Of Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Now it will be a very easy task to demonstrate, that all Civill Prudence, whatever, (besides the vexation of its attainment, ^*and loss being attained) is no way able to compass this end. The present condition of affairs throughout the World, as also that of former ages, will abundantly testify it, but I shall further discover the vanity of it for this End, in some few Observations; and the

Now it will be a very easy taske to demonstrate, that all Civill Prudence, whatever, (besides the vexation of its attainment, ^*and losse being attained) is no way able to compasse this end. The present condition of affaires throughout the World, as also that of former ages, will abundantly testify it, but I shall further discover the vanity of it for this End, in some few Observations; and the

1. *[Greek or Hebrew] Excep. ex Nicostrat.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Excep. ex Nicostrat.

1. First is, That through the Righteous Judgement of God lopping off the top, flowers of the pride of men, it frequently comes to pass, that those who are furnished with the greatest ⟨p. 130⟩Abilities in this kind, do lay them out to a direct contrary End, unto that which is their proper natural tendency and aim, From whom (for the most part) are all the commotions, in the world; the breaking up of bounds, setting the whole frame of nature on fire; is it not from such men as these? Were not men so wise, the world perhaps would be more quiet, when the end of wisdom is to keep it in quietness. This seems to be a curse that God hath spread upon the wisdom of the World in the most in whom it is, that it shall be employed in direct opposition to its proper end.