necessary for the attainment of divine knowledge ? What are all earthly sciences in comparison of " the grace of Christ V St. Paul, the most learned man of his day, " accounted all things but dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord^" And you also, if you estimate things aright, will never rest, till you have acquired some insight into the great mystery of redemption through the sufferings of your
incarnate God As to the poor and illiterate, the
knowledge of philosophy is far beyond their reach : but not so the knowledge of divine mysteries. " What God has hid from the wise and prudent, he does and will reveal to babes^" " The weak and foolish he has chosen in preference, in order that he may confound the wise and mighty, and constrain all to glory in him alone*." Only ask of God to enlighten your minds by the influence of his good Spirit, and " he will give to every one of you liberally, and without upbraiding"" ]
2. Endeavour to improve it for the good of others —
[This is the knowledge which saves the soul^. In " this is eternal life," which is the inalienable property of all who possess itJ". Will you then "hide this light under a bushel, instead of making use of it for the benefit of all around you^?" That be far from you. No, my brethren, seek to " grow iu the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ" yourselves, and diffuse it, if possible, to the very ends of the earth ]
r Phil. iii. 8. « Matt. xi. 25. t i Cor. i. 27—29.
" Jam. i. 5. ^2 Tim. iii. 15. y John xvii. 3.
2 Matt. V. 15.