A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

Prop. 3. Men should Labour after such a knowledge of the Truth, as that they may be able to give a Reason of the hope that is in them, 1 Pet. 3.15. To show on what Ground they stand, what is the Foundation of their Faith, and Hope; that the Religion they profess, is indeed the true Religion, and that the Doctrines they own, are really Founded upon the Scripture of Truth; ¹and in a word, they should be able to give a Reason why they believe rather thus, than otherwise, and hold such Doctrines rather than the contrary. They should Labour after such a Grounded knowledge of the Truths of the Gospel, as that they may be able to say of them, as well as of the Duties of it, that they are fully persuaded in their own Minds, and do not take up things upon trust,² or believe the Truth upon the Credit of others. It is a shame for Professors to be merely Believers upon Tradition, to see with other Mens Eyes, or be like the Heathen Idols, that have Eyes and see not. They are Men and have reasonable Powers, and ought to make use of them, even in the things of God, so far as they are Revealed and Subjected to their Judgment. The Spiritual Man Judgeth all things, even the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.10.15. Though they are to submit their understandings to God, yet they are not to resign them to Men. They that will judge for themselves in the things of this life, should no less do in the things of the other. That Man that will not trust another with his Estate, or Purse, should much less do it with his Conscience, and Salvation.

Prop. 3. Men should Labour after such a knowledge of the Truth, as that they may be able to give a Reason of the hope that is in them, 1 Pet. 3.15. To shew on what Ground they stand, what is the Foundation of their Faith, and Hope; that the Religion they profess, is indeed the true Religion, and that the Doctrines they own, are really Founded upon the Scripture of Truth; ¹and in a word, they should be able to give a Reason why they believe rather thus, than otherwise, and hold such Doctrines rather than the contrary. They should Labour after such a Grounded knowledge of the Truths of the Gospel, as that they may be able to say of them, as well as of the Duties of it, that they are fully perswaded in their own Minds, and do not take up things upon trust,