Chap. 24. An Expofticn upon the Book of J oa.Verf. r. the plaineft truths and doarines of God lineffe, both in Law and Gofpel ; and many know the doctrine, who know notthe fecret; any common profeffor may, know the do&rine, but the fincere only know the fecret, that is, the power and efficacy, the fweer- nes ofcomfort ofthe dotarine. There is allo a fecret ofGod with his in blefíìng and profpering them in the world; of which 7,6 fpeakes ( Chap. 29.4.) as there is alto a fecret and imperceptible curie, which the prophet calls the Lords blowing upon what men have in their poffeffion,or for their ufe (Hag. I. 9. ) But betides thefethere is a fecret offavour, which is the feeling of the Spirit, the gift of the hiddenManna, and of the white none, with a new name in it, which no man knoweth favirg he that receiveth it : (Bev. 2. t7, ) This fecret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and there is yet another fecret of his with them,even the fecret of his purpofe and intendment concerning his own providential. workings. Whichwhile many or all fee, yet they know not the meaningof theca, I mean it not onlyofthe wicked arc!' carrell, but even ofmany whoare holy and fp'trituall in the main. The fecrets ofprovidence are known only to Tome choyce ones, to force ofan excellent fpirit and high attainments, to tome Abraa hams, Etc. intimate friends; who are to God as his own feule, There is a fecret ofthe Lord, which is with all them that fèare~; him, yet force of his fecrets are not with many of them who fecre him. What lob fpake in the t nth Chapter of this Booke, reproving the pride of his friends; Tee are the men and wifdárae, Jhall dye with you ; you (I crow) have ingroffed all wifdome; andothers tauft borrow ofyou ; The fame we may (peak foberly and approvingly of forne humble Godly men theyhave tie know- ledge ofyCod,and it is but little that others have; though they have a laving knowledge. Some conceive the Prophet upbraiding the jewes(Ifa.58.2.)As ifthey affe6ted to be looked upon, not only as fuch as knowGod, but as fuch as know him intimately, and were his bofome friends. They feeke me dayly and delight to knew rely ways, as a nation that did righteoufneffe, and forjaoke not the ordinance of their CJod,they mice ofme the Ordinances of yofice,they, takedelight in approaching unte God. They who doe indeed, as thefe ?ewes feemed to doe, may he nurnbr zd among chore of the higheft forme that knowGod. why die they that know him,, not fee hú dales. !Acre: 479 e
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