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.

CHAP. XIII. How to make use of Christ, as the Truth, for grouth in knowledge.

IT is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Iesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3. last. And the knowledge of Him being life eternal Ioh. 17: 3. and our measure of knowledge of Him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part; it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desireable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk wor∣thie of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God. Col. 1: 10. Knowledge must be added unto vertue; and it layeth a ground for other christian virtues 2 Pet. 1: 5, 6. In this know∣ledge, we must not be barren 2 Pet. 1: 8. And this being so necessary, so desireable, and so use∣ful, and so advantagious a grace, the beleever can∣not but desire to have more and more of it. Espe∣cially seing it is a part of the image of God Col. 3: vers. 10.

Now, it is the Truth that must teach them here, first and last. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God must be had, in the face of Iesus Christ 2 Cor. 4: 6. The question therefore is, how we should make use of Jesus Christ for this end, that we may attaine to more of this excellent know∣ledge?

For clearing of this, I shall propose those di∣rections.

First. It is good to live in the constant convi∣ction of a necessity of his teaching us, and this tak∣eth in those particulars,

1. That we should be conscious of our ignor∣ance, even when we know most, or think we know most, remembring that the best knoweth but in part 1 Cor. 13: 9. The more true knowledge we attaine to, the more will we see and be convinced of our ignorance; because the more we know, the more will we discover of the vastnesse, and in∣comprehensibility of that object, which is proposed to our knowledge.

2. That we should remember, how deceitful our hearts are; and how ready they are to sit down upon a shadow of knowledge, even when we know nothing, as we ought to know. 1 Cor. 8. vers. 2. and this will keep us jealous, and watchful.

3. And to helpe forward our jealousie of our own hearts, and watchfulnesse, we would remem∣ber, that our hearts naturally are averse from any true and saving knowledge: whatever desire there be naturally after knowledge of hidden things, out of curiosity; and of things natural; or of thing•…•… spiritual, as natural, for the perfection of nature,

as might be pretended, whereby in effect those that increase knowledge, increase sorrow Eccles. 1: 18. yet there is no inclination after spiritual and saving knowledge, in us naturally: But an aversation of heart therefrom.

4. That we should study and know the absolute necessity of this knowledge: how necessary it is for our christian communion with God, and chri∣stian walk with others; how necessary for our right improving of dispensations, general and particu∣lar; what a noble ornament of a christian it is, and a necessary piece of the image of God, which we have lost;

Secondly. Upon these grounds mentioned, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would also be convinced of this; That of ourselves, and by all our natural parts, enduements, quick∣nesse and sagacity, we cannot attaine to this saving knowledge; which is a special and saving grace, and so must be wrought in the soul, by a divine hand, even the mighty power of God. By our pri∣vate study and reading, we may attaine to a literal, heady, and speculative knowledge, that will puff us up 1 Cor. 8: 1. but thereby shall we never at∣taine to this knowledge, which is spiritual, hearty, and practical, and so saving. We must have the anoynting here, which teacheth us all things. 1 Iohn. 2: 27. And of this we would be perswaded, that we may look to a higher hand, for light, and instruction.

Thirdly, There would be an eyeing of Christ's furniture and fitnesse, for this work of teaching of us. To wit,

1. An eyeing of Him, as the substantial wis∣dome of the Father Prov. 8.

2. An eyeing of Him, as one come out of the bosome of the Father Iohn. 1: 18. and so sufficiently enabled to acquant us with the mysteries of God, for salvation.

3. An eyeing of Him, as mediator, fully endu∣ed with all necessaries for this piece of his work, and so, having received the Spirit without measure, for this end Iohn. 3: 34. and as having hid in Him, all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Col. 2: 3. and as having all fulnesse dwelling in Him Col. 1: 19. Sed also Esai. 11: 2, & 61: 1, 2.

4. An eyeing of Him, as having power to send the Spirit, that anointing that teacheth us all things, and is truth and is no lie 1 Iohn. 2: 20, 27. not only by way of intercession and intreaty, begging it of the Father Iohn. 15: 16, 17. But also autho∣tatively, as conjunct with the Father. The Father sendeth Him in Christ's name Iohn. 14: 26. and Christ sendeth Him from the Father Iohn. 15: 26. and this Spirit of truth, which guideth into all truth, shall receive of Christ's, & shew it unto us Iohn. 16: 13, 14, 15.

Fourthly. There would be an eyeing of Christ's readynesse, willingnesse and engadgment to helpe, in this case: and this will encourage the soul to go forward: And for this cause we would remember those things.

1. That He standeth obliged to helpe us with instruction, by vertue of his office, as a Prophet, a Witnesse, a Leader, and a Commander, Esai. 55: vers. 4.

2. That He is commissionated of the Father for this end, and so is the Fathers servant; and is given for a light to the gentiles Esai. 42: 6. & 49: 6. and the Father is said to speak by Him, or in Him Heb. 1: 1.

3. That He received his gifts and qualifications for this end and purpose, that He might give out and dispense to his members, according to their necessity: as is clear from Psal. 68: 18. compared with Ephes. 4: 8. what He is said to have received, in the one place, he is said to have given, in the other.

4. That He hath begun this work already, by his Spirit, in his followers; and therefore standeth engadged, to see it perfected: for all his works are perfect works.

5. That He hath a love to his scholers, and a desire to have them all thriveing, and making pro∣gresse in knowledge; this being his glory, who is their master and teacher.

6. That He laid down wa•…•…es and meanes, and a constant course, for instructing of his peo∣ple: for.

(1.) He hath given his word, and setled and established ordinances, for this end.

(2.) He hath established a ministery for in∣structing his people Ephes. 4: 8, 9, 10, 13.

(3.) He hath gifted persons for this work of the ministery, 1 Cor. 12: 4, 5, 6 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

(4.) He backeth these officers, in the faithful administration of their function, and, through his blessing and Spirit, maketh their work prosperous and effectuall, in his own, as He seeth fit.

Fiftly. There would be an eyeing of the promises of the covenant of grace, made for this end, whe∣ther general, or particular, or both. Such as those which we have Esai. 11: 9. Habbak. 2: 14. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (or of the glory of the Lord) as the waters cover the sea: and that Esai. 32: 4. the heart of the rash shall understand knowledge &c. and Ier. 31: 34. They shall all know me &c.

Sixtly. There would be a constant, diligent, serious and single useing of the means of knowledge, with a faithfull dependence on Christ by faith, gripping to him, in his relations, offices, engadg∣ments and promises, and waiting upon his breath∣ing, in hope and patience Psal. 25: 5.

Seventhly. There would be a guairding against every thing, that may obstruct this work, and grieve Him, in it: and therefore we would be∣ware.

1. To undervalue and have a little esteern of knowledge: for this will grieve Him, and, to speak so, put him from work.

2. To misimprove any measure of knowledge, he giveth.

3. To weary of the meanes and ordinances, whereby He useth to convey knowledge in to the soul.

4. To limite the holy one of Israël to this, or that meane, to this or that time, or to this or that measure, who should have a latitude, as to all these.

5. To despise the day of small things, because we get not more.

6. To be too curious in seeking after the know∣ledge of hidden mysteries, the knowledge whereof is not so necessary.

7. To leane too much unto, and to depend too much upon the ordinances or instruments, as if all, or any thing, could come from them.

Eightly There would be a right improving of any measure of knowledge we get, to his glory and to the edification of others, with humility & thank∣fulnesse, and so a putting of that talent in use, to gaine more to his glory: whatever measure of know∣ledge we get, we should in all haste, put it into practice; and set it to work: so shall it increase, and engadge Him to give more.

Ninthly. There would be a lying open to Christs instructions, and to the shineings of the Spirit of light and of truth, and a ready receiving of what measure He is pleased to grant or infuse: which in∣cludeth those duties.

1. A serious and earnest hungering and thirsting after more spiritual knowledge.

2. A diligent use of every approven meane for this end.

3. A going about the meanes with much self denyal, spirituality▪ singlenesse of heart and since∣rity, looking to and depending upon Him, who must breath upon the meanes, and make them usefull.

4. A greedy receiving, drinking in, and trea∣sureing up in the soul, what is gotten.

5. A guairding against Selfish and by ends, with a single eyeing of his glory.

6. A guairding against pride in the heart, and a

stustying of humility and meeknesse: for the meek will He guide in judgement, and the meek will He teach his way Psal. 2▪ 5: 9.

7. A putting of the heart, or understanding in his hand, together with the truth, that is heard and received, that He may write the truth in the heart, and cause the heart receive the impression of that truth.

Tenthly. There would be a rolling of the whole matter by faith on Him, as the only teacher, a putting of the ignorant, blockish, averse, and perverse heart, into his hand, that He may frame it to his own minde, and a leaving of it there, till He by his Spirit, write in it what He thinketh meet, to his own glory, and our good.

And sure, were this way followed, grouth in knowledge would not be so rare a thing as it is.

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.