SUNDRY things are required hereunto. As, (1.) A clear, sound comprehensive knowledge of the entire Doctrine of the Gospel, attained by all means useful and commonly prescribed unto that end, especially diligent study of the Scripture, with fervent Prayer for Illumination and Understanding. Men cannot preserve that for others, which they are ignorant of themselves. Truth may be lost by weakness, as well as by wickedness. And the defect herein in many is deplorable. (2.) Love of the Truth, which they have so learned and comprehended. Unless we look on Truth as a Pearl, as that which is valued at any rate, bought with any price, as that which is better than all the World, we shall not endeavour its preservation with that diligence which is required. Some are ready to part with Truth at an easy rate; or to grow indifferent about it, whereof we have multitudes of examples in the days wherein we live. It were easy to give instances of sundry important Evangelical Truths, which our fore-fathers in the Faith ⟨p. 97⟩contended for with all earnestness, and were ready to seal with their Blood, which are now utterly disregarded and opposed by some who pretend to succeed them in their Profession. If Ministers have not a sense of that Power of Truth in their own Souls, and a taste of its Goodness, the discharge of this Duty is not to be expected from them. (3.) A conscientious care and fear of giving countenance or encouragement unto novel Opinions, especially such as oppose any Truth, of whose Power and Efficacy, Experience hath been had among them that believe. Vain curiosity, boldness in conjectures, and readiness to vent their own conceits, have caused no small trouble and damage unto the Church. (4.) Learning and ability of Mind to discern and disprove the oppositions of the Adversaries of the Truth, and thereby to stop their Mouths, and convince gain-sayers. (5.) The solid confirmation of the most important Truths of the Gospel, and whereunto all others are resolved in their▪ Teaching and Ministry. Men may, and do oft-times prejudice, yea, betray the Truth, by the weakness of their Pleas for it. (6.) A diligent watch over their own Flocks, against the crafts of Seducers from without, or the springing up of any bitter root of error among themselves. (7.)
SUNDRY things are required hereunto. As, (1.) A clear, sound comprehensive knowledge of the entire Doctrine of the Gospel, attained by all means useful and commonly prescribed unto that end, especially diligent study of the Scripture, with fervent Prayer for Illumination and Understanding. Men cannot preserve that for others, which they are ignorant of themselves. Truth may be lost by weakness, as well as by wickedness. And the defect herein in many is deplorable. (2.) Love of the Truth, which they have so learned and comprehended. Unless we look on Truth as a Pearl, as that which is valued at any rate, bought with any price, as that which is better than all the World, we shall not endeavour its preservation with that diligence which is required. Some are ready to part with Truth at an easie rate; or to grow indifferent about it, whereof we have multitudes of examples in the days wherein we live. It were easie to give instances of sundry important Evangelical Truths, which our fore-fathers in the Faith ⟨p. 97⟩contended for with all earnestness, and were ready to seal with their Blood, which are now utterly disregarded and opposed by some who pretend to succeed them in their Profession. If Ministers have not a sense of that Power of Truth in their own Souls, and a taste of its Goodness, the discharge of this Duty is not to be expected from them. (3.) A consciencious care and fear of giving countenance or encouragement unto novel Opinions, especially such as oppose any Truth, of whose Power and Efficacy, Experience hath been had among them that believe. Vain curiosity, boldness in conjectures, and readiness to vent their own conceits, have caused no small trouble and damage unto the Church. (4.) Learning and ability of Mind to discern and disprove the oppositions of the Adversaries of the Truth, and thereby to stop their Mouths, and convince gain-sayers. (5.) The solid confirmation of the most important Truths of the Gospel, and whereunto all others are resolved in their▪ Teaching and Ministry. Men may, and do oft-times prejudice, yea, betray the Truth, by the weakness of their Pleas for it. (6.) A diligent watch over their own Flocks, against the crafts of Seducers from without, or the springing up of any bitter root of error among themselves. (7.)
