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.

Difference of knowledge.

[Sect. 2] THere is Knowledge that saves not: as first, the Know∣ledge of Devils. Secondly, the knowledg of Heathens. Thirdly, the knowledge of Hypocrites. First, of De∣vils, they must be knowing creatures, having so much meanes, as all humane learning; and having so great ex∣perience for above 5000. yeeres; yet their knowledge is not saving.

[ 1] First, they have no application: Secondly, they have no comfort: Thirdly, they have no change; so they know, but not for their good.

[ 2] Secondly, there is the knowledge of Heathens: First, that there is a God, they found by searching Causam causarum: There must be a cause of causes, which must be God. Secondly, they know this God must be wor∣shipped: Thirdly, they know the creatures, being good Astronomers, Geographers; they know the immorta∣lity of the Soule, and could anatomize the body of man. Their knowledge was not saving:

1. Because though they knew God, yet they knew him not in Christ; so came short of saving knowledge, Iohn 17.3. Acts 4.12.

2. They knew God was to be worshipped, but knew not how, for a right manner.

3. They knew the creatures to their conviction, Rom. 1.20. but not to their salvation.

4. They knew man in the faculties and members, and so did magnifie man, and exalt him: Whereas saving knowledge doth abase man, being both a guilty, and a filthy creature.

Thirdly, there is the knowledge of Hypocrites, who doe know there is a God, and can distinguish the per∣sons in the Trinity; they know the two natures of Christ, Law and Gospell, the differences in Religion; they are able to teach others; their knowledge is not saving.

1. Because it is attained by art, industry, reading, but not from the regenerating Spirit.

2. It sinkes not in their hearts, to humble and reforme them; but rests in their braines, to puffe them up. Heb. 6 4. 1. Cor. 8.1.

3. They hunger not, thirst not for knowledge, because they thinke they are rich, and have enough: or if they doe, it is for base and carnall ends; as first, to please themselves with their speculations, and to satisfie their curiosity. Secondly, to be able to discourse, and so get applause at feasts, and other meetings. Thirdly, to han∣dle disputes and controversies, so to get them a name. Fourthly, to censure the Preachers, to contradict their Sermons; to cavill, and picke faults, that so they might be esteemed men of Judgement. Fiftly, to gather Sects, and to make schismes, that they might be in some more esteeme, or get some contributions, and make a gaine of those silly ones they have deluded.

Notes

• Difference of Knowledge.
• Reasons why heathenish knowledge is not saving.
• Reasons why Hypocrites knowledge is not saving.