Christ the way and the truth and the life, or, A short discourse pointing forth the way of making use of Christ for justification and especially and more particularly for sanctification in all its parts, from Johan. XIV, vers. VI : wherein several cases of conscience are briefly answered, chiefly touching sanctification / by John Brown.

Cautions.

For further direction and caution in this mat∣ter, the beleever would take notice of these parti∣culars.

1. That he should not sit down upon any mea∣sure of knowledge he hath attained to, or can at∣taine to here, as if he had enough, and should la∣bour for no more: but he should still be mindeing his duty of seeking, and pressing for more.

2. Whenever he is about any mean of know∣ledge, such as preaching, reading, conference &c. his heart should be only upon Christ: He should be hanging on his lips for a word of instruction; and with greedinesse looking for a word from his mouth: he would be sending many postes to hea∣ven,

many ejaculatory desires for light and un∣derstanding, and that with singlenesse and since∣rity, and not for base ends, or out of hypocrisie.

3. Let him not think, that there is no grouth in knowledge, because possibly he perceiveth it not, or is not satisfied, as to the measure thereof; yea though possibly he perceive more ignorance, than ever he did before: If he grow in the knowledge of his own ignorance, it is a grouth of knowledge not to be despised: and in a manner, what can we else know of God, but that He farr transcendeth all our knowledge, and that He is an incomprehensible one, in all his wayes?

4. Let him not think, that there is no grouth in knowledge, because he perceiveth not a grouth in the knowledge of such or such a particular, which he desireth most: for if there be a grouth in the knowledge of other particulars, necessary to be known, there is no reason to compleane. If one grow▪ not, as he supposeth, in the knowledge of God, and of the mysteries of the gospel; yet if he grow in the discovery of the treachery and wicked∣nesse of his own heart, he cannot say, that he grow∣eth not in knowledge.

5. Let him not measure his grouth in knowledge, by his grouth in the faculty of speaking and dis∣coursing of such or such points of Religion: many measure their knowledge by their tongue, and think they know little because they can expresse little; and so they think they attaine to no increase or grouth in knowledge, because they perceive no grouth or increase in this faculty of discoursing, and talking of such or such points of truth. It is saifer to measure

their knowledge by the impression that the truth hath on their spirits, and the effects of it on all their carriage, than by their ability or skill to talk and disput of it.

6. Let them beware to imagine, that they shall be able to search out the almighty unto perfection, canst thou (said Zophar Iob. 11: 7, 8, 9.) by searching find out God? canst thou finde out the almighty unto perfection? He is as high as heaven, what canst thou do? deeper then hell, what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth▪ and broader than the sea. Or that they shall be able ever to win to the bottome of their own false deceitful heart, which, as Ieremiah sayeth Cap. 17: 9. is deceitful above all things, and desperatly wicked, who can know it? And which is God's prerogative alone to search and try. vers. 10. Neither let them think, so long as they are here, to win to an exact and perfect knowledge of the myste∣ries of God, wherein is the manifold wisdom of God Ephes. 3: 10. which very Principalities and po∣wers in heavenly places are learning; and which the Angels are poreing and looking into with desire 1. Pet. 1: 12. There is no perfection in knowledge to be had here: for here the best but knoweth in part, and Prophecyeth in part. 1 Cor. 13: 4.

7. Let them not think that every one shall have the same measure of knowledge▪ Every one hath not the like use for it, or the like capacity for it. There is a measure proportioned to every one: They should not then complean, because they have not such a measure of knowledge, as they perceive in some others. It may be, the Lord hath some

harder piece of service, which calleth for more knowledge, to put others to. Let every one then minde his duty faithfully, and conscientiously, and let him not quarrel with God, that he attaineth not to such a measure of knowledge, as he seeth others attaine unto.

8. Neither let them think, that the same measure is required of all: for more is required of some, by reason of their office and charge, in the house of God, being called to teach and instruct others; than of others: and so more is required of such, as have larger capacities, and a better faculty of un∣derstanding than others, who naturally are but of a narrow reach, and of a shallow capacity: more also is required of such, as live under plaine, po∣werfull, and lively ordinances, and under a more powerful and spiritual dispensation of the grace of God▪ than of others, that want such advantages. So likewise, more is required of old Christians, than of new beginners: Old men, of much and long experience, should know more, than such as are but babes in Christ, and of yesterday.

9. Let their desires run out after that knowledge, not which puffeth up; for there is a knowledge which puffeth up. 1 Cor. 8. 1. but which humbleth, and driveth the soul further from it self, and nearer to Christ.

10. They would carefully distinguish betwixt the gift of knowledge, and the grace of knowledge, That ordinarily puffeth up; This humbleth: That bringeth not the soul to Iesus; This doth: That is but a forme Rom. 2: 20. and doth not retaine God Rom. 1: 28. This is a real thing, laying hold

on God, and holdeth him fast, having the feare of the Lord for its principle, for this fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdome Iob. 28: 28. Psal. 111: 10. Prov. 1: 7. and 9: 10. That lyeth most in the head, and venteth most in discourses, words, yea and sometime evanisheth into vaine notions; But this goeth down to the heart, and lodgeth there, and appeareth in the mans walk & conversation: as these two would be distinguished, so the one should not be measured by the other.

11 When they do not profite indeed, let them beware of quarrelling with Christ, or of blameing Him, in any manner of way: but let them lay the blame of their shortcoming on themselves, for not making more use of Him, by faith and single de∣pendence upon Him. It is true, none will be so bold, as in words to quarrell with or blame Him; yet the heart is deceitful, and tacitely may raise & foment such thoughts of Him, and his dispensations, as can passe under no other notion, than a quar∣relling with Him. Now these would be guairded against.

12. Beware of urgeing for or expecting of immediat revelations, or extraordinary manifesta∣tions: for we should not tempt the Lord, nor set limites to Him, neither should we prescribe meanes and wayes to Him, we must be satisfied with the ordinary meanes, which He hath appointed, and waite at wisdomes doors, with our eares nailed to his posts.

13. Whatever point of truth they learne, or whatever measure of knowledge they get▪ they would do well to give that back againe to Christ,

to keep for them, against a time of need; and waite on Him for grace to improve it for his glory.

14. Let them beware of mindeing things too high. Psal. 131: 1. It is better to feare and stand in awe, and to seek to lay the foundations well, to get the saving knowledge of things necessary to salvation. This will yeeld most peace and satisfa∣ction.