292 SEVENTH SERMON saith the apostle, will give repentance for the ac- knowledgment of the truth, 2 Tim. ii. 25. The wise in heart, that is, those who are truly godly, (for none but such are the scripture's wise men,) these will re- ceive commandments ; but a prating fool will fall, Prov. x. 8. where by prating I understand cavilling, contradiction, taking exceptions, making objections against the commandment, and so falling and stum- bling at it, according to the saying of the apostle, James i. 19 -21. " Let everyman be swift to hear," that is, ready to learn the will of God, and to receive the commandment ; but slow to speak, slow to wrath, that is, careful that he suffer no pride and passion to rise up and speak against the things which are taught, according as Job says, " Teach me, and I will hold my peace," Job vi. 24. for the only reason why men fret and swell, and speak against the truth of God, is this, because they will not work righteousness : " The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God," therefore men are contentious, because they love not to obey the truth, Rom. ii. 8. disobedience is the mo- ther of gainsaying, Rom. x. 21. When we once re- solve to lay apart all filthiness, then we will receive the word with meekness, and not before ; none hear God's words, but they who are of God, John viii. 47. None hear the voice of Christ, but the sheep of Christ, John x. 4, 5. Christ preached is the power of God, and the wisdom of God ; but it is only to them that are called ; to others a stumbling block, and foolishness, 1 Cor. i. 24. " We speak wisdom," saith the apostle, but it is "amongst them that are per- fect," 1 Cor. ii. 6. He that is subject unto one prince, doth not greatly care to study the laws of another : or if he do, it is in order to curiosity, and not unto duty. So long as men resolve concerning Christ, "We
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