ALL other studies and knowledge must be merely subservient to the study and knowledge of Christ, 1 Cor. 2.2. That vain kind of Philosophy which St. Paul so much cautioneth Christians against, is so far yet from being accounted vain, that by many called Christians it is preferred before Christianity it self; and to show that it is Vain while they overvalue it, they can show no solid worth or virtue which they have got by it; but only a tumified mind, and an idle tongue like a tinkling Cymbal, 1 Cor. 13.1. and 12.31. and 2.4.14, 15, 16. and 1.18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27. Col. 2.8, 9. We are complete in Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, ver. 10. No study in the World will so much lead you up to God, and acquaint you with him, especially in his Love and Goodness, as the study of Christ, his Person, his Office, his Doctrine, his Example, his Kingdom, and his benefits. As the Deity is your ultimate end, to which all things else are but helps and means; so Christ is that great and principal means, by whom all other means are animated. Remember that you are in continual need of him, for direction, intercession, pardon, ⟨p. 118⟩sanctification, for support and comfort, and for peace with God. Let no thoughts therefore be so sweet and frequent in your hearts, nor any discourse so ready in your mouths (next to the excellencies of the eternal Godhead) as this of the design of mans Redemption. Let Christ be to your Souls, as the Air, the Earth, the Sun, and your Food, are to your bodies, without which your life would presently fail. As you had never come home to the Father but by him, so without him you cannot a moment continue in the Fathers love, nor be accepted in one duty, nor be protected from one danger, nor be supplied in any want: For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell, Col. 1.18, 19. And by him it is that being justified by Faith, we have peace with God, and have access by Faith unto this Grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the Glory of God. Rom. •. 1, 2. And it is in him the Head that we must grow up in all things, from whom the whole body doth receive it's increase. Ephes. 4.15, 16. You grow no more in Grace, than you grow in the true knowledge and daily use of Jesus Christ. But of this I will say no more, because I have said so much in my Directions for a sound Conversion,
ALL other studies and knowledg must be meerly subservient to the study and knowledg of Christ, 1 Cor. 2.2. That vain kind of Philosophy which St. Paul so much cautioneth Christians against, is so far yet from being accounted vain, that by many called Christians it is preferred before Christianity it self; and to shew that it is Vain while they overvalue it, they can shew no solid worth or vertue which they have got by it; but only a tumified mind, and an idle tongue like a tinkling Cymbal, 1 Cor. 13.1. and 12.31. and 2.4.14, 15, 16. and 1.18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27. Col. 2.8, 9. We are compleat in Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, ver. 10. No study in the World will so much lead you up to God, and acquaint you with him, especially in his Love and Goodness, as the study of Christ, his Person, his Office, his Doctrine, his Example, his Kingdom, and his benefits. As the Deity is your ultimate end, to which all things else are but helps and means; so Christ is that great and principal means, by whom all other means are animated. Remember that you are in continual need of him, for direction, intercession, pardon, ⟨p. 118⟩sanctification, for support and comfort, and for peace with God. Let no thoughts therefore be so sweet and frequent in your hearts, nor any discourse so ready in your mouths (next to the excellencies of the eternal Godhead) as this of the design of mans Redemption. Let Christ be to your Souls, as the Air, the Earth, the Sun, and your Food, are to your bodies, without which your life would presently fail. As you had never come home to the Father but by him, so without him you cannot a moment continue in the Fathers love, nor be accepted in one duty, nor be protected from one danger, nor be supplyed in any want: For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell, Col. 1.18, 19. And by him it is that being justified by Faith, we have peace with God, and have access by Faith unto this Grace wherein we stand, and rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God. Rom. •. 1, 2. And it is in him the Head that we must grow up in all things, from whom the whole body doth receive it's increase.
