tion (except full consentient with that written word) is to
be received as authentick; but the truths therein delivered
to the Saints, are by verbal declarations, open confessions,
and constant sufferings, to be preserved and delivered from
age to age. This was the constant care of the whole cloud of
witnesses, both ancient and modern, who have kept the
word of Gods patience, and would not accept their own lives,
liberties or estates; no, nor the whole world in exchange,
for that invaluable treasure of truth; they have carefully pra∣ctised
Solomons counsel, Prov. 23. 23. Buy the truth, but sell it
not; they would not alienate that fair inheritance, for all the
inheritances on earth. Upon the same reasons, that you are re∣fuse
to part with, or embezel your estates, Christians also re∣fuse
to part with the truths of God.
[ 1] You will not waste or alienate your inheritance, because
it's precious and of great value in your eyes; but much more
precious, are Gods truths to his people. Luther professed, he
would not take the whole world for one leaf of his Bible.
Though some profane persons may say with Pilate, What is
truth? yet know, that any one truth of the Gospel, is more
worth than all the inheritances upon earth; they are the
great things of Gods Law, and he that sells them for the grea∣test
things in this world, makes a soul-undoing bargain.
[ 2] You will not waste or part with your inheritance, because
you know your posterity will be much wronged by it. They
that baffle or drink away an estate, drink the tears of their sad
widows, and the very blood of their impoverished children.
The people of God do also consider, how much the genera∣tions
to come are concern'd in the conservation of the truths
of God for them; it cuts them to the heart, but to think,
that their children should be brought up to worship dumb
idols, and fall down before a wooden or a breaden God. The
very birds and beasts will expose their own bodies to appa∣rent
danger of death, to preserve their young. Religion doth
much more intender the heart and bowels, than nature
doth.
[ 3] You reckon it a foul disgrace to sell your estates, and be∣••••me
Bankrupts; 'tis a word that hears ill among you: And