186 The Love of Wifdom S E R M. their power; but ftill a fincere affection to VII. wifdom, and ílrong refolution, would con - `^ quer it ; for the words of the prophet referred to ter. xiii. 23. are not to be underftood of a natural impoflibility, but a great difficulty occafioned by evil habits. It is prejudice only and corrupt affeCion which make the things ' of wifdom too high for a man. To the upright heart and fincerely difpofed to embrace the in ftrutions of virtue, its myfteries become very plain and familiar, Prov. xiv. 6. The fcorner feeketh wifdom, and findeth it not, but knowledge is eafy to him that under - flandeth. 2dly, The love of wifdom contributeth to our attaining it, as it is a difpofition high- ly pleating to God, to which he bath made gracious promifes, particularly of inftrudion. We muff conceive of the fupreme being as a lover of virtue and goodnefs, of every thing which is truly amiable on the account of moral excellence ; and if it be fo, he bath complacency in thofe of mankind, whofe affections are placed on the fame thing which is his delight. Original perfeâ wifdom loveth its own image in the crea- tures, and even fuch a tendency towards it, as a high efteem, and ear-nett defire, and tranfcen-
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