on a shadow of knowledge, even where we know
nothing as we ought to know, 1 Cor. viii. 2; and this will keep us
jealous and watchful.

3. And to help forward our jealousy of our own hearts and watchfulness,
we should remember that our hearts naturally are averse from any true
and saving knowledge; whatever desire there be naturally after knowledge
of hidden things out of curiosity; and of things natural; or of things
spiritual, as natural, for the perfection of nature, as might be
pretended, whereby in effect those that increase knowledge, increase
sorrow, Eccl. i. 18. Yet there is no inclination after spiritual and
saving knowledge, in us naturally, but an aversion of heart therefrom.

4. That we should study and know the absolute necessity of this
knowledge. How necessary it is for our Christian communion with God, and
Christian walk with others; how necessary for our right improving of
dispensations, general and particular; what a noble ornament of a
Christian it is, and a necessary piece of the image of God, which we
have lost.

_Secondly._ Upon these grounds mentioned, we would also be convinced of
this:

1. That of ourselves, and by all our natural parts, endowments,
quickness and sagacity, we cannot attain to this saving knowledge, which
is a special and saving grace, and so must be wrought in the soul by a
divine hand, even the mighty power of God. By our private study and
reading, we may attain to a literal, heady, and speculative knowledge,
that will puff us up, 1 Cor. viii. 1; but thereby shall we never attain
to this knowledge, which is spiritual, hearty, and practical, and so
saving, we must have the anointing here, which teacheth us all things, 1
John ii. 27. And of this we should be persuaded, that we may look to a
higher hand for light and instruction.

_Thirdly._ There should be an eyeing of Christ's furniture and fitness
for this work of teaching of us, to wit,

1. An eyeing of him as the substantial wisdom of the Father, Prov. viii.

2. An eyeing of him, as one come out of the bosom of the Father, John i.
18; and so sufficiently enabled to acquaint us with the mysteries of God
for salvation.

3. An eyeing of him as Mediator, fully endued with all necessaries for
this piece of his work, and so having received the Spirit without
measure, for this end, John iii. 34; and as having hid in him all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col. ii. 3; and as having all
fullness dwelling in him, Col. i