The Sincere Convert

Men can praise God for the blessings of the field, the seas, the womb, and of their shops; but where is the man that praises God for this blessing of blessings, for Truth, for good Books, and heavenly Treatises. Men seldom purposely lift up their hearts & voices to heaven to praise God for the riches of knowledge bestowed upon them. In good Books you have mans labour, and Gods truths. The tribute of thanks is due for both, that God enables men to so great labours, and that he conveys such precious treasure through earthen vessels. David thought it his duty to praise God for Truth, Psal. 143. 2. and hath left it upon record for our imitation. He saw such excellency, and found so much sweet gain by Truth, that he must break out into praises for it.

Men can praise God for the blessings of the field, the seas, the wombe, and of their shops; but where is the man that praises God for this blessing of blessings, for Truth, for good Bookes, and heavenly Treatises. Men seldome purposely lift up their hearts & voices to heaven to praise God for the riches of knowledge bestowed upon them. In good Bookes you have mans labour, and Gods truths. The tribute of thankes is due for both, that God inables men to so great labours, and that he conveyes such precious treasure through earthen vessels. David thought it his duty to praise God for Truth, Psal. 143. 2. and hath left it upon record for our imitation. He saw such excellency, and found so much sweet gaine by Truth, that hee must breake out into praises for it.

Reader, give over thy old wont of slighting ⟨image 5⟩and censuring mens labours. Experience hath long since told thee, that no good comes that way. Now learn to turn thy prejudices unto praises, and prove what will be the fruit of honouring and praising God for Truths dispensed by his faithful servants. Let me tell thee, this is a chief way to keep Truth still amongst us. If truths be not received with the love of them, and God honoured for them, presently strong delusions come, and Truth must suffer or fly. God hath made good that promise in Jeremiah, he hath revealed to us abundance of peace and truth, and we through ingratitude have forfeited both. Our peace is shaken, and who can promise himself with Hezekiah there shall be peace and truth in my days; Peace may fail thee, but let not Truth. Every good Christian may and should say with the good King, there shall be Truth in my days, if not peace and truth. I will so far honour truth, as to receive the love of it. I will hold it fast by faith, hold it forth by practise, praise God daily for it, and venture all in defence of it; So did the Martyrs, whose memory is sweet,