he will of God so dark and intricate? Is it
so hard to understand? Truly it is plain, "He hath showed thee what is
good," he hath showed thee what to do; but that thou neglectest to do, and
therefore men know not what to do further. Do ye not all know that ye
should walk soberly, righteously, and piously, and humble yourselves to
walk with God, and in lowliness of mind each should esteem another better
than himself? Ye should forbear and forgive one another, as God for
Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ye should not seek great things for
yourselves, especially when God is plucking up what he hath planted, and
casting down what was built. Ye should mind your country above more, and
live as sojourners here. Are not these words of wisdom all plain and
obvious to the meanest capacity? Now, my beloved, with what face can ye
seek more knowledge of God, or inquire for more light into his mind, when
you do not prove that known and perfect will of his? When you do not
occupy your present talent, why do ye seek more? "To him that hath shall
be given." Truly it is the man that fears and obeys as far as is revealed,
to whom God shows his secret, and teaches the way he should choose, Psal.
xxv. 12. I know not a readier way to be resolved in doubtful things, than
to study obedience in these things that are beyond all doubt. To walk in
the light received, is the highway to more light. But what hope is there
of any more light from the Lord, when our ways and courses, and
dispositions and practices, even in our endeavours after more knowledge,
cannot endure the light of that shining will of God, that is already
revealed? In ordering our conversation, we catch at the shadow of our
points of truth, and lose the substance that was in our hands, lowliness,
meekness, charity, long suffering, sobriety of mind and actions, and
heavenly mindedness. All these substantial we let go, that we may get
hold of some empty unedifying notions. We put out our candle that is
already enlightened, that is, the knowledge of good conversation that we
may seek more light, and that is the way to find darkness and delusion.
Because they received not the truth in love, that they might be saved, God
gave them up to strong delusions and the belief of lies, 2 Thess. ii. 10,
11. There is the ground of delusions, truth received, but not loved or
obeyed, many things known, but the stamp and seal not impressed on the
heart we express in the conversation. Therefore Go