The divine will considered in its eternal decrees, and holy execution of them. By…

3. These differ essentially. Theoretical Knowledge is in some sense but knowledge falsely so called, because it knows not the things of God as they are proposed to be known; those things are proposed to be known not as mere Notions, but as practical things, to be above all other things chosen, loved, embraced and practised: Wherefore a theoretical Knowledge, knowing them notionally only, even whilst it is materially true, hath a secret lye in it, because it judges of them theoretically only, of which it should judge practically. Thus the Apostle, He that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him, 1 Joh. 2. 4. not in him as it should be; for in the midst of all his puffing Knowledge, he knoweth nothing as he ought to know, 1 Cor. 8. 2. because not in a practical way; but practical Knowledge is a true Knowledge, it knows the things of God as they are proposed to be known, that is, not as mere Notions, but as things to be practically improved in heart and life; it knows ⟨p. 441⟩them as it ought to know them. And out of this difference arises a second: Theoretical Knowledge being but a false Knowledge is but a weak and dead thing, able to put forth no vital or spiritual Action: Just as a flash of Lightning in the night, it makes all the way plain, but before one step can be taken, all is in darkness; such a vanishing vapour is mere Notion, which puffs the Head but penetrates not into the Heart. But practical Knowledge, being a true Knowledge, hath strength and life in it, it puts forth vital and spiritual Actions. Hence our Saviour calls it no less than eternal life, Joh. 17. 3. it forges out the blood and vital Spirits of the new Creature, strengthens him with spiritual Bones and Sinews, and sets him in Motion towards the Crown of Life in Heaven.

3. These differ essentially. Theoretical Knowledge is in some sence but knowledge falsly so called, because it knows not the things of God as they are proposed to be known; those things are proposed to be known not as mere Notions, but as practical things, to be above all other things chosen, loved, embraced and practised: Wherefore a theoretical Knowledg, knowing them notionally only, even whilest it is materially true, hath a secret lye in it, because it judges of them theoretically only, of which it should judge practically. Thus the Apostle, He that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commandments is a lyar and the truth is not in him,