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

2. More knowledge might make his way more pleasant. The more delectable Objects a Man hath to entertain his Eyes, the more delight he may take in Travelling; When Night-journeys, as they have more of Danger, so have less of Pleasure. A clear sight of Spiritual things may help a Christian in his way, not only as a Direction, but as a Delight.

3, It might make himself more useful, more helpful to others.¹ Though less knowledge might suffice us for our selves, as to our general Duties; yet more will make us helpful to others, and enable us better for the performance of relative Duties. The more knowledge we have, the more we may communicate. Those that understand most themselves, may best instruct and direct others. They that are well skilled in their own duties, are most sit to teach others theirs; Rom. 15.14. Filled with knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

1. 1Nec in hoc tantùm te accerso ut proficias, sed ut prosis, Sen. Epist.

And thus we see in these propositions, what knowledge we are to labour after in order to Salvation. Only I add two Cautions against two ordinary vices, which Men are very liable to in their enquiring after knowledge.¹

1. 1Nihil igitur certius est quàm alterū Angelicae cognitionis genus, quo post Deum, & quae in Deo sunt, reliqua intelligunt, non ita perfectum esse, quin in hoc cognitionis genere quotidie proficere possint, novi Semper aliquid discendo ac novo modo cognoscendo. Zanch. de dei ope. ib.