The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…

The most exact insight into Natural things leaves the Mind blind and poor, ignorant of Happiness, and the way to it. Solomon who had an extraordinary measure of Natural Knowledge, and was able to set a just price upon it, tells us that the increase of knowledge was attended with proportionable degrees of sorrow. For the more a man knows,¹ the more he discerns the insufficiency of that knowledge to supply his defects, and satisfy his desires. He was therefore weary of his Wisdom, as well as of his Folly. The Devils know more than the profoundest Philosophers, yet their Knowledge doth not alleviate their Torments. 'Tis so far from directing how to escape misery, that it will more expose to it, by enlarging the Faculties, and making them more capable of Torment. 'Tis the observation of St. ⟨p. 121⟩Ambrose, that when God discovered the Creation of the World to Moses, He did not inform him of the greatness of the Heavens, the number of the Stars, their Aspects and Influences; whether they derive their light from the Sun, or have it inherent in their own bodies; from whence Eclipses are caused; how the Rainbow is painted; how the Winds fly in the Air, or the causes of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea; but so much as might be a foundation of Faith and Obedience, and left the rest,² Quasi marcescentis sapientiae vanitates, as the vanities of perishing wisdom. The most knowing Philosopher though encompassed with these sparks, yet if ignorant of the Redeemer,³ shall lie down in sorrow for ever.

The most exact insight into Natural things leaves the Mind blind and poor, ignorant of Happiness, and the way to it. Solomon who had an extraordinary measure of Natural Knowledg, and was able to set a just price upon it, tels us that the increase of knowledg was attended with proportionable degrees of sorrow. For the more a man knows,¹ the more he discerns the insufficiency of that knowledg to supply his defects, and satisfie his desires. He was therefore weary of his Wisdom, as well as of his Folly. The Devils know more than the profoundest Philosophers, yet their Knowledge doth not alleviate their Torments. 'Tis so far from directing how to escape misery, that it will more expose to it, by enlarging the Faculties, and making them more capable of Torment. 'Tis the observation of St.