AMong those conditions which are necessarily required to vertue, after that generall justic[gap], which notes out its essentiall rectitude, followes in the next place, Prudence, or spirituall wisdom. Concerning it therefore.

Question, 1. In what thing doth true prudence consist?

1. Ans. First, spirituall wisdom doth generally consist in such a discerning, circumspect looking to, considering, and ordering those things which belong to Gods Glory, and our duty, and salvation, that as much as may be, they may be brought unto perfection. Pro▪ 14. 8. 15. & 15. 24. & 22. 3. But in a more speciall manner it belongs to wisdom, 1. To propound a right end evermore unto our selves, and to be endeavoring after it: Ieremy 4. 22. 2 Tim. 3. 15. 32. 29. For, that mans wisdom is in vaine, who is not wise for himselfe, and for his own good.

2. Secondly, to make choice of such meanes as do tend certainly to that scope, Pro. 2. 9.

3. To walke accurately, and precisely in the use of those means, Eph. 5. 15.

4. To take hold of, and to redeem every opportunity, for the advanceing, and helping forward of this study, Col. 4. 5.

5. Carefully to take heed of, and avoid all such things, as do hinder this study, Iob. 28. 28.

6. To forsake all things else, for the attaining of this chiefe good, Mat. 13. 44. 45.

7. Not to trust to a vaine hope, but to lay a solid foundation in all things, Mat. 7. 24.

Question, 2. By what meanes may this wisdome be gotten?

8. Ans. First, it comes from none other then God alone, by the Holy Ghost, Iob. 28. 12, 13, 14. 20. 21. 23. Esay 11. 2. 3. Eph. 1. 8. 17 Iam. 3. 15.

9. Secondly, that we may obtaine it from God, we must seriously acknowledge and confesse our owne foolishnesse. 1 Cor. 3. 18.

10. Thirdly, we ought to seek it in the Word of God. Psal. 19. 7. & 119. 98. 99 104. Ier. 8. [gap].

11. Fourthly, we must seek it of God in a due manner. Iam. 1. 5. 2. Cor. 1. 10. 11.

12. Fifthly, we ought to direct all our observation and experience to the getting of wisdom, Ps. 90. 12.

Question, 3. By what arguments, we may be stir'd up, to labour after this spirituall wisdom?

13. Ans. First, because therein lies the perfection of man above other Creatures, Ps. 32. 8. 9.

14. Secondly, because it is a maine part of Gods Image, Col. 3. 10.

15. Thirdly, because it delivers from all evill, Proverbs 2. 11. 12.

16. Fourthly, because it conduceth to all good, Proverbs▪ 3. 13. 14. 19.

Now because in Scripture there is mention made of an human wisdom, or prudence, opposed to this spirituall wisdom▪ therefore the Question is

Question, 1. Whether all humane wisdome is to be condemned?

17. Ans. Humane wisdom is considered, 2. wayes; either as it is simply an humane perfection, or (as they call it) an intellectuall vertue, whereby the businesses that a man hath to doe, though they be many and great, are easily conceived, judged, and directed; or as it is a corruption and abuse of that faculty, and hath some finne adhering to it, or mingled with it. In the former sense it is a thing good in regard of nature: and so to be commended and labour'd for: although in respect of any morall goodnesse, it is a thing of an indifferent nature, neither good nor evill, as all other naturall perfections also are. Civill wisdom therefore considered in it selfe, is not opposed to spirituall wisdom, but only as a disparate. But in the latter sence, it is a thing evill in regard of the morality of it, and to be condemned, and avoyded.

For it is opposed to spirituall wisdom as a thing adverse: For which cause also it is called fleshly wisdome, earthly, sensuall, divelish, Jam. 3. 15.

Question, 2. When is humane wisdom carnall, and in that respect to be condemned?

18. Ans. First, when it opposeth it selfe directly to the wisdom of God, in devising any evill, Exod. 1. 10. Pro. 21. 30. Pro. 6. 13▪ That is, when it becomes an instrument of any impiety, or injustice. For wisdom when it is joyned with ungodlinesse, is nothing but wickednesse armed. And to be wise to do evill, is not to be wise, but to be unwise.

19. Secondly, when it contemneth the wisdom of God, and accounteth it foolishnes, 1 Cor. 1. 23.

20. Thirdly, when it will by no meanes be subject to the wisdom of God. Ro. 8. 7.

21. Fourthly, when in some sort it yieldeth to the wisdom of God, in regard of the thing it selfe, which it seeketh; but in regard of the meanes and manner of seeking, trusts to it selfe, 2 Reg. 5. 11. 1 Cor. 2. 14.

22. Fifthly, when it makes a man more uncapable of those things which are of the spirit of God, 1 Cor. 2. 14.

23. Sixthly, when it is made a matter of boasting, Ier. 9. 23. Ez 28. 17.

24. Seventhly, when trust and confidence is placed in it, Pro. 3. 6. & 26. 12.

25. Eighthly, when it is separated from innocency, and sincerity, Rom. 16. 19. Mat. 10. 16. 2 Cor. 1. 12.

Question, 3. By what means may a man be brought to contemne this carnall wisdom?

26. Ans. 1. Because it sets men further off from the Kingdom of God, then simple foolishnesse. 1 Cor. 1. 26, 27. Mat. 11. 26. 2 Because God doth use to infatuate, and bring to nought such wisdom. 1 Cor. 1. 19. 20. 3 Because it is serpentine, and diabolicall, Gen. 3. 1. Iam. 3. 15. 4 Because it destroyeth those in whom it is. Pro. 11. 3. 5. It overthroweth all humane society, and takes away the comfort of life, 2 Sam. 16. 22. 23.