The new birthThe nevv birth

And doubtless that man should be wonderfully confirmed in knowledge himself, that would thus endeavour to communicate his knowledge to his brethren. Other things are diminished by participating; but knowledge is increased by making it common, with a most happy and a gainful kind of increase, where both sides be gainers: and the giver getteth so much more to himself, by how much he giveth more unto another. Wherefore if those amongst you that have knowledge, do meet with ignorant persons (as alas the store of them is so great, that you cannot choose but meet with many), then ⟨p. 148⟩open your lips with discretion, and let the law of wisdom be under your tongue. Then slip gently into some one or other necessary head of Christian doctrine, that may be most behoofefull; and from one to an other, till your wholesome and profitable speeches, have helped to open the eyes of the blind. Say to thy self, how can I tell but that God by my means, may begin to make these simple ones understand wisdom; and these ignorant learn that knowledge, which may in time procure their conversion? then let thy love burn within thee, and strengthen thy desires so far, till thou hast broken thorough the bands of shamefastness, and fear, and other carnal hinderances, that Satan will cast in thy way: till having made it familiar to thy self to use good conference, thou beest able to do it at all seasons, and with all readiness. No soldier is hindered, either by bashfulness or fear, if the company will give him hearing, to talk of war, and the discipline of war. The drover and grassier will be talking of sheep and oxen. The husband-man cannot keep his tongue from the plough, and the prices of his corn: Every trades-man is apt to fall in speech of the commodities or works, that belong to his trade. Shall the Christian and sanctified man alone, either fear or shame, to show forth the riches of his mind, and to be telling of the wonderful mysteries of godliness? I pray you lay aside carnal fear, and carnal shame, and resolve to approve the goodness of your hearts, by the seasonable wisdom of your words; and remember what David tells you in the Psalm; The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh judgement. Secondly, join loving and wholesome exhortations, stirring up one another, and exhorting one ⟨p. 149⟩another, as the Apostle speaketh.

And doubtlesse that man should be wonderfully confirmed in knowledge himselfe, that would thus endeauour to communicate his knowledge to his brethren. Other things are diminished by participating; but knowledge is encreased by making it common, with a most happy and a gainfull kind of encrease, where both sides be gainers: and the giuer getteth so much more to himselfe, by how much he giueth more vnto another. Wherefore if those amongst you that haue knowledge, doe meete with ignorant persons (as alas the store of them is so great, that you cannot chuse but meet with many), then