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SECT. XXXVIII.
Direction 19. IF ever you would be converted, humbly submit to the Word of God, and the Instructions of those whom he hath appointed to inform you. What unrea∣sonable pride is it in you that are ignorant unlearned men, to despise the counsel of the most Able godly Ministers, and that in points wherein the godly through all the world are agreed? Yea, where God himself doth lead them by his Word? Are not they liker to know more then you that have studies it all their daies? Discourse with them, and try whether they or you have more knowledge. Consider what you do when you proud∣ly reason against the Necessity of Conversion and a holy life. What, are you wiser then your Teachers? and then the ablest Teachers in the Land? Yea, then all the Ministers in the world, and then all the godly people in the world? Silly souls, that scarce know any of the Principles of Religion, are yet so proud as to despise instruction from the wisest, who ever. But if you think your selves wiser then all the Ministers in the world, will you also think your selves wiser then God? I tell you, either Illuminating Grace, or the conviction of Gods Judgement shall take down your lofty hearts ere long, and make you wish you had stooped to Instruction. The day is coming that will abate your pride and make you talk a little more submissively. Hark∣en therefore in time, lest that befall you that is mentioned, Prov. 5. 11, 12, 13. Lest thou mourn at last when thy flesh and body are consumed; and say, how have I hated Instruction, and my heart despised Reproof? And have not obeyed the voyce of my Teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me? If you are too wise to learn, you will prove in the end too foolish to be sa∣ved.