Christian Geography and Arithmetic, Doctrine 2
Doct. 2.
Let the Obſervation hence be this, that Chriſtians may be much unacquainted with the Nature and power of thoſe Truths, which are known and confeſſed and acknowledged by them: the hinge of this is, that Truths that ſeem to be beſt known are leaſt known; things beſt ſeen are leaſt underſtood; I ſhall briefly give you a fivefold Inſtance, and ſo paſs on to the next.
1. The Doctrine is evident in things relating to ſenſe.
1. The ſhortneſs of time.
2. Certainty of Death.
3. Uncertainty of Riches.
2. In things obvious to Reaſon, and moſt acknowledged, as
1. The deceitfulneſs of Man's Heart.
2. The neceſſary connexion between Sin and Puniſhment.
3. The univerſal and particular Providence of God.
3. In things known by Revelation, as, Firſt, Joh. 4.23, 24.That Chriſt Died, and was Buried and roſe again, ſee 1 Cor. 15.1, 2, 3, 4. And aſcended into Heaven. Secondly, That he ſent down his Holy Spirit to convince, guide, comfort, and rule in the Hearts of the Saints. Thirdly, That the Lord Jeſus will come again in Power and great Glory, with his Saints and Angels, to Judge the World in Righteouſneſs.
4. In matters of abſolute and plain precept, as Firſt, Loving the Brethren, and being, found in all the Acts and exerciſes of Goſpel-Love. Secondly, Well-ordering and governing the tongue. Thirdly, Walking circumſpectly and redeeming time.
5. In approved Actions concerning Worſhip, as Firſt, That God is to be Worſhipped and Loved above all; which is the firſt and great Commandment; Is this obſerved diligently and conſtantly by all Chriſtians? is there nothing at any time ſteps before God? Secondly, Joh. 4.23, 24.Divine and Goſpel-Worſhip muſt have Divine and Goſpel-warrant. Thirdly, That Goſpel-Worſhip muſt be Spiritual, and not formal and carnal.
I might give you the Reaſons of the point, from the commonneſſs of them, few conſidering ſeriouſly, what is obvious and plain; from Man's curioſity, ſtill willing to find out ſome new thing; and from Satan's ſubtilty, who knows by experience, that there is no ſuch Robbing as by the high way ſide; the great road, the known path: he Will let men alone in by-wayes, and more private paths, in Truths of leſſer concernment and influence; but dees the great ſpoil in known confeſſed practical Truths and Doctrines. But I haſten to what remains, it may be the Lord may ſtir up ſome more able Pen, to ſhew the profeſſing World their great errours and miſtakes herein, that the Spirits of the power of Godlineſſ, which have been long uhder decay, may be recovered, and the great arteties filled with good Blood; that the Truths, and the things of God may have their due conſideration and obſervation by the pretenders to them according to their nature, worth, weight, neceſſity and excellency of them. There are two Obſervations behind, in the proſecutioh of which I ſhall be a little more large.