CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

¹7. They are precious excellent Truths, and therefore compared by David to fine gold, and by Solomon preferred above all jewels, Prov. 3.15. The Apostle also compareth true Doctrine to gold, silver and precious stones, 1 Cor. 3.12. ⟨p. 481⟩and they are called precious promises, as a precious faith, 2 Pet. 1.1, 4. These show in what high degree and dignity the truths of Scripture should be with us. Austin said, Veritas Christianorum was incomparabiliter pulchrior Helenâ Graecorum; If they did strive about her, How much more ought we for the truth of God? The Prophet complained of old, None pleaded for the truth, Isa 59 4. neither were valiant for the truth, Jer. 9.3. The truths then of the Scripture should be more unto us, then any earthly comforts whatsoever: You see Christ makes this one main end of his coming into the world, to bear witness unto the truth, John 18 37. Ann thus the Martyrs, they thought Gods truth more worth then their lives, and how many millions have willingly endured the worst of deaths, to bear witness to the truths of the Scripture? So that it's very strange, how such a spirit of delusion should be upon men, to make no matter of true Doctrine, to think Heresies and Errors are nothing. Certainly, the godly Martyrs, that burnt at the stake, had other thoughts of it; and the Scripture doth commend it as the great mercy of God unto a people: Therefore God promiseth Jer. 33.6. He will reveal abundance of peace and truth; and in many places, truth is still joined unto peace, as if all the peace and earthly advantages in the world were nothing, if we might not have the truths of God also. Therefore the Apostle John told that elect Lady, He had no greater joy, then to see her children walking in the truth; and the Spirit of God is promised, as the greatest mercy we can have,