A treatise of the necessity of humane learning for a Gospel-preacher shewing the use of I. Languages, II. Rhetoric, III. Logic, IV. Natural philosophy, V. Moral philosophy, VI. History, VII. Chronology, VIII. Arithmetic, IX. Geometry, X. Astronomy, XI. Geography, and the benefits of learning in all ages : also this question is determined, whether grace be essential to a minister of the Gospel? / by Edward Reyner ...

SECT. VI. Of Paul's desiring to know nothing but Christ.

Obj. 6. PAul desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2. Ergo, not Arts, and Tongues?

Answ. 1. He knew humane Learning already, being educated at Gamaliel's feet; and he was a Pharisee, and they excelled in knowledge, and were great teachers thereof in Christ's time.

2. Yet he valued it not in comparison of Christ, and the knowledge of him, Phil. 3.7, 8. he counted it but dung.

3. He desired to profess, or teach no other skill, but the knowledge of Christ. This was his main, yea his sole design; which doth not hinder, but that he might make use of Learning, so far as it would be subservient to the advancing of it. And indeed so we find him doing in the fifteenth Chapter of this Epistle, verse 33. where he cites a Heathen Poet, as was before ob∣served. The earnest intention of some one end doth not oblige to a neglect of any means, that may conduce thereto.