The Christian in Complete Armour

Thirdly, Be sure thou takest the right order and method. Arts and Sciences have their rudiments, and also their more abstruse and deep notions; and sure the right end to begin at, is first to learn the principles: he (we say) is not like to make a good Scholar in the University, that never was good Grammar-Scholar. And they cannot be solid Christians, that are not instructed in the grounds of Christianity. The want of this is the cause why many are so unsteadfast. First, of this way and then of that, blown like glasses into any shape, as false Teachers please to breath. Alas, they have no centre to draw their lines from; think it no disgrace you who have run into error, and lost your selves in the labyrinths of deep points (which now are the great discourse of the weakest professors) to be set back to learn the first principles of the Oracles of God better; too many are as Tertullian saith in another case, pudoris magìs memores quàm salutis, more tender of their reputation then their salvation, who are more ashamed to be thought ignorant, then careful to have it cured.

Thirdly, Be sure thou takest the right order and method. Arts and Sciences have their rudiments, and also their more abstruse and deep notions; and sure the right end to begin at, is first to learn the principles: he (we say) is not like to make a good Scholar in the University, that never was good Grammar-Scholar. And they cannot be solid Christians, that are not instructed in the grounds of Christianity. The want of this is the cause why many are so unstedfast. First, of this way and then of that, blown like glasses into any shape, as false Teachers please to breath. Alas, they have no center to draw their lines from; think it no disgrace you who have runne into error, and lost your selves in the labyrinths of deep points (which now are the great discourse of the weakest professors) to be set back to learn the first principles of the Oracles of God better; too many are as Tertullian saith in another case, pudoris magìs memores quàm salutis, more tender of their reputation then their salvation, who are more ashamed to be thought ignorant, then careful to have it cured.

Fifthly, If thou wouldst attain to divine knowledge, wait on the Ministry of the Word. As for those who neglect this, and come not where the Word is Preached, they do like one that should turn his back on the Sun that he may see it; if thou wouldst know God, come where he hath appointed thee to learn. Indeed, where the means is not, God hath extraordinary ways, as a Father if no School in Town, will teach his child at home, but if there be a public School, thither he sends him: God maketh manifest (saith Paul) the savour of his knowledge by us in every place,