Miscellanea philo-theologica, or, God, & man A treatise compendiously describing the nature of God in his attributes, with a lively pourtraiture of his wisedome in ordering, and disposing of the celestiall, and terrestriall bodies. Containing much variety of matter ... and apt applications singular for brevity, and perspicuity. By Henry Church.

* 1.1Fifthly, Questions answered.

[Quest. 1] WHat are the parts of true wisedome?

[Answ.] Deliberation, and determination.

[Quest. 2] Do they well that are very studious for humane wise∣dome, and neglect the Scriptures.

[Answ.] No, for if they reject the word of the Lord there is no wisedome in them. Ier. 8.9. Men may study Philosophy, so as they may be spoyled by Philosophy, when men use it as a mistresse, not a hand-maid; when nothing is received, but must come to Philosophy as the rule; when things are embraced contrary to the Scripture; as that of nothing comes nothing. Colos. 2.8.

[Quest. 3] Is it best to be accounted very wise?

[Answ.] It is better to be under-valued, than over-valued and esteemed; for others wil the more artificially carry them∣selves towards us which are beneath us, and others will be the more jealous of our company that are a∣bove us, and feare wee will espy something by them, that they would have concealed and kept secret. Hee that is under-valued, gets honour when hee is tryed: hee that is over-valued, hath but shame when he comes short of what was expected: the one is more honoured, the other more quiet: the esteemed wise man is more noted, the other more safe.

[Quest. 4] Who have gained the best wisedome?

[Answ.] Those whom God have taught to feare him: for the beginning of wisdome is the feare of the Lord. Prov. 1.7. this feare is to stand in awe of God, as a childe of a lo∣ving father.

2. Feare makes men bestirre themselves, and seeke their owne safety: those that doe seeke for favour and safety by faith in the Lord Iesus,* 1.2 these are wise to sal∣vation.

3. Those are wise that lay aside their owne wisedome and carnall reason; They become fooles that they may be wise. 1. Cor. 3.18.

4. The wise doe take the opportunities of saving grace, they take opportunitie to get oyle in their Lampes; they get grace in their hearts, and are ready for Christs comming. Math. 25.4.

5. They are obediently wise, and practise what they heare taught them in the Ministry of the Word: so they are as wise builders, that doe build on the Rocke. Math. 7.

6. The wise doe minde their mortality, and thinke of their end: They number their dayes,* 1.3 and so apply their hearts to wisedome.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sect.
• * 1.2

  2 Tim. 3.15.
• * 1.3

  Psal. 90.12.