What is it to know God? The Apostle bears witnesse of the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 1.5. that they abound in knowledge, so that they fall short of no gift, yet 1 Cor. 1.10. he complains that there is schism among them; therefore there may be knowledge of God, and yet want of love to our brethren.
Answ. 1. The knowledge that is there spoken of, is a knowledge that en∣lightens the understanding, that puffes up and swims in the brain, it sinks not into their hearts and affections.
2. There is a knowledge that reacheth to the heart and life of a man, a man is said not to know, when he doth not acknowledge, Psal. 1.6. The Lord knows the way of the righteous, the Lord approves, affects and delights in their way; when a man doth not regard, he is said not to know, Mat. 7.23. Known unto God are all his works, Acts 15.18,
3. There is a knowledge that doth expresse its selfe in action, Know you the God of thy Fathers, 1 Chron. 18.9. 1 Sam. 2.12. the Sons of Eli they knew not God, though Priests, yet knew not the way of Religion, because they were wicked children without yoak, they are not acquainted with the wayes of the Lord.
Reas. 1. From the nature of God both in his attributes and works, both expresse in abundance, that those that know God, cannot but love their brethren; for no attribute doth so much expresse the nature of God, as this of love.
2 If we know God, and be acquainted with God, there will be some likenesse between God and us; if we see God loving godly Ministers and hearers, so will we, Gal. 6.10.
3. From the impression which the love of God makes in our hearts, Rom. 5.5. our hearts are like to a stone-wall in a cold day, the wall is cold always, but warmed on a Sun-shine day.
4. From our love to God: What causeth you to love God? if for this, because he pardons your sins, and saves your soules, this a man may doe by a spirit of false love; he that loves God truly, will love him for his goodnesse, not onely to us, but to others.
Ʋse 1. This may be a ground of tryall of our love and fellowship with God; if you find in your hearts an unfeigned love to godly Ministers; if you make Gods serv••nts the men of your delight, you need no better evidence from Heaven, that you are beloved of God.
Obj. I am acquainted with many godly Ministers and good men.
Answ. Consider, whether thou lovest them for thy own sake, because they may be helpfull to thee, this is from self-love; but dost thou love a Minister or a Christian for his goodnesse sake, for his likenesse to God, for his graces and ver∣tues? this is a signe thou lovest him not for thy sake, but Gods.
2. This exhorts every such soule as desires fellowship with God, to be acquainted with God, to love their brethren; you come to the Ordinances of God, and you finde not Christ; you come into Christian Communion,