geS FAITH AvILT ON XNOWLEDOE. rD2SC. X; promise with himself; if I suffer with him; I shall also reign with him And his promises are an eternal secu rity. I know whom I have believed." Thus you see what a 'glorious encouragement may be assumed from such an acquaintance with Christ, to endure the cross, and .despise the shame for the sake of Christ and his gospel. I. grant there have been weak christians of lower de= grees of knowledge, that have borne sufferings and mar- tyrdom with a courage beyond all expectation. There have been some babes in Christ, that could not dispute for the truth, yet they could die for it. . But let it be noted, that such persons have had generally but small advantage for improvement in knowledge; either they were young converts, or had but mean natural parts, or a poor education ; yet a sincere zeal for their Lord : And perhaps also they had a bright and strong experimental knowledge of the gospel, by its sweet and sanctifying in- fluences. Nowwhen such as these have been called out by providence to bear a testimony to the truth, they have had a mouth and wisdom given them immediately from heaven, which all their adversaries have not. been able to gainsay, nor resist : And this, accordin to the promise. made to the apostles, in their infancy of-understanding ;" Luke xxi. 15. They have been upheld under their tor- ments by the arms of Christ, and by his sensible pre- sence : Their divine fortitude bath been all inspiration. But you that have fair and daily opportunities for a large acquaintance with the gospel, have no reason to expect Such miracles for your assistance in our day, if ye refuse the appointed means of hearing, reading and meditation. Take this further advice also along with you : While you are treasuring up truth, seek after holiness, and every grace. See to it, that all the knowledge you gain by these methods be wrought into your very souls, and that you experience the sanctifying and comforting power of these truths onyour consciences, your passions, and your lives. Divine truth, thus turned into spiritual nourishment, 'gives a vital strength for service and suffering. When you have the word of God in your mouths, as the sword of the Spirit; Eph. vi. 14, &c. the breast-plate of righte- ousness,. to cover your hearts, the hope of salvation as a helmet on your heads, and the shield of faith, to ward off
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