The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

2. This tells us that it is a great mercy to have dequaintance with experienced Christians. As God hath made man a sociable creature, and we cannot live like men without communion one with another, so of all men these are the most desirable and profitable for communion, who are the most acquainted with the various dealings of the Spirit of God with them: from vain men we can expect nothing by their fellowship, but to learn of their ways, which will harm us; but from good men we may expect to be helped in the ways of God; and none more fit to help and advise us, than they who have much acquaintance with God, and known his methods and dealings with his Children; by such acquaintance we may, if it be not our own fault, get abundance of good, and have cause to bless God for them for ever.

USE II. For EXHORTATION; and that in three respects.

1. Let Experienced Christians be communicative of their experiences. Hath God given you to know ⟨p. 421⟩much of his dealing with you, in the great affairs of his Kingdom? be willing to impart, these things to others, as there is occasion. God hath not done this for you, only for your selves, but for others too, Paul thought so, 1 Tim. 1. 16. God hath herein given you a Talent, which you ought not to hide in a Napkin; what said Christ to him? Mark 5. 19. We should indeed have a care that we do not show our pride on this account, by needlessly boasting of these things; much less to think we may now usurp an Office of public teaching: but on the other hand, we should be ready to afford all the help we can to others in our place; let us visit those that are tempted as we have been, tell them how it was with us, and how we found God coming in to us; and when they call for our help, readily lend it, remembering that when we use our experience for Gods glory, and our neighbours profit, we shall therein have much peace and comfort, and others will have the occasion to bless God for us.