me to know my Transgreſſion, and my Sin. What I ſee not, teach thou me; and wherein I have done Iniquity, I would do ſo no more. Search me, O God, and prove me; and ſee if there be any way of Wickedneſs in me, and lead me in the Way Everlaſting. Such would know their Sins, to be humbled for them, and to turn from them.
So likewiſe Sound Minds would know more of their Duty, to diſcharge it. Theſe would be more knowing, not only in matters of Faith; but as well in matters of Practice. Prov. 10.8. The Wiſe in Heart will receive Commandments. The Wiſdom of the Prudent is to underſtand his way. In the point of his Duty here he would not be to ſeek. Such have little time to ſpend, have little Heart to ſpend time, about ſuch Notions (though true) that have little, or no influence on the Heart and Life. Others ſtudy thoſe things moſt, that do leaſt concern them: And are taken up with by-matters, neglecting the main. But wholſom words, and the Doctrine of Godlineſs agree beſt with Sound Minds. As the Pſalmiſt ſays, Pſal. 119.104. Through thy Precepts I get Ʋnderſtanding. And prayeth, ver. 27. Make me to underſtand the way of thy Precepts. And again, ver. 73. Give me Ʋnderſtanding, that I may learn thy Commandments. As John's hearers, came, and asked, What ſhall we do? What ſhall we do? Luk. 3.10, 12, 14. Serious Minds make little account of that Knowledg, which hath no influence on, is not reducible to practice.
Now the Lord grant, that we may be filled with the Knowledg of his will, in all Wiſdom, and Spiritual Ʋnderſtanding: that we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleaſing, being fruitful in every good work, and encreaſing in the Knowledg of God.