N00348:113
Heavenly merchandiseHeavenly merchandize
Heavenly merchandise; or The purchasing of truth recommended and the selling of it dissuaded; as it was delivered in several sermons upon Prov. 23. 23. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. ; [Three lines of Scripture text]Heavenly merchandize; or The purchasing of truth recommended and the selling of it disswaded; as it was delivered in several sermons upon Prov. 23. 23. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. ; [Three lines of Scripture text]
printed by Samuel Green, 1686
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. You muts apprehend & believe where Truth is to be had: the want of a right understanding of this hath proved the ruin of many an one, they mist the right place; and so were put off with a cheat. The Truth is not opened in every mart, nor to be bought at every shop; but if you would know where you may find it, and not miss of it, know, that it is laid up in the Word of God, and in these chambers you may be sure to meet with it; and therefore your way is to be much in converse with the Holy Scriptures, so you may be enriched with this treasure; hear David, Psa. 119. 98, 99. Thou through thy Commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more Understanding than all my Teachers, for thy Testimonies are my meditation. God by his Spirit sells the Truth, to those that seek it, James 1 5. If ⟨p. 89⟩any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth liberally. You must therefore be much and earnest in prayer to God for it; so was David, Psal. 119. 18, 33, 34. It is to be found in our sequestered retirements from all other encumbering affairs, and setting our selves to ponder upon it, Prov. 18. 1. through desire, a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermedleth with all wisdom. You must therefore disengage from these distractions, and get liberty to make this your business: It is to be had in the company and communion of the people of God, Prov. 13. 20. he that walketh with wise men, shall be wise; you must then choose such as these are for your companions, and forsake the society of the worlds fools, i. e. of ungodly men, for it follows, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. It is especially to be gained in the house of God; and at his Ordinances, in which (by Gods own appointment) the Truth is brought forth, sometimes one part of it, sometimes another; and he hath given to his servants in charge, that they do present it before, propose the terms to, and use their best endeavour to drive the bargain with men; these therefore must be frequented; hence they are the persons who are declared