unacquainted with Jesus, he knoweth nothing as he ought to know.

And upon the other hand, let a poor soul that is honest, and hath some
knowledge of, and acquaintance with him, be satisfied, though it cannot
discourse nor dispute, nor speak to cases of conscience, as some others;
if we know him, it matters not though we be ignorant of many things, and
thereby become less esteemed of by others. Here is the true test, by
which we may take a right estimate of our own, or of others' knowledge.
The true rule to try knowledge by, is not fine notions, clear and
distinct expressions, but heart-acquaintance with him; "in whom are hid
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," Col. ii. 3.

O sad! that we are not more taken up in this study, which would be a
compendious way for us to know all? Why spend we our money for that
which is not bread, and our labour for that which will not profit us?
Why waste we our time and spirits in learning this science, and that
art; when, alas! after we, with much labour and toil, have attained to
the yondmost pitch there, we are never one whit the nearer heaven and
happiness? yea, it were well, if we were not further off! Oh! if we were
wise at length, and could think more of this one thing necessary; and
could be stirred up to learn more of him, and to make this the subject
of all our study and labour.




CHAPTER II.

OF THE WORDS THEMSELVES IN GENERAL.