The Godly Man's Picture

1 They can see much of the mystery of their own hearts: Take the greatest Politician, who understands the mysteries of state, yet he doth not understand the mystery of his own heart; you shall sometimes hear him swear, his heart is good; but a Child of God sees much heart-corruption, 1 King. 8. 38. though some flowers of grace grow there, yet he sees how fast the weeds of sin grow, therefore is continually weeding his heart by repentance and mortification.

1 They can see much of the mystery of their own hearts: Take the greatest Politician, who understands the mysteries of state, yet he doth not understand the mystery of his own heart; you shall sometimes hear him swear, his heart is good; but a Childe of God sees much heart-corruption, 1 King. 8. 38. though some flowers of grace grow there, yet he sees how fast the weeds of sin grow, therefore is continually weeding his heart by repentance and mortification.

2 The godly can discern the mystery of the times, 1 Chron. 12. 32. The children of Issachar were men that had understanding of the times: The godly can see when an age runs dregs, when Gods name is dishonoured, his messengers despised, his Gospel eclipsed; the people of God labour to keep their garments pure, Rev. 16. 15. their care is, that the times may not be the worse for them, nor they the worse for the times.

2 The godly can discern the mystery of the times, 1 Chron. 12. 32. The children of Issachar were men that had understanding of the times: The godly can see when an age runs dregs, when Gods name is dishonoured, his messengers despised, his Gospel ecclipsed; the people of God labour to keep their garments pure,