3. In the effect itself, the new creature, which is the wisest creature on this side heaven. To evidence this to you, I shall show you that all wisdom and prudence consisteth in three things : — (1.) In fixing a light end ; (2.) In the choice of apt and proper means ; (3.) In a dex- terous effectual i)rosccution of the end by those means.
(1.) In fixing and propounding to ourselves a right end. A wise man doth not mind trifles, but is conversant about things of the greatest reality, necessity, and excellency : such are God and heaven. All other wisdom will prove but folly in the end. Others ' disquiet themselves about a vain show,' Ps. xxxix. 6. Poor, silly creatures cark and labour and turmoil to get together a few poor transitory enjoyments, where there is neither durable possession nor solid satisfaction. Tiie honours, pleasures, and riches of the world are but pictures and shadows of the true honours, the true riches, and fulness of joy at God's right hand. Surely he is a wise man that chooseth God for his portion and heaven for his home : Prov, xv. 24, ' The way of life is above to the wise, to avoid hell beneath.' He is wise, and hath chosen the true sort of living, which mindeth the salvation of his soul, and looketh after eternal life. Surely this is, above and beyond any wisdom man can pretend unto, to be happy, not for a while, but for ever.
(2.) In the choice of apt and proper means. A man is wise enough if he knows his duty, and the way to happiness. God hath appointed us the way wherein to walk, to fear him, and love him, and keep liis commandments : Deut. iv. 6, ' Keep these statutes, for this is your wisdom ; ' Job xxviii. 28, ' The fear of God, that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil, that is understanding.' There is an excellency in this sort of life, Prov. xii. 26. Those applaud it that do not choose it. All are of this mind at last, and dying are sensible of the excellency of it.
(3.) A dexterous effectual prosecution of the end. This prosecution imports — First, Diligence : He is a fool that hath a price in his hand and hath not a heart to lay it out on a good purchase, Prov. xvii. 16 ; but he is a wise man that improveth his time and labour to a good })urpose : ' A wise man's heart is at his right hand,' Eccles. x. 2. Secondly, This prosecution lies in caution and circumspection to keep himself from sin : Eph. v. 15, ' See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.' Lastly, It consists in self-denial. The wise merchant sold all that he had for the pearl of price. Mat. xiii. 46, 47.
264 THE NINTH SERMON. [MaT. XXVII. 46.
A wise man doth not dally with religion, but thoroughly sets himself to it.
Use 1. Be persuaded that serious Christianity is the true wisdom ; and the wisdom of the world, which is only conversant about worldly things, from a worldly principle to aworldly end, is foolishness with God. Thiols wisdom, which acquainteth us more with God, and leadethus into everlasting happiness.
2. Admire the wisdom of God in dispensing salvation by Christ, who could bring light out of darkness, and so great a demonstration of his glory out of man's sin, and vanquish Satan by the way, whereby he seemed most to prevail, and still attain his end by means seemingly contrary. There is more of divine power and wisdom showed in Christ crucified than in anything men could think of. It was a more glori- ous act of power to raise Christ from the dead, than in not permitting him to die. He prevaileth more by laying down his life, than by being prosperous in the world and taking the lives of his enemies.
3. If God hath abounded to us in all wisdom, let us not disturb the order of this grace by asking privileges witliout duties, or minding duties without the help of the Spirit ; or placing all in duties, so as to exclude the merit and satisfaction of the Redeemer ; or to eye the ran- som so as to exclude the example of Christ. All things are well ordered in God's covenant ; the confusion arises from our darkness and misapprehensions.
4. There should be wisdom and prudence in us, for the impression must be accordingto the seal and stamp. Wisdom is a saving knowledge of divine mysteries ; and prudence, to regulate and order our actions and practices, to perform our respective duties to God and man. The apostle prays for the Colossians (Col. i. 9), that they might ' be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understand- ing.' All have not the same measure of saving knowledge and prudence, yet the least saint hath what is necessary to salvation. You must every day grow in those graces, for by degrees they are carried on towards perfection.
SERMON IX.
Avd about the ninth hour, Jesus cried tvith a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachihani? that is to say, My God, my God, ivhy hast thou forsaken me .?— Mat. XXVII. 4G.