The Kingdom of God Among Men, Tract 1 · Chapter 19
CHAP. XIX.
The most ample diffusion of the Light of knowledge, is a sure means of promoting true Religion.
FAlse and corrupt ways bear sway by a Peoples ignorance; but Religion in its right and sound state as a Jewel that hath its greatest lustre by the brightest light, is maintain'd by the clearest knowledge. In bright times, the impostures and carnal designs of devised Doctrines, and superstitious vanities will be made manifest; and the hypocrisie being detected, the Merchandize thereof will be quite marr'd. In such times even the vulgar sort will expect from those in sacred Functions, at least the appearance of a sober, righteous and godly conversation, with diligence in holy administrations. Then the enemies of real Sanctity are put to hard shifts, and forc'd to appear either in some colours of Truth, or in the shame of their own nakedness. For this cause the Followers of Truth make it their special interest, as throughly to promote the most ample diffusion, and universal increase of Knowledge among all ranks and sorts of Men, as the Adverse partly seek to oppose and debase it.
We do not hereby mean an intermedling in difficult matters, a smattering in controversies, and certain curiosities of Opinions, a store of unnecessary notions, and of meer words and phrases, which things are commonly erroneous, and at the best but injudicious, and puff up the half-witted and self-conceited, and make them troublesom to themselves and others. But that which is here commended for an universal increase and propagation, is to understand the Principles of the Essential Truths of Christianity, to see their evidence, to judge rightly of their weight and worth, and to view their coherence; and besides these, to know so much of other Truths as the different Capacities of Men will inable them, for the bettering of their Knowledge in the Essentials.
The means of diffusing this Light are well known, as the constant Preaching of the Word, and the opening of the Principles of Religion in a due form of Cathechism, the strict observation of the Lords Day, repetition of Sermons, …ious Conferences, reading the Word, and Prayer in Families, profitable Communication among neighbour-Christians in their daily converse, the spreading of practical Books written by Men of sound judgment, and Ministers private applications to those of their own Charges with prudence and meekness.
For the same end that main Principle of Protestanism, the judgment of Discretion, as …elonging to all Christians, is to be asserted and …indicated against that Popish and brutish Do…trine of implicit Faith, in the Church's de…rminations. This is not to subject matters of …aith to a private Spirit; but to refer them to …e divine Authority of the holy Scriptures, to …e apprehended in the due and right use of …eason, which is a publick and evident thing, …d lies open to the tryal and judgment of all Men. And to Men of sober minds, serious for the saving of their own Souls, the Analogy of Faith in the current of Scripture is easily discernable.
Moreover, the general increase of Knowledge lies much in the ingenuous Education and condition of the common People, in opposition to sordidness, slavery and brutish rudeness. Though some look upon the vulgar sort with contempt, and seem to value them no more than brute Animals, and think it enough that their Governors understand and consider for them, and not they for themselves: yet Christ hath shed his Blood as much for the redemption of that Sort, as of the Noble and Mighty, and Prudent; and he hath made no difference between the one and the other in the conditions of Salvation, and in the priviledges and ordinances of his Kingdom. As for the receiving of the Grace of God, the Scripture casts the advantage on the poorer and meaner side. Not many wise Men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called, was the observation of St. Paul, and St. James witnesseth, that God hath chosen the Poor of this world, rich in Faith, and Heirs of his Kingdom. And those whom God hath chosen, must needs be instructed in his Will. That reasonable service that he requires, none can perform without Knowledge. Ignorance is opposite to the nature and being of true Christian Piety, which is not at all where it is not received with understanding.
This general increase of Knowledge hath fallen under a great suspicion of evil, and it may be under the jealousie of Rulers, as disposing Men to Sedition, Rebellion, Herisie and Schism. But how great a reproach is hereby cast upon human Nature, or political Government, or both, that the more rationally apprehensive the Body of a People are, they are so much the more ungovernable, as if Government could not stand with the proper dignity and felicity of human Nature? What manner of civil State is that, which degrades the Subjects from Men to Beasts, for a more absolute Dominion over them? What manner of Christian Church is that, which to prevent Heresie and Schism, takes order that its Members be no Christians? It is an unchristian, inhuman policy in Church or State, the foundation whereof is laid in the Peoples ignorance. As for the true interest of Rulers, it is not weakened, but strengthened by their Peoples knowledge, which in its right and proper tendency makes them more conscientious, and however, more circumspect and considerate, and consequently more easily manageable by a just and prudent Government. But gross ignorance tends to make them barbarous and belluine, and in their mutinies and discontents uncounsellable and untameable, and therefore very incongruous to a State governed by the Principles of Christianity or Humanity.