A Christian Library, Section 44
Sect. 44.
BUt take some Instances, to prove that all sorts of Naturians are Fools, in comparrison of the Godly. I'le begin with those that repu…e themselves, and are reputed by others, the wisest amongst men: And they are your profound Humanists, and cunning Polititians, wherein you shall see, whether the most and greatest number are not grosly mistaken, in their opinions and verdicts touching Wisdom.
First for profound Humanists, a man would think that they were incomparably wise; for none so thirst after knowledge and wisdom as they; & to get it they are no niggards of their labor: nor do they leave any thing unstudied but themselves. They know all parts and places of the created world, can discourse of every thing visible and invisible, divine, humane and mundane; whether it be meant of substances or accidents, are ignorant of nothing but the way to heaven, are acquainted with all Laws and customs, save the Law of God, and customs of Christianity; they are strangers no where but in the court of their own consciences: Yea, they build as hard, and erect as high as did the Babel-builders; but all to no purpose: they never come to the roof, and when they die they are undone. They spend all their time in seeking after wisdom; as Alchimists spend all their estates, to find out the Philosophers stone; but never find it; they never attain to that, which is true wisdom indeed. For as the ragged Poet told Petronius, that Poetry was a kind of learning, that never made any man rich: so humane learning of it self, never made a wise man.
As thus (if I may be so bold) what is it, or what does it profit a man, to have the etymologie, and derivation of wisdome and knowledge, without being affected with that, which is true wisdom indeed to be able to decline vertue, yet not love it? to have the theory, & be able to prattle of wisdom by rote; yet not know what it is by effect and experience? To have as expert a tongue, and as quick a memory as Portius; a perfect understanding, great science, profound eloquence, a sweet stile? To have the force of Demosthenes, the depth of Thesius, the perswasive art of Tully, &c. if withal he wants Grace, and lives remissely? With the Astronomer, to observe the motions of the heavens; while his heart is buried in the earth? to search out the cause …f many effects, and let pass the consideration of the principal, and most necessary? With the Historian, to know what others have done, and how they have sped; while he neglecteth the imitation of such, as are gone the right way? With the Law-maker, to set down many Lawes in particular, and not to remember the common Law of nature, or Law general that all must die? Or lastly, with Adam to know the Nature of all the Creatures: and with Solomon to be able to dispute of every thing, even from the Cedar to the Hyssop or Pellitory; when in the mean time he lives like Dives, dyes like Nabal, and after all goes to his own place with Iudas? Alas! many a Fool goes to hell with lesse cost, less pains, and far more quiet: that is but raw knowledge, which is not digested into practice: It is not worth the name of knowledge, that may be heard only and not seen, Ioh. 13.17. Deut. 4.6. Good discourse is but the froth of wisdom: the sweet and solid fruit of it, is in well framed actions: that is true knowledge, that makes the knower blessed. We only praise that Mariner, that brings the ship safe to the haven.
What sayes Aristotle? to be wise and happy are terms reciprocal. And Socrates, that learning, saith he, pleaseth me but a little, which nothing profits the owner of it, either to vertue, or happiness: And being demanded, Who was the wisest and happiest man? He Answered, He that offends least. He is the best schollar, that learns of Christ obedience, humility, &c. He is the best Arithmetitian, that can add grace to grace; he is the best learned, that knows how to be saved. Yea, all the Arts in the world, are artless Arts to this.