BEcause to the performing of Christian obedience there is necessarily required some knowledge. Concerning knowledge therefore.

The first Question is, what a kind of study of knowledge ought to be in us?

1. Ans. First, wee ought in this study to take heed of all affected ignorance, 2 Pet. 3. 5. Pro. 2▪ 22. 29. 7.

2. Secondly we ought al[gap]o to avoid all curiosity, Deut. 29 29. Pre. 2[gap]. 1. 1 T[gap]m. 6 20. 2 Tim. 2. 23. Titus 3. 9. Iohn 21. 22 Acts 1. 6 7.

3. I here is a fivefold curiosity of knowledge, 1. when we would know those things that God hath not reveal'd, 2. when we seek to know those things which belong not to our selves, but to others 3. when we spend most study about things least necessary, 4. When we desire to know the hardest things, and neglect the principles, and fundamentalls, 5. When we rest not simply in the Will of God, but would see a reason of it.

4. Thirdly, we ought to study for the knowledge of those things especially which are most necessary for us in our life, Pro. 9. 12. 1 Tim. 6. 8.

5. Fourthly, we ought to labour for a growth in knowledge, not contenting our selves to be children in understanding 1 Cor. 14. 20. Heb. 5. 12. Cor. 3 16.

6. Fifthly, we ought to take heed of all pride, which is wont to spring from knowledge, 1 Cor. 8. 1.

The second Question is what a man ought to doe that he may obtaine solid knowledge?

7. Ans. First the mind is wholly to be devoted unto piety, Pro. 1. 7. 9 10. Psal. 25. 14 Iohn 7. 17. For as knowledge is easy to the godly, Pro. 8, 9. & 14. 6. so to the wicked it is impossible, Pro. 24. 7.

8. Secondly, we must deny our carnall wisdome, 1 Cor. 3. 18. Pro. 26. 12.

9. Thirdly, the lusts of the flesh are to be avoyded, because they blind the mind, Eph 4. 18. By abusing, disturbing, allureing and pressing it down.

10. Fourthly, Heavenly wisdome is to be highly prized and to be sought with proportionable care, Pro. 2. 4. & 3. 14. & 47.

11. Fifthly, it is to be desired of God by earnest prayer, Ia. 1. 5.

12 Sixthly, humility and modesty and sobriety must be observed, Pro. 11. 3. Rom. 12. 3.

13 Seventhly, we must confer and consult with those that God hath indowed with a larger measure of this knowledge, Pro. 15. 12.

14 Eighthly, we ought to glory in a holy manner in the possession of Heavenly knowledge, Ier. 9. 24.

15. Ninthly, this wisdome is to be sought, in a daily and religious heeding and hearing of the Word of God, 2 Tim. 3 16.

16. Tenthly, that knowledge which we have obtained must be turn'd into use and practise, Muthew. 25. 29. Ioha 13. 17.

The third Question is by what arguments a man may be stir'd up to seeke this Divine knowledge?

A[gap]s. 1. Because knowledge pertaines to the naturall perfection of a man, as appeares by the temptation of our first parents, G[gap]n. 3. 5. 2. It is that which makes a difference betwixt man and the bruit beasts, Psal. 32. 9. 3 They which are destitute of this knowledge are in some sort more stupid then the bruit beasts, Esai. 1. 3. 4 Knowledge brings along with it a certaine singular, and honest delight, Pro. 14 13. 14. 5 [gap] knowledge the heart of man cannot be good, [gap]. 1[gap]. 2. 6 Knowledge is the key of the Kingdome of Heaven [gap] 1[gap] [gap]. ▪ Knowledge is the spirituall food of the [gap]. [gap]. 3. 10. 8 his knowledge is necessary to make us [gap] of God, Heb. 8. 11. 9 The faithfull [gap] of ligh[gap] not of darkenesse, Ephes. 5. 8. [gap], and averiness[gap] to it is foo [gap] [gap]. [gap]. [gap]. [gap]. 11 [gap] is the cause of all wicked[gap]sse,

1 Cor. 2. 8. 12 It doth so corrupt good affections that it makes them become evill, Rom. 10. 2. 13 It is a cause, and note of perdition, Hos. 4. 6. 2 Cor. 4. 3.