In practical matters, some will question the Spirit's dwelling in believers, because they cannot understand the manner. Some saving gface, communion with God, or praying in the Holy Ghost, as if they were but fancies. Some truths cannot be understood without experi- ence, and it is only sanctification that giveth that experience; there- fore unsanctified persons take them for fancies.
[2.] This pride showeth itself in the desire of the knowledge of future events, either concerning the church of God, ourselves, or others ; aud many are so set upon this, that they will have figures cast, unlawful arts used, seek unto wizards and them that have familiar spirits, Isa. viii. 19. But whether they use lawful or unlawful means, the scripture disapproveth this vain curiosity and desire to know future contingencies, as arguing a distrust of God ; for true godliness requireth we should trust ourselves blindfold in his hands, and obey him though we do not know what will come of it ; as Abraham did, Heb. xi. 8. But we are very anxious about futurities ; we would know what Christ will do with the church, what with ourselves, what with others. It better becometh us, in every condition, to know what we should do than what we shall be. It doth not become us to understand events, but it doth greatly become us to understand our duty. But our minds run upon this. Sometimes we are inquiring about the church, 'Wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel ? ' But he answers, ' It is not for you to know the times,' &c., Acts i. 6, 7. So we desire to know our own destiny, whetlier we shall have prosperity or adversity, die a violent or a natural death, at home or abroad. We desire to know the time when our affliction shall cease : Ps. cxix. 8, ' How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou executejudgment on them that persecute me?' David was surprised with this infirmity. Wo are weary of sufferings, and would faiti know an end. So for others : John xxi' 21, 22, 'What shall this man do? If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to
428 SERMONS UPON PSALM CXXXl. [SeR IIT.
thee ? follow thou me.' Peter would fain know what should become of John, for which he was checked of Christ, as meddling with that which concerned him not. He bids him keep to his duty. It is vain curiosity, when we have so much needful work upon our hands, to desire to know what shall become of us and ours in this lottery of human affairs. Do your duty, and venture upon God's providence. Consider what an horrible diffidence and distrust of God it is that we cannot acquiesce in his wise and holy government, whose wisdom, power, and goodness is infinite. We suspect that he will not perform the part of a father and righteous governor to us, and therefore we dare not trust ourselves with his providence, but we must know beforehand how the event will be cast.
2. Some things are above our particular capacity, and measure of our apprehension, and the limits of our vocation. The apostle biddeth us: Eom. xii. 3, to ' be wise to sobriety, as God hath dealt to every one the measure of faith.' But men forget their ignorance, shallowness, and incapacity, and, though never so empty, take upon them to judge of all controversies in religion, as if they were the most knowing. Therefore the scripture layeth in so much caution against this ; as, ' Lean not to thine own understanding ;' and again, 'Be not wise in thine own eyes;' and Isa. v. 21, ' Woe to them that are wire in their own eyes, and pru- dent in their own sight ;' Prov. xxvi. 12, ' Seest thou a man wise in his own eyes, there is more hope of a fool than of him ; ' Prov. xxvi. 5, 'Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.' And in many other ])laces ; that we might consider what a vanity it is to be meddling in things above our reach and measure of understand- ing. Many will run before they can go ; mind controversies before they have well digested the necessary saving and practical truths. The weak must govern all, and model churches, when the Lord knoweth they are unskilful in self-government and the vitals of Christianity. Who were most forward in the divisions of Corinth but the weak chris- tians, who had need of milk, and not of strong meat, as the apostle showeth, 1 Cor. iii, 1-3. Certainly there is a certain order of truths, and that one presupposeth another ; and the knowledge of the lower truths is required before we can attend to the higher. And till their understandings be prepared by a sound practical knowledge of the ordinary truths, they cannot well understand the higher. But it is a wonder to see the pride and arrogancy of some ignorant men, who will confi- dently pass a censure on things they understand not, as if they were as thoroughly acquainted with them as the best, and scornfully call that an error which is the precious truth of Christ. These would go to the top of the stairs without ascending by the lower steps ; or like hasty children, that will undertake to read before they can spell ; and will determine great points when they have neglected the necessary truths which make way for the knowledge of them.