A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word.

CAP. VII.

Of the quantity and quality of sauing knowledge, and how necessary it is to a godly life.

§. Sect. 1 Of the quan∣tity of know∣ledge, and the diuers degrees of it.

THe next point to bee considered in our knowledge, is the quantity and measure of it; the which is imperfect in the greatest perfection which in this life can be attained. For as the Apostle (though he had receiued aboundance of the Spi∣rit, and such reuelations as were not lawfull to bee vttered) confessed of himselfe, together with others, We know but in part; and see * 1.1 through a glasse darkely; and if any man thinke that hee knoweth any thing (namely in perfection) he knoweth nothing as he ought to know. For, wee * 1.2 walke by faith, and not by sight. And, faith is of things vnseene, and not in vision and fruition. Neither can wee attaine to perfect knowledge, vntill we attaine vnto perfect happinesse, which is not in this life, but the life to come, when we shall see God face to face, and shall know as we are knowne; not by the knowledge of faith, which is but by hearing, signes, semblances, and reuelations; but of vision, fruition, and most firme expe∣rience.

For the perfection of our knowledge heere, consisteth most in the knowledge and acknowledgment of our imperfection, and not in the high degree of quantitie, but in the sincerity and truth. The which knowledge discouereth our ignorance, that we may bewaile it, and causeth vs (not in pride and selfe-conceit, to content our selues with that we haue, but seeing our imperfections) to labour in the vse of all good meanes, after a greater measure, till by attaining to one degree after another, wee doe in the end obtaine, with perfection of knowledge, perfect happinesse. But yet in this imperfect knowledge there are diuers degrees, which accordingly are di∣uersly required, that they may be acceptable vnto God, and sufficient for vs and our saluation. First, in respect of the diuers times of illumination, for in the twy-light of the Law, when as the Sunne was not yet risen, there was not so great a measure of knowledge required, as in the broad day of the Gospel, when as God requireth some proportion between our sight of knowledge, and the light of his truth shining vnto vs. Otherwise wee can haue no assurance that we are in the number of his Church, and of those * 1.3 with whom the Couenant of grace is made, vnlesse the Prophecies fore∣told of such, be verified in vs, and among the rest, that we, who are taught by his Sonne and Spirit, shall know God and his will in farre greater per∣fection, then they did which were vnder the Pedagogie of the Law. So in respect of the meanes, God requireth a greater measure, according to their greatnesse; expecting much, where he hath giuen much; as more of those where the Gospell is freely and openly preached, then of those, who liuing in times of persecution, haue it only by stealth, and with many dif∣ficulties and dangers. And in a flourishing Church (such as ours is) hee requireth the greatest measure, where hee hath planted the most faithfull Ministerie. And therefore in this cleere light of the Gospel, and liberall meanes which God alloweth vs, wee are to labour after a like measure of knowledge, as the Apostle exhorteth the Colossians, Let the Word of Christ * 1.4 dwell in you richly, in all wisedome: to which end, we must not cease to pray for our selues as the Apostle for them, that wee may be filled with the know∣ledge * 1.5 of Gods will, in all wisedome and spirituall vnderstanding. Finally, that our knowledge may be acceptable, there is a diuers measure required, in respect of diuers callings. As that the Ministers must exceed the people, seeing they are appointed their teachers and guides, and the Priests lips * 1.6 must preserue knowledge, that the people may seeke the Law at their mouth. That the rich exceed the poore, because they haue more leasure, liberty, and op∣portunity to vse the meanes; that the husband exceed the wife, and the fa∣ther the children, because they are bound by their places to teach and in∣struct them. And finally, that they who haue beene long Schollers in Christs Schoole, doe excell those who are nouices, and but newly admit∣ted, for want of which proficiencie, the Hebrews are sharply reprooued by * 1.7 the Apostle. But yet wee are to know, that in all true members of the Church, who are of age and capacity, it is required, that they vnderstand the maine principles of Christian Religion, which are contained in or∣dinary Catechismes, that they may bee able to render an account of their * 1.8 faith to those that aske them; to instruct those who are vnder their go∣uernment, and to know and discerne the voyce of Christ from the voyce

of a stranger, to try the spirits whether they bee of God or no, and not hand ouer head receiue whatsoeuer is deliuered by those who are in the habit and place of a Minister, but to discerne, at least, in maine points necessary to saluation, the sound doctrines of their faithfull teachers, from the errours and vntruths of false seducers.

§. Sect. 2 Of the quality of our know∣ledge, that must be effe∣ctuall.

The last thing required in our knowledge, respecteth the quality of it, that it be sanctifying effectuall, and sauing knowledge. Neither doth eue∣ry kind of knowledge make vs and our liues acceptable vnto God; for * 1.9 there is a false knowledge, consisting in vaine speculations, fables, quirkes, and conceits of wit, endlesse and vselesse genealogies, which minister questions, rather then edifying which is in faith, and making men rather more proud and contentious, then more holy and religious, which is o∣dious vnto God. And there is a litterall or speculatiue knowledge swim∣ming in the braine, which not being effectuall for the sanctifying of the * 1.10 heart, and amendment of the life, doth not profit, but rather hurt those that haue it, pussing them vp with pride, and making them disdaine those that want it. The which, as it increaseth their sinne, because it is commit∣ted against knowledge and conscience, and leaueth men without excuse, so doth it make their punishment more grieuous, and their condemnati∣on more intolerable; for the seruant that knoweth his masters will and doth * 1.11 it not, shall be beaten with many stripes; and it shall bee more easie for Sodom * 1.12 and Gomorrah at the day of Iudgement, then for Corazin and Bethsaida, be∣cause, hearing Christs Word, and seeing his workes, they repented not. This knowledge, though it be true in respect of the obiect, which is the Word and truth of God, yet is it vaine in regard of the effect, being vn∣effectuall to a godly life, and to the assuring vs of life eternall; in which, when we excell neuer so much, yet shall wee come short of many wicked men, who are in the state of death and condemnation, yea of the deuils themselues, who in theory and speculation know more then wee. Yea, in truth such knowledge is no better then ignorance in Gods estimate, see∣ing we know onely so much in Christianity as we bring into vse and pra∣ctice, according to that of the Apostle; Heereby we doe know that wee know God, if we keepe his Commandements; he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not * 1.13 his Commandements, is a lyer, and the truth is not in him. And againe, Whosoeuer abideth in him, sinneth not; whosoeuer sinneth (that is, in whom∣soeuer * 1.14 sinne ruleth and reigneth) hath not seene him, neither knowne him.

§. Sect. 3 That sauing knowledge is necessary to a godly life.

And therefore if we would be accepted of God, and haue our liues and wayes pleasing in his sight, wee must not content our selues with such a * 1.15 knowledge as swims in the braine, but labour after such a sauing & effectu∣all knowledge, to be the guide of all our works and actions, which maketh vse of all we know, for the sanctifying of our hearts and affections, and the reforming of our liues and conuersations. For example, knowing that there is a God, we must worship and serue him, and professing him with our lips, we must not deny him in our liues. Knowing that he is a Spirit, we must not rest in bodily exercise, which profiteth nothing, but worship him in spirit and truth. Knowing that he is infinite and omnipresent, we must with Enoch walke with God, and in all things carry our selues, as be∣fore him. Knowing that he is all-sufficient, we must trust in him for all

things, both in the presence and absence of inferiour meanes. Knowing that he is omniscient and the searcher of our inward parts, wee must ap∣proue our hearts as well as our workes vnto him, and make conscience of committing secret sinnes, as well as those which are open and manifest to the world. Knowing that he is omnipotent, we must depend vpon him for preseruation from all euill, and defence against all enemies; and that in greatest difficulties and dangers, because things, euen impossible to men, are possible with God. Knowing that he is the chiefe Good, we must loue him aboue all things; knowing that he is true, yea truth it selfe, wee must beleeue his Word and promises. Knowing that he is iust, we must feare to offend him; that he is mercifull, we must hope in him; that he is bountifull, we must do cheerefull seruice to so gracious a Master. Knowing that he is but one God, wee must worship him alone, and not false gods and grauen Images, and set vp no Idols in our hearts, as the earthly Mammon with the couetous, worldly honours and vaine glory with the ambitious, and carnal and sinfull pleasures, with those that are voluptuous. Finally, knowing that he is one in essence, & three in persons, we must worship the Vnity in Tri∣nity. * 1.16 Knowing that God the Father, is our Father in Christ, we must reue∣rence, * 1.17 feare and loue him; that God the Sonne is our Redeemer, we must worship and serue him, in holinesse and righteousnesse, before him, all the daies of our liues; and knowing that the holy Ghost is our Sanctifier, * 1.18 and dwelleth in vs, wee must possesse our vessels in purity and ho∣nour, that wee may bee fit temples and habitations for this holy Ghest, &c.

§. Sect. 4 Of the meanes of sauing knowledge.

And this is that sauing knowledge which is necessary to a godly life; the which we haue not of our selues; for euery man is a 1.19 beast in his owne know∣ledge, b 1.20 wise vnto euill, and vnto any good without vnderstanding; but it is a grace and free gift of God, as before we haue shewed. And therefore if we would obtaine it, wee must carefully and conscionably vse all good meanes which hee hath appointed for this purpose. And first we must begge this grace of God by feruent and effectuall prayer, according to that of the Apostle Iames, c 1.21 If any man want wisedome, let him aske it of God, that giueth all men liberally, and vpbraideth not: and it shall be giuen him; as we see in the example of d 1.22 Salomon: and desire him to send his holy Spirit into our hearts, which will e 1.23 leade vs into all truth, and like a f 1.24 precious eye-salue, will open and illighten the blind g 1.25 eyes of our vnderstandings; that we may see the wonders of Gods Law. The which our prayer will be more effectuall to preuaile with God, if we craue this knowledge to this end, that we may glorifie him by it, according to that of Dauid, Make mee * 1.26 to vnderstand the way of thy precepts, so shall I talke of thy wonderous workes; and make our knowledge the rule of our liues, practising the things we know in the whole course of our conuersation, to which end Dauid beg∣geth it of God: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keepe it * 1.27 vnto the end; Giue me vnderstanding, and I shall keepe thy law, yea, I will obserue it with my whole heart. Secondly, let vs be diligent in hearing, reading and meditating of Gods Word, which giueth h 1.28 light and vnderstanding vnto the simple, and is sufficient to make vs i 1.29 wise in all things vnto saluation; and to make the man of God perfect and throughly furnished vnto all good workes.

Thirdly, we must vse holy conferences with others, whereby we shall in∣rich our mindes by communicating with them in their stocke, and more firmely imprint in our memories that which we know already, according to that of the Apostle, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wise∣dome, * 1.30 teaching and admonishing one another. Fourthly, we must labour to be reconciled vnto God in Christ, and then becomming his friends, hee will make vs acquainted with his will and counsailes, according to that of our Sauiour; I haue called you friends, for all things that I haue heard of my Father, * 1.31 I haue made knowne vnto you. Fifthly, let vs labour to haue our harts fraugh∣ted with Gods feare; for if any man feare the Lord, him shall he teach the way * 1.32 that he shall chuse. Sixthly, let vs decke our selues with humility, for hee giueth his grace to the humble, and teacheth him his way; he reuealeth his se∣crets to little babes, and hideth them from those who are wise and pru∣dent in their owne conceits. And therefore we must be fooles to our selues and to the world, if we would be wise to God and our owne saluation. For there is no true wisedome, but in the sauing knowledge of God and his will, and holy obedience yelded vnto them, according to that of the Prophet, The wise men are ashamed, they are dismaied and taken: lo, they haue * 1.33 reiected the Word of the Lord, and what wisedome, is in them? Seuenthly, wee must labour after holines, for God reuealeth his mysteries vnto his Saints, but * 1.34 will not suffer his wisdome to enter into a prophane and malicious soule, as we see in the experience of the greatest Prelates and Doctors of the world, who liuing in prophanenesse and all sensuality, haue not so much feeling, sauing and experimentall knowledge of God, and the mysteries of his Kingdome, as many silly women and simple Ideots. Lastly, wee must put those things in practice which we already know, and then will God reueale more vnto vs, and fasten that which we know already, in our hearts and memories; for as our Sauiour saith, If any man will doe his will, he shall * 1.35 know of his doctrine; and we shall with Dauid, be wiser then the ancient, yea, * 1.36 then our teachers, if wee haue more care then they in keeping Gods Commande∣ments; For the feare of the Lord is wisedome, and to depart from euill, is vnder∣standing. * 1.37 And as Dauid saith, The feare of the Lord is the beginning of wise∣dome, a good vnderstanding haue all they that doe his Commandements.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1. Cor. 13. 9, 12. & 8. 2.
• * 1.2

  2. Cor. 5. 7. Heb. 11. 1.
• * 1.3

  Esa. 11. 9. Ier. 31. 34. Ioel. 2. 28.
• * 1.4

  Col. 3. 16.
• * 1.5

  Col. 1. 9.
• * 1.6

  Mal. 2. 7.
• * 1.7

  Heb. 5. 12.
• * 1.8

  1. Pet. 3. 15. 1. Thes. 5. 21. 1. Ioh. 4. 1. Act. 17. 11.
• * 1.9

  1. Tim. 1. 4. & 6. 20.
• * 1.10

  1. Cor. 13. 2. & 8. 1.
• * 1.11

  Luk 12. 47.
• * 1.12

  Mat. 11. 21, 22. Iohn 9. 41.
• * 1.13

  1. Iob. 2. 3.
• * 1.14

  1. Iob. 3. 6.
• * 1.15

  Stude non vt plus alijs scias, sed vt melius, Seneca. Tit. 1. 16. 1. Tim 4. 8. Ioh. 4. 24. Psal. 16. 8. Gen. 5. 24. Gen. 17. 1.
• * 1.16

  Mat. 1. 6.
• * 1.17

  1. Pet. 1. 17. Luke 1. 74.
• * 1.18

  1. Thes. 4. 4. 1. Cor. 6. 19.
• a 1.19

  Ier. 10. 14.
• b 1.20

  Ier. 4. 22. 1. Cor. 2. 14.
• c 1.21

  Iam. 1. 5.
• d 1.22

  1. King. 3. 6.
• e 1.23

  Iohn 16. 13.
• f 1.24

  Apoc. 3. 18.
• g 1.25

  Psal. 119. 18, 27.
• * 1.26

  Psal. 119. 27.
• * 1.27

  Vers. 33. 34.
• h 1.28

  Psal. 19. 7, 8. & 119. 130. Pro. 1. 3, 4, 5.
• i 1.29

  2. Tim. 3. 15, 16, 17.
• * 1.30

  Col. 3. 16.
• * 1.31

  Iohn 15. 15.
• * 1.32

  Psal. 25. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 5. Psal. 25. 9. Matth. 11. 25. 1. Cor. 3. 18.
• * 1.33

  Ier. 8. 9. Deut. 4. 6.
• * 1.34

  Col. 1. 26.
• * 1.35

  Iohn. 7. 17.
• * 1.36

  Psal. 119. 99, 100.
• * 1.37

  Iob. 28. 28. Psal. 111. 10.