When they know the Father of eternity, the Antient of dayes, this is that which is an honour to old men, both before God and man, viz. the knowledg of Christ dispensed from the beginning, as 1 Joh. 1.1.
From the beginning is not to be understood in relation to time, but Eterni∣ty, he doth not say, That was with the beginning, but from the beginning, before the beginning, Joh. 8. Before Abraham was, I am; he was before the World; now the knowledge of Christ is the honour of aged persons.
There is a two-fold knowledge of Christ.
1 A Speculative Historical Knowledge, only of the understanding, Act. 9.15.
2 There is a practical saving Knowledg of Christ, and there is a threefold difference, between that knowledg that rests in the understanding, and this practical and saving kno••ledg of Christ.
1 The knowledge that rests in the understanding, is only by hearing or rea∣ding, but the other is got by the Spirit of Christ infused into us, 1 Cor. 2.9. partly by inlightning our minds, partly by feeling the work of Grace in our hearts, Phil. 3.10. hence it is, that this experimentall knowledge excells the best knowledge that is got by reading, or hearing, he knows the worth and ver∣tue of Christ.
2 They differ in their effects, that knowledge that rests in the understan∣ding breeds pride and carnall confidence, Isa. 47.10. and scandall and offence to the weak, 1 Cor, 8.12. but this saving knowledge breeds.
1 Prayer, Joh. 4.10.
2 Faith, Psal. 8.10. They that know thy name will trust in thee.
3 Justification, 1 Joh. 2.2.
4 Obedience.
5 Innocency towards our brethren, Isa. 11.6. to 9.
6 It works eternall life, John 17.3.
3 They differ in the adjuncts; saving knowledge is joyned with an high esteeme of Christ, Phil. 3.7, 8. yea a man hath liberty to rejoyce in this know∣ledge, which he may not in any other, Jer. 9.24, 25.
There are two things in the knowledge of Christ, which old men have more than other men, Jacob expresses them both, Gen. 48.6, 7. he did now by much experience know the goodnesse of God, that he had provided for him at home, in Labans house, in his journey, he had supplyed him in all his wants, and deli∣vered him out of all his dangers; a young man cannot say so much; it seemes not so savoury in a young mans mouth, but when an old man comes out with a recitall of Gods favour, this is the honour of old age.
Ʋse 1. Of direction to old men, to take notice of their own Estate, whether they know him that was from the beginning; hath Gods Spirit brought you to pray, to humble your selves, to obedience, to innocency, &c. if it be so, hap∣py are you, you are truly honourable.
Ʋse 2. Not to satisfie your selves with any knowledge, till you know him that was from the beginning; the study of antiquity is pleasing to many, e∣specially to old men; no knowledge like this, when you are able to speake of Gods old mercies to you, that he hath fed you all your life, when you are able to tell your children of their duty to God; could you tell of all Antiquities, it is nothing, till you know him that was from the beginning.