An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

Because thou hast rejected knowledge,] Only let us take heed that we do not reject knowledge and despise it. The word [reject] signifies contemning,¹ despising, thou hast cast it off with despite and contempt, it is, Ignorantia non merae negationis, sed pravae dispositionis, affected ignorance. Thou hast rejected knowledge; these two ways. First when the means of knowledge is rejected then knowledge is rejected. Secondly when the directions of our knowledge are rejected, when we refuse to be guided by our knowledge, upon this our knowledge doth decay and so knowledge is contemned.

Because thou hast rejected knowledg,] Only let us take heed that we do not reject knowledg and despise it. The word [reject] signifies contemning,¹ despising, thou hast cast it off with despight and contempt, it is, Ignorantia non merae negationis, sed pravae dispositionis, affected ignorance. Thou hast rejected knowledg; these two waies. First when the means of knowledg is rejected then knowledg is rejected. Secondly when the directions of our knowledg are rejected, when we refuse to be guided by our knowledg, upon this our knowledg doth decay and so knowledg is contemned.

1. 1[Greek or Hebrew]〈non-Latin alphabet〉

Now this is a great sin in any but especially in the Priests. When others think that the knowledge of God and his truth is too slight too mean a thing to take up their thoughts, this is ⟨p. 93⟩vile. When Merchants and Tradesmen shall think they must busy thei• heads about some other matters, but for this knowledge of the Scriptures, it is no great matter, they may be happy without that, let them have their tradings and bargainings and houses and comings in stand that is that which is suitable unto them) let them have their cables spread and their dishes full, and for this Scripture and these points of Religion these are too mean things for them: These men now despise knowledge, for so the word here signifies, it is rejecting with a vile with a contemptible esteem of knowledge. But I say when the Priests shall reject knowledge, the Priests that should have laboured to have filled their souls with knowledge, if they shall seek to live bravely, to be gallant, to grow rich, to pamper the flesh, and care not either to have the knowledge of God in their own souls or to bring the knowledge of God unto the people, but look upon them as not worth the regarding, this is in a more special manner a most grievous sin. How many are there amongst us at this day that study to get preferment &c. and then sell away their books and never after any more mind knowledge! And others if they have knowledge and learning and prize it in some respect, yet in this they contemn it, they prize knowledge merely as serviceable unto their lusts. It is not for the beauty and excellency of the knowledge of God that they prize it so much, that sweetness that they find in the knowledge of Christ that they do search to know, but that they may be accounted Scholars, understanding men, learned men. This is to despise knowledge, when we seek for knowledge but in a way of service unto our lusts, and such men may be charged for men that despise knowledge.