I determined not to know.1] The meaning is not that he simply despised, or contemned all other studies and knowledge: ⟨p. 2⟩but so far only as they stand in competition with, or opposition to the study and knowledge of Jesus Christ. And it is as if he should say, it is my stated settled Judgement, not a hasty, inconsiderate censure; but the product, and Issue of my most serious and exquisite enquiries: after I have well weighed the case, turned it round, viewed it exactly on every side, balanced all advantages, and disadvantages; pondered all things that are fit to come into consideration about it: this is the result and final determination; that all other knowledge, how profitable, how pleasant soever; is not worthy to be named in the same day, with the knowledge of Jesus Christ: This therefore I resolve to make the scope and end of my Ministry, and the end regulate• the means. Such pedantic toys, and airy notions as injudicious ears affect, would rather obstruct, than promote my grand design among you: therefore wholly waving that way, I applied my self to a plain, popular, unaffected Dialect: fitted rather to pierce the heart, and convince the conscience, than to tickle the fancy: this is the scope of the words. In which three things fall under consideration.
I determined not to know.1] The meaning is not that he simply despised, or contemned all other studies and knowledge: ⟨p. 2⟩but so far only as they stand in competion with, or opposition to the study and knowledge of Jesus Christ. And it is as if he should say, it is my stated setled Judgement, not a hasty, inconsiderate censure; but the product, and Issue of my most serious and exquisite enquiries: after I have well weighed the case, turned it round, viewed it exactly on every side, ballanced all advantages, and disadvantages; pondered all things that are fit to come into consideration about it: this is the result and final determination; that all other knowledge, how profitable, how pleasant soever; is not worthy to be named in the same day, with the knowledge of Jesus Christ: This therefore I resolve to make the scope and end of my Ministry, and the end regulate• the means. Such pedantick toys, and ayrie notions as injudicious ears affect, would rather obstruct, than promote my grand design among you: therefore wholy waving that way, I applyed my self to a plain, popular, unaffected Dialect: fitted rather to pierce the heart, and convince the conscience, than to tickle the fancy: this is the scope of the words. In which three things fall under consideration.
- 1[Greek or Hebrew] significat aestimare, aut eximium dur••e, in hoc autem non temnit, n•c da••at omnem aliam scientiam, nisi ut opponitu scientiae Christi, &c. Wall.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 significat aestimare, aut eximium dur••e, in hoc autem non temnit, n•c da••at omnem aliam scientiam, nisi ut opponitu scientiae Christi, &c. Wall.
