Heavenly merchandiseHeavenly merchandize

USE II. For Information; and there is this only inference which I shall draw from the Doctrine, viz. we may hence learn how greatly they are mistaken, who take upon them to censure the people of God for being at too much pains to get, and being so fixedly resolved not to part with the Truth. These are the two main articles which ungodly men have to urge, and for which they pass so severe a verdict against them, and upon the account whereof they stigmatize them ⟨p. 49⟩with many names of reproach: but the Doctrine before us will stand up for their justification, and serve to vindicate their reputation from the merit of any opprobry; let us bring them both to this touch stone.

1. The world judge it to be high imprudence in them, that they are at so much cost and charge for the purchasing of the Truth. There are some who voluntarily leave all outward advantages, which they might otherwise: have enjoyed, that so they may dwell at Truth's Market, and possess the free liberty of Gods House and Ordinances, and sit under the plain Dispensations of the Word; they do also liberally expend for the upholding of the means of-grace among them, accounting it a rich mercy to have the opportunity so to do; they take up a considerable part of their time every day▪ in conversing with God and his Word; they frequent on all occasions the public places where Truth is opened and exhibited; and give all diligence to get more intimate acquaintance with it; and because they thus do, they are accounted a company of half witted people, silly Souls, that do not know what is for their own good: what a deal of time do they unprofitably waste away for ⟨p. 50⟩they know not what? how many shillings, nay pounds, might they have gained in the time, whilst they were at such a Sermon, attending upon such an Ordinance? and all this to acquaint themselves with a few empty notions which they call Truth, that when they have gotten them, will neither fill the belly, nor clothe the back: But stay a little, and don't run away with all the cry, as if you were the only wise and prudent men in the world, and wisdom or folly must needs take their measures from your vote: know it then, that these persons have not only heavens approbation for wisdom, but by your own rules also, if you will fairly and impartially apply them, you shall be enforced to confess them to be men of the greatest discretion: For,