Gods husbandry

But where then is the difference of the sanctified, and of the unsanctified knowledge, seeing in matter and degree it may be the same in both true and false persons? I answer: In two things;¹ in the effect, and in the extent. First, for the effect: the hypocrite is puffed up with his knowledge; it swells him, and makes him big with conceit of himself, and disdain of others. The Apostle Paul is plain in that point; knowledge (meaning it of unsanctified knowledge, such as is that of hypocrites) puffeth up. And again;² If any man think that he knoweth any thing (that is, be conceited of his knowledge), he knows nothing as he ought to do. You may see this point apparently in the Pharisees; This ignorant people that know not the Law are cursed. And again; Thou art altogether borne in sin, and doest thou teach us? Lo how the understanding of hypocrites ⟨p. 36⟩doth make them insult over others, whom they think to understand less than themselves; how it fills them as with conceit of themselves, so with contempt of others, as it were simple fellows, and very punies, in comparison of them. For why? the hypocrite knows only to talk, not to practise: he makes his knowledge a rule for his tongue and lips in discourse, not for his life and deeds in conversation: he never useth his insight into the Law, to examine himself thereby; and to mark, how far short his practice cometh of his knowledge: but alone employs it (if need be) to discourse, to teach others, and reprove others. Hence it comes, that his knowledge doth heave him up, and like meat ill-digested, begets the wind of self-conceitedness; because he will needs imagine himself so much the better, by how much he conceiveth more things, and can discourse better: for he with his knowledge will lay heavy burdens upon others, but himself will not touch them with one finger; that is, he is a great exactor of duty from others, and here he straineth himself to the utmost; but he takes leave to himself to be careless enough of doing after his knowledge, as a man that holdeth a lant-horn in his hand before others to guide them right, himself not heeding the light that is in his own hand, nor caring where he sets his foot. But how now the true Christian?

But where then is the difference of the sanctified, and of the vnsanctified knowledge, seeing in matter and degree it may be the same in both true and false persons? I answere: In two things;