some edification, no profound or deep mystery, but it is
profitable for salvation. Whatsoever secrets there be in the mysteries of
God which are reserved from us, though it be given us but to "know in
part," and "darkly through a vail," yet as much is given to us to know as
may make the man of God perfect in every good work. As much is given us to
know as may build us up to eternal salvation. If there were no more use of
these deep mysteries of the holy Trinity, &c. but to silence all flesh,
and restrain the unlimited spirits of men, and keep them within the bounds
of sobriety and faith, it were enough. That great secret would teach as
much by its silence and darkness, as the plainer truths do by speaking out
clearly. O that this great mystery did compose our hearts to some reverend
and awful apprehension of that God we have to do with, and did imprint in
our soul a more feeling sense of our darkness and ignorance. This were
more advantage then all the gain of light, or increase of knowledge that
can come from the search of curiosity. If men would labour to walk in that
light they have attained, rather than curiously inquire after what they
cannot know by inquiry, they should sooner attain more true light. If men
would set about the practice of what they know, without doubt they would
more readily come to a resolution and clearness in doubtful things.
Religion is now turned into questions and school debates. Men begin to
believe nothing but dispute everything, under a pretence of searching for
light and resolution. But for the most part, while men look after light,
they darken themselves, this is the righteous judgment of the Lord upon
the world that doth not receive the truth in love, or walk in the light of
what they have already attained, therefore he gives men up to wander in
their search into the dark dungeons of human wisdom and fancy, and to lose
what they have already. If those things which are "without controversy"
(as the apostle speaks, 1 Tim. iii. 16) were indeed made conscience of,
and embraced in love, and practised, it were beyond all controversy that
the most part of present controversies would cease. But it falls out with
many, as with the dog, that, catching at a shadow in the water, lost the
substance in his teeth, so they, pursuing after new discoveries in
controverted things, and not taking a heart hold and inward grip of the
substantial truths of the gospel, which are beyond all controversy, do
even l