In this Method, I shall endeavour to open this argument. And 1. Let us consider God as the first cause, and under that consideration, 1. Ignorance is a branch of ungodliness, I name it first, because 'tis the *cause of all disorder in worship or conversation; the Apostle saith, 3. Epist. John 11. He that doth evil, hath not seen God, right thoughts of God are the fuel which maintaineth the fire of Religion, which otherwise would soon decay and be extinguished: now generally people are ignorant of God, they know him as men born ⟨p. 192⟩blind do fire, they can tell there is such a thing as fire, because it warmeth them, but what it is they cannot tell: So▪ the whole world, and conscience proclaimeth there is a God: the blindest man may see that, but they know little or nothing of his Essence, as he hath revealed himself in his word: The Athenians had an Altar, and the Inscription was to the unknown God, and so do most Christians go on in a track of customary worship, and so worship an Idol rather then God: so Christ telleth the Samaritans, John 4. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: 'Tis usual with men in a dark and blind superstition, to conform to the worship of their place, not considering why, or whom it is they worship: gross ignorance is a sign of no grace; for God hath no child so little but he knoweth his Father, Jer. 31. 34. They shall all know me, from the last to the greatest, some have better education then others, greater helps and advantages of parts, and Instruction; but they all have a necessary knowledge of God: Again, gross ignorance is a pledge of future judgement, 2 Thes. 1. 7. God will come in flaming fire, to render vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel: many poor ignorant creatures are harmless, they do no wrong; Oh but they know not God, and that's wrong enough, *God will avenge it; to be ignorant of God that made them, is a matter of sadder consequence then you are aware: by those that know not God, in this place is meant, Pagans for 'tis contradistinct to those that obey no• the Gospel: but if there be vengeance for Pagans who have no other Apostles sent to them, but those natural Apostles of Sun, Moon, and Stars, and have no other Books wherein to study God: but Showers of rain, and fruitful seasons, if there be vengeance for them because they did not see and own a first cause?
In this Method, I shall endeavour to open this argument. And 1. Let us consider God as the first cause, and under that consideration, 1. Ignorance is a branch of ungodliness, I name it first, because 'tis the *cause of all disorder in worship or conversation; the Apostle saith, 3. Epist. John 11. He that doth evil, hath not seen God, right thoughts of God are the fuel which maintaineth the fire of Religion, which otherwise would soon decay and be extinguished: now generally people are ignorant of God, they know him as men born ⟨p. 192⟩blind do fire, they can tell there is such a thing as fire, because it warmeth them, but what it is they cannot tell: So▪ the whole world, and conscience proclaimeth there is a God: the blindest man may see that, but they know little or nothing of his Essence, as he hath revealed himself in his word: The Athenians had an Altar, and the Inscription was to the unknown God, and so do most Christians go on in a track of customary worship, and so worship an Idol rather then God: so Christ telleth the Samaritans, John 4. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: 'Tis usual with men in a dark and blind superstition, to conform to the worship of their place, not considering why, or whom it is they worship: gross ignorance is a signe of no grace; for God hath no childe so little but he knoweth his Father, Jer. 31. 34. They shall all know me, from the last to the greatest, some have better education then others, greater helps and advantages of parts, and Instruction; but they all have a necessary knowledge of God: Again, gross ignorance is a pledge of future judgement, 2 Thes. 1. 7. God will come in flaming fire, to render vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel: many poor ignorant creatures are harmless, they do no wrong; Oh but they know not God, and that's wrong enough, *God will avenge it; to be ignorant of God that made them, is a matter of sadder consequence then you are aware: by those that know not God, in this place is meant, Pagans for 'tis contradistinct to those that obey no• the Gospel: but if there be vengeance for Pagans who have no other Apostles sent to them, but those natural Apostles of Sun, Moon, and Stars, and have no other Books wherein to study God: but Showrs of raine, and fruitful seasons, if there be vengeance for them because they did not see and own a first cause?
- *Heu primae sc•lerum causa mortalebus aegris naturam nescire dei.
- *Ps. 27. 11.
