The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

Use. Of sharp Reproof, to such who continue in this damnable Ignorance, and that though they live where the Word is preached. If the Corinthians were to be blamed because they could not bear strong food, what then belongs to them who are not capable of milk? The very Principles of Religion are too hard for them. They know not what you mean, when you speak of these things. Thus they are as brute beasts, made to be destroyed. You may find as much knowledge of God, amongst Pagans and Heathens, as among some that live in the bosom of the Church. Some have not the Knowledge of God; I speak to your shame. Many have not the Knowledge of God; It may be spoken to the confusion of our faces How doth this darkness cover mens faces by Aitheism, profaneness, and great negligence? They make it not their business to enquire after Knowledge. They greatly neglect the means of Knowledge, Prayer, Hearing, Reading, Instructing of others. Say a man be greatly Ignorant, and you say he hath enough to damn him to all eternity: He will commit any sin; He will embrace any Idolatry; even as the man in the dark stumbles, and knows not where he goeth. Especially, this is a sure bar against receiving of the Sacrament, for that requires discerning of the Lords body, of examining themselves; which can never be done without a competent measure of Knowledge in Religion.

Ʋse. Of sharp Reproof, to such who continue in this damnable Ignorance, and that though they live where the Word is preached. If the Corinthians were to be blamed because they could not bear strong food, what then belongs to them who are not capable of milk? The very Principles of Religion are too hard for them. They know not what you mean, when you speak of these things. Thus they are as bruit beasts, made to be destroyed. You may find as much knowledg of God, amongst Pagans and Heathens, as among some that live in the bosom of the Church. Some have not the Knowledg of God; I speak to your shame. Many have not the Knowledg of God; It may be spoken to the confusion of our faces How doth this darkness cover mens faces by Aitheism, prophanenes, and great negligence? They make it not their business to enquire after Knowledg. They greatly n•glect the means of Knowledg, Prayer, Hearing, Reading, Instructing of others. Say a man be greatly Ignorant, and you say he hath enough to damn him to all eternity: He will commit any sin; He will embrace any Idolatry; even as the man in the dark stumbles, and knows not where he goeth. Especially, this is a sure barre against receiving of the Sacrament, for that requires discerning of the Lords body, of examining themselves; which can never be done without a competent measure of Knowledg in Religion.