5. 20. (4) The lesson which we learn is not only to know but to obey; Science without Conscience will not fit our turn, nor suit with the dignity of our teacher. To be like children that have the Rickets, swollen in the head, when the feet are weak; we do not learn truth as it is in Jesus till we be regenerated, for that's a truth for practice and walking, not for talk, Eph. 4. 21. He is most learned that turns Gods word into works. 1 Joh. 2. 4, 5. He that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. In this School there is no man counted a Proficient, but he that grows in practice. It is not the curious searcher that is the best Scholar, but the humble Practitioner, when we are cast into the mould of this Doctrine, and have the prints, the stamp and character of it upon our heart, as Rom. 6. 17. Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered you. In the Original it is, Whereto ye were delivered. When we ⟨p. 42⟩come to a Physician, it is not enough to know his Prescriptions, but they must be followed: we do not come to Christ as Students of Physic to be trained up in the Theory, but as Patients: not as one that minds the Art, but the Cure, to do what is prescribed, that we may know how to get rid of our soul-diseases. Therefore Christ saith, John 8. 31. Then are ye my disciples indeed, if my word abide in you. There are Christs Disciples in pretence, and Christs disciples indeed; those that make it their work to get from Christ a power and virtue to carry on an uniform and constant obedience; these are the true learners. Therefore it will not fit our turn, unless we labour to come under the power of what we learn, as well as get the knowledge; and it will not suit with the dignity of our Teacher, who doth not only enlighten the mind, but change us by his efficacy, and leaves a suitable impression upon the soul. God writeth the lesson upon our hearts; that is, not only gives us the lesson, but an heart to learn it. Man's teaching is a pouring it into the ears. This is Gods teaching, to inform our reason, and move our will. Phil. 2. 13. It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure. He teacheth us promises so as to make us believe them; and commandments, so as to make us obey them;
5. 20. (4) The lesson which we learn is not only to know but to obey; Science without Conscience will not fit our turn, nor suit with the dignity of our teacher. To be like children that have the Rickets, swollen in the head, when the feet are weak; we do not learn truth as it is in Jesus till we be regenerated, for that's a truth for practice and walking, not for talk, Eph. 4. 21. He is most learned that turns Gods word into works. 1 Ioh. 2. 4, 5. He that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a lyar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. In this School there is no man counted a Proficient, but he that grows in practice. It is not the curious searcher that is the best Scholar, but the humble Practitioner, when we are cast into the mould of this Doctrine, and have the prints, the stamp and character of it upon our heart, as Rom. 6. 17. Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered you. In the Original it is, Whereto ye were delivered. When we ⟨p. 42⟩come to a Physician, it is not enough to know his Prescriptions, but they must be followed: we do not come to Christ as Students of Physick to be train'd up in the Theory, but as Patients: not as one that minds the Art, but the Cure, to do what is prescribed, that we may know how to get rid of our soul-diseases. Therefore Christ saith, John 8. 31. Then are ye my disciples indeed, if my word abide in you. There are Christs Disciples in pretence, and Christs disciples indeed; those that make it their work to get from Christ a power and vertue to carry on an uniform and constant obedience; these are the true learners. Therefore it will not fit our turn, unless we labour to come under the power of what we learn, as well as get the knowledg; and it will not suit with the dignity of our Teacher, who doth not only enlighten the mind, but change us by his efficacy, and leaves a suitable impression upon the soul. God writeth the lesson upon our hearts; that is, not only gives us the lesson, but an heart to learn it. Man's teaching is a pouring it into the ears. This is Gods teaching, to inform our reason, and move our will. Phil. 2. 13. It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure. He teacheth us promises so as to make us believe them; and commandments, so as to make us obey them;
