admonisheth us elsewhere to cease from our owne Wisdome Prov. 23. 4. and not to leane to our owne understanding Prov. 3. 5. and to beware of Philosophy and vaine deceit c. Colos 2. 8. and telleth some that their Wisdome and knowledge had perverted them Isay 47. 10. and it is his purpose to destroy the Wisdome of the wise and to bring to nought the understanding of the prudent and them that leane to and rely on it 1 Corinth 1. 19 21. and 2. 6. and those led of God came not with excellency of speech or of Wisdome declaring the testimony of God for the Wisdome of words maketh the cross of Christ of none effect 1 Corinth 2. 1. and 1. 17. this Wisdome is foolishness with God and it is so farre from helping us to understand and know Gods name or his sons name as that it is an hindrance thereto and therefore that we may be wise it is needfull that we become fools and lay aside and cease from our Wisdome and understanding But the Wisdome and understanding here commended to us and that which will render us happy in the injoyment of it is the Wisdome that is from a bove which is first pure then peace able c. Jam. 3. 17. even the Wisdome of God and not that of our owne according to that my son attend unto my Wisdome and bow thine eare unto my understanding Prov. 5. 1. and so hereby is meant and signified to us 1. Jesus Christ the Son of God in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily in whom dwelleth the father and on whom rests the holy Spirit And he is so called 1. As he is the Son of God by divine and eternall generation so where as in one place it is said the Lord by Wisdome founded the earth by understanding hath he establisht the heavens in another it is said he created all things by Jesus Christ Compare Prov. 3. 19. with Ephes 3. 11. Hebr. 1. 2. and of this Wisdome even of Christ in this consideration of him it is said by himselfe the Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his workes of old I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was when there were no depths I was brought forth when there were no fontaines abounding with water c. Prov. 8. 23 32. 2. And he is so called and may be comfortably viewed by us as Wisdome as he was abased for us and tooke our nature upon him when we had sinned and departed from God and as he was crucified for us and by the grace of God tasted death for every man and is raised againe according to the scriptures so Christ is the Wisdome of God and power of God 1 Corinth 1. 22 24. so when the Apostle saith that he came not with excellency of speech or of Wisdome declaring the testimony of God that the beleivers faith might not stand in the Wisdome of men but in the power of God He addeth howbeit we speak Wisdome among them that are perfect yet not the Wisdome of this world nor of the princes of this world that come to nought But we speak the Wisdome of God in a mystery even the hidden Wisdome which God ordained before the world unto our glory which none of the princes of this world knew for had they knowne they would not have crucified the Lord of glory Where it appeareth that Jesus Christ the Lord of glory is the Wisdome which they preached 1 Corinth 2. 1 8. with 2 Corinth 4. 5. and so this excellent one calls himselfe Wisdome and understanding Prov. 8. 12 14. compare Matth. 23. 34. with Luc. 11. 49. and he is called Wisdome and understanding 1. Because he is the great cleare and comfortable evidence and manifestation of the Wisdome of God here it is brightly discovered and may chearfully be viewed in the cross of Christ Jesus He did by Wisdome make the heavens and give a being to all things and in his workes of creation it may be seen by us but this invention of his is a greater and clearer discovery of his infinite Wisdome and unsearchable understanding For in his first creating us there was nothing contrary to his worke But unto his shewing mercy to us where we were fallen there was somwhat in the way stood cross and contrary his justice which was provoked by us must be satisfied his truth fulfilled his law which we had transgressed must be answered and his wrath appeased our sin must be purged away our death died overcome and abolished and all creatures were insufficient for these things no man could redeeme his brother by any meanes nor give to God a ransome for his owne soule Psal 49. 6 7. righteousness could not come by the law Galat. 2. 21. not could any creature in heaven or earth divise a meanes for the helpfullness of us this Wisdome was hid from the eyes of all living Job 28. 12 22. this passed the understanding of men and Angells Philip. 4. 7. but herein appeared the manifold and unsearchable Wisdome of God who in the exercise thereof hath devised a meanes that his banished should not be utterly expelled from him 2 Sam. 14. 14. Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness God was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit 1 Timot. 3. 16. there is hidden and wonderfull Wisdome contained therein that the creatour should become a creature that the word that was God should be made flesh that the everlasting father should thus become a son and the mighty God a child yea that he who was the holy one of God yea holiness it selfe should be made sin for us that God should lay downe his life for us and all this to so gracions an end not to condemne the world but that thorow him the world might besaved here in was admirable and unsearchable Wisdome and here in we may clearely and comfortably see that the creatour of the ends of the earth fainteth not nor is weary there is no searching of his understanding that so when we walk in darkness and see no light we might trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God Isay 40. 27 29. hence he as our saviour is said to be the onely wise God Jude 25. hence also the Apostle when he had said this is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners persently addes Now unto the king eternall immortall invisible the onely wise God be honour c. 1 Tim. 1. 15 17. Hee hath herein evidenced himselfe to be the alone and onely wise God in finding out such a way for the delivering us from so great a death and curse and from the hand of all our enemies and for the treasuring up all the fullness of forgiveness grace and spirit in Christ that we sinfull creatures of mankind might be brought back to God 2. Christ Jesus is also said to be Wisdome and
Wisdome and understanding is better then the merchandise of silver because it is a more sure and certaine way of finding none shall faile of it who seek it as men seek silver and search for it as for hid treasure men may seek for the treasures and riches of this World and not finde them they are uncertaine riches there is an uncertainty in getting aswell as in keeping 1 Tim. 6. 17. though many times the diligent hand maketh rich and they meet with profit and increase who are industrious and diligent in their business and however if they be skilfull therein also yet this is not allwayes so I returned saith the preacher and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battell to the strong neither yet bread to the Wise nor yet riches to men of understanding nor yet favour to men of skill but time and chance happeneth to them all Eccles 9. 11. men may in vaine and to no profit rise up early and sit up late and eat the bread of carefullness Psal 127. 2. there is a great uncertainty in getting and retaining this unrighteous Mammon especially by merchandise the merchants ships may be broken in going for commodities or sinke and be cast away when they are full and returning 2 Chron. 20. 36 37. Or trading may faile and decay Or those to whom they sell and adventure their commodities may breake or cheat and deceive them or moth and rust may corrupt and theeves break thorow and steale and however God hath not ingaged his word that those that seek silver and gold Shall certainely finde what they aime at and seek after But in seeking Wisdome with the whole heart we shall be sure to finde it for God who cannot lye hath so promised as hath been said and these promises are confirmed with the precious blood of Jesus who in the vertue thereof is raised againe and is the Mediator of the New Testament that the called may receive the promise of the eternall inheritance Hebr. 9 15. 2 Corint 1. 20. Matth. 26. 28. hence our savior exhorteth aske and it shall be given you seeke and ye shall finde knock and it shall be opened to you for every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh is shall be opened If earthly fathers who are evill give good gifts to their children how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit the spirit of Wisdome and revelation to them that aske him Luk 11. 9-13 Ephes 1. 17. Prov. 2. 1-6 Jam. 1. 5 6. the Lord is good unto them that wait for him to the soule that seeketh him even herein he is good he will give himselfe unto them to be their Wisdome and inheritance and with himselfe all things that pertaine to life and godliness according to that ye shall call upon me and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you and ye shall seek me and finde me when jou search for me with all your heart and I will be found of you saith the Lord Lament 3. 25. with Jer. 29. 12-14 and in dispersing this heavenly Wisdome it shall certainly tend to the inriching of them according to that be stedfast unmovable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord forasmuch as your labour shall not be in vaine in the Lord in due time we shall reap if we faint not 1 Cor. 15. 58. Galat. 6. 9 10. What an incouragement is this for us to seeke Wisdome to get up and be doing when there is a certainty of finding and what a shame will it be for us to neglect the opportunities put into our hands are the merchants of the earth so diligent in seeking perishing substance when also there is so great an uncertainty of finding and shall we be so bruitich and foolish as to have no heart to seek durable riches and righteousness when there is a certainty of finding in seeking in the due opportunity those that seek Wisdome early shall finde her Prov. 8. 17. O! let us not be slothfull but diligent followers of them who thorow faith and patience inherit the promises 5 The merchandise of Wisdome and understanding is the most excellent merchandise because it is most safe and secure from dangers and feares those that occupy themselves in the earthly merchandise are exposed to manifold feares lest they should lose their commodities yea and if they adventure upon the seas they are in danger of losing their lives For many times God commandeth and raiseth up the stormy winde which lifteth up the waves thereof they mount up to heaven they goe downe againe to the dephts their soule is melted because of trouble they reele to fro and stagger like a drunken man and all their Wisdome is swallo wed up Psal 107. 25-27 yea and many times they lose their lives also by stormes or robbers c. And if they grow rich they are in daily danger and feare lest theeves should break in upon them and spoile thein or kill them and this feare hath torment and occasions much disquietment to them But whoso hearkneth to Wisdome shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the feare of evill Prov. 1. 20-33 This is a motive laid downe by Wisdome to ingage us to trade in this excellent commodity to keep sound wisdome and discretion Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely and thy foot shall not stumble When thou liest downe thou shalt not be afraid Yea thou shalt lye downe and thy sleep shall be sweet Be not afraid of sudden feare for the Lord shall be thy confidence and shall keepe thy foot from being taken Prov. 3. 21-26 Indeed the wise merchants as men and sons of Adam are subject to like passions and infirmities as others and so to seare and be afraid of danger but this wisdome strengthneth the wise against the feare of evill more then ten mighty men which are in the city A wise man is strong yea a man of knowledge increaseth strength Eccles 7. 19. and 9. 16-18 Prov. 24. 5. the love of God knowne and heartly beleeved casteth out continually that feare which hath torment and makes men bold as a lion 1 Joh. 4. 18. Prov. 28. 1. these wise merchants know that that good part and portion they trade in and make choice of shall never be taken away Luk. 10. 42. and that he that seeth the son and beleiveth in him shall never perish but have everlasting life God preserveth their soules and none can pluck them out of his hand who is greater then all and though in this Merchandise and for Christ sake they hate and may lose their lives in this World they shall keep them unto life eternall He that beleiveth in Christ though he were dead yet shall he live and be that liveth and beleiveth shall never dye Joh. 12. 25 26. and 11. 25 26. the name of the Lord is astrong tower and they run thereinto and are safe and set on high from evill
therefore Peter said unto him They money perish with thee because thou hast thought the gift of God may be purchased with mony c. Act. 8. 18 21 22 23. But now this is the promise that Wisdome hath promised the simple ones who love their simplicity and scorners that delight in scorning and fooles that hate knowledge that in turning at her reproofs she will poure out her Spirit unto them and saith Behold consider and mark this for this is a wonderfull inriching gift of God Prov. 1. 20 23. This Spirit is given by Wisdome it is upon and resteth upon Christ Jesus even the spirit of wisdome and understanding and it is given as a spirit of Wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Isay 11. 2 3. with Ephes 1. 17 18. and by this spirit wisdome doth make knowne her words Prov. 1. 23. and therethorow glorify herselfe for it is the work of his spirit to beare witness of Christ to glorify him and take of his things and shew unto us that we might run unto him and that our hearts might be enamoured on him and united unto him and reioyce in him Joh. 15. 26. and 16. 14. and thorow his glorifying Christ and shewing unto men the excellency and preciousness of the flesh and blood of Christ Jesus this holy spirit doth quicken them to a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead who by the grace of God tasted death for every man it is the spirit that quickneth 1 Petr. 1. 3. with Joh. 6. 35 63. and this hope in Christ makes not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit for while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungoodly Rom. 5. 5 6. But thereby we are saved from being weary and fainting in our mindes by reason of any afflictions or adversity we meet withall and from our sins and idolls Rom. 8. 24 25. 1 Joh. 3. 3. and this hope is an anckor of the soule both sure that which will not break and stedfast standing fast in Christ the rock and therefore will not slip or deceive us and which entreth into that within the vail whither the fore-runner is for us entred Jesus made an highpriest after the order of Melchisedec Hebr. 6. 18 20. this spirit of Wisdome is an excellent gift of God it is the spirit of truth to guide into all truth it is the comforter to comfort us in all our tribulations it is the spirit of life to inliven and quicken us it is the spirit of Wisdome to open our blind eyes and still and continually to give Wisdome to the wise It is the spirit of adoption and freedome whereby we cry Abba Father it is the spirit of the feare of the Lord to teach and help us to reverence and stand in awe of God and to depart from iniquity It is the spirit where by we may abound in hope of the mercy of Christ and God in him unto eternall life and therefore it is set downe as that in which all good things are contained compare Matt. 7. 11. with Luk. 11. 13. And it is so excellent in its gifts influences and operations in bearing witness of the blood of Christ and what he is become therethorow and of the water or free love of God commended everlastingly therein 1 Joh. 5. 6. Well may it be said the gain of Wisdome is better then fine gold 3. It gives unto us the favour of God in which is life Psal 30. 5. Yea whose loving kindness is better then life Psal 63. 3. They are loved with peculiar manner of love that love Wisdome Prov. 8. 17. Christs Father will love them and Christ will love them and will manifest himselfe unto them Joh. 14. 21. 23. Prov. 3. 1 4. This is a motive set downe by Wisdome to ingage us to seeke her and an evidence of the blessedness of him that findes her Whoso findeth her Shall obtain favour of the Lord. Prov. 8. 32 35. The Kings favour is toward a wise servant but his wrath is upon him that causeth shame that despiseth Wisdome and is a foole Prov. 14. 35. The favour of God is a wonderfully gainfull profitable and desirable thing and therefore the servants of God have prayed that they might be favoured with the favour he beares unto his people because of the blessed advantage thereof Psalm 106. 4 5. And have intreated that with their whole heart Psal 119. 58. this is infinitely better and more to be desired then the favour of great men and princes for that is deceitfull and it is better and rather to be chosen then silver and gold Prov. 22. 1. In the light of the Kings countenance is life and his favour is as a cloud of the latter raine to refresh and revive and fructify the soule and to make it like a watered garden But how may we be made partakers of it Money will not procure or give it If a man would give all the substance of his house for love it would utterly be contemned Cant. 8. 7. But this good understanding giveth favour Prov. 13. 15 and it may be had in getting Wisdome and hereby the Holy Ghost evidenceth intimately that the gaine of Wisdome is better then fine gold when he saith How much better is it to get Wisdome then gold and to get understanding rather to be chosen then silver Prov. 16 15 16. O! blessed are the people that know the joyfull sound They shall walk O Lord in the light of thy countenance In thy name shall they rejoyce all the day and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted For thou art the glory of their strength and in thy favour our horne shall be exalted Psal 89. 15 17. Many there are that intreat the favour of the prince and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts But he that getteth Wisdome loveth his owne soule he that keepeth understanding shall finde good he shall finde the favour of and fellow ship with God which is as farre above the favour and friendship of the kings and princes of the earth as himselfe is above them unto whom none of the princes or kings of the earth may be likened or compared and before whom all nations are as nothing and they are counted to him less then nothing and vanity Prov. 19. 6 8. and 3. 3 4. Isay 40 15 18. 2. The gaine of Wisdome is better then fine gold because as it gives all things that pertain to life so also it gives all things that pertain to godliness 2 Petr. 1. 3. it is profitable to direct us thereto that we may worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Eccles 10. 10. and that we may be imitators and followers of God as deare children The feare of the Lord is the instruction of Wisdome that which Wisdome instructs us to Prov. 15. 33. it teacheth us to reverence him to
counsells and knowledge and in this gospell are hid all the treasures of Wisdome and knowledge Prov. 22. 17 20. Colos 2. 3. 3. And this may be called Wisdome and understanding because here by God makes wise the simple and still and further giveth Wisdome to the Wise and knowledge to them that know understanding Psal 19. 7. and 119. 129 130. and verses 98 99 100. the God of our Lord Jesus Christ doth give the spirit of Wisdome and revelation in the knowledge or gospell of Christ and hereby openeth the eyes of the understanding Ephes 1. 17 18. with this gospell Paul was sent to open the eyes of Jewes and Gentiles and to turne them from darkness to light Act. 26. 18. And in preaching this gospell Christ preacheth recovery of sight to the blind and opens their eyes Isay 42. 1 6 7. and 61. 1. Luk. 4. 18. Oh that therefore we may bowe downe our eares and heare these words of the wise in which Christ is discovered to us and the manifold Wisdome of God made knowne and by which he giveth Wisdome and may apply our hearts unto his knowledge for it is a pleasant thing if we keep them with in us Prov. 22. 17 18. In receiving these words and hiding these commandements the old and new commandment with us we shall be helped so to behold the excellency and comeliness of Christ the Wisdome of God as to incline our eares unto Wisdome and apply our heart unto understanding and to cry after knowledge and lift up our voice for understanding c. Prov. 2. 1 2 3 4. 3. By Wisdome and understanding may be also meant that gracious gift of Christ and God in him which he giveth to men preventingly and gives and makes them partakers of who turne at his reproofes in the light and strength of his grace even the opening of the mind or eye of the soule to know Jesus Christ and God in him and all things in such manner and to such end as the spirit maketh discovery of them in the words not of mans Wisdome but which the Holy Ghost hath taught and teacheth Comparing spirituall things with spirituall Ephes 1. 17 18. 1 Joh. 5. 20. even Wisdome in the knowledge of Christ and such knowledge and understanding as that there by we are led to feare God and depart from evill unto man he said the feare of the Lord that is Wisdome and to depart from evil is understanding Job 28. 28. the feare of the Lord is the beginning or principall part of Wisdome A good understanding have all they that doe Psal 111. 10. Prov. 1. 7. and 9 10. the feare of the Lord is the instruction of Wisdome that which wisdome instructs us unto even to worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus to serve God with reverence and godly feare and to depart from iniquity Prov. 15. 33. and the feare of the Lord is to hate evill even pride and arrogancy and the evill way and the froward mouth Which things Wisdome hateth Prov. 8. 12 13. and therefore where as in the text it is said happy is the man that findeth Wisdome the same happiness is assured unto and affirmed of him that confesseth and forsaketh his sins Prov. 28. 13 14. He is a foole that sporteth with and makes a mock at sin Whatever Notionall understanding he may have he is destitute of blessed Wisdome but a man of understanding hath wisdome he feareth and departeth from evill Prov. 10. 23. and 14. 9 15 16. This then is the Wisdome and understanding commended to us Jesus Christ and the word of his grace and that Wisdome which he giveth and knowledge and understanding which cometh out of his mouth even such Wisdome and understanding of him as thereby we are led highly to prize come unto beleive in and love him and the father in him and to hate disrespect and reject whatsoever is hated rejected and disesteemed by him 2. We have in the next place to consider what is this finding and getting or drawing out here spoken of and what supposed herein and needfull hereto In Generall by finding Wisdome may be meant a knowing and understanding what this sound wisdome is and where it is and is to be had by us as it is here distinguished from getting indeed where either of the expressions are mentioned alone there it may meane what is here contained in both but here they being both used distinctly there maybe and is to be a distinct consideration of them and so by finding is signified as is said a knowing it and knowing the place of it where it is to be had by us and then by getting or drawing out may be meant a futher business to wit a being made partaker of this excellent commodity an obtaining it or getting it into our possession and hearts an imbracement retaining keeping and holding it fast as presently afterwards is said happy is every one that retaineth her even this Wisdome and understanding It is a laying hold of it taking fast hold of it and not letting it goe a keeping it as our life Prov. 3. 18. and 4. 13. there may be a price in the hand of a foole to get wisdome and he have no heart to it no love or affection to or courage for it and thereby he deprives himselfe of the happiness here assured Prov. 17. 16. but this exercise of finding and gettig is the same with that commended in the Wise merchant by our saviour in his parable Matth. 13. 45 46. The kingdome of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearles who when he had found one pearle of great price he went and sold all that he had and bought it he first found it and saw and knew where it was and was to be had and then he did not content himselfe that he had found Wisdome simply but he got it and parted with all sor it Now then more particularly here may be supposed in the exercise here commended to us 1. That this Wisdome and understanding is not ours or in us naturally it is to be found and gotten to which afterwards 2. And that this excellent pearle is hid in him are hid all the treasures of Wisdome and knowledge Colos 2. 3. it is a treasure hid in a field Malach. 13. 44. and to be searched for as hid treasure Prov. 2 4. And to our finding of it is requisite 1. An hearing where it is an hearing the words of wisdome a diligent hearing or hearing in hearing as Wisdome is lifting up her voice and preventing us with an hearing capacity which she is doing in due time for naturally we are deafe and untill prevented by Christ we cannot heare but the son of God in due time is causing us when dead to heare his voice that we might heare in hearing and live Joh. 5. 25. and when he is thus speaking to us and opening our eares then he requires us in the capacity afforded from him to heare Prov. 20.
the Man c. and that men any man that is come to yeares of capacity may finde and get it in Gods opportunity appeareth 1. Because all the treasures of Wisdome and knowledge are hid in Christ for men Colos 2. 3. all things are delivered to him of the father and on this ground he inviteth and calls all that labour and are heavy laden and are seeking Wisdome were it is not to be found to come unto him Matth. 11. 27 28. Jesus Christ who is the Wisdome of God as is declared to us in the words which the Holy Ghost hath thought took upon him the nature of mankind and therefore when he was borne the Angell saith Behold I bring unto you good tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people Luk. 2. 10 11. and he had the trespasses of the world imputed to him even tho guilt of mankinds first sin and sinfullnes and he bare the sin of the world in his owne body 2 Corinth 5. 19 21. Joh. 1. 29. And was delivered for their offences he died for all even for all that were dead and by the grace of God tasted dead for every man and is raised againe for their justification Rom. 4. 25. 2 Corinth 5. 14 15. Hebr. 2. 9. and hath redeemed all mankind in himselfe from the curse of the law and delivered them from the necessary slavery of satan he is ascended up on high who descended first into the lower parts of the earth and hath led captivity captive and hath received gifts of forgiveness Wisdome and understanding for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them Galat. 3. 13. and 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 19. Psal 68. 18. God hath prepared Wisdome for us he hath prepared his dinner even a feast of fat things for all people his oxen and fatlings are killed and all things are ready and prepared for Jewes and Gentiles even for all men Matth. 22. 2 4 8. Isay 25. 6. Job 28. 27. this is the record that God hath given of his son that he hath given to us mankind eternall life and this life is in his son 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. He is the second man the last Adam of whom the first was a figure Rom. 5. 14. and as God did in blessing the first man bless us all in him and there create us in his owne image after his owne likeness even in knowledge and understanding so now there is blessing in this seed of the woman who hath broke the head of the serpent for all the families of the earth in him we are againe created after the image of God in a more glorious manner then ever we were in the first publick man he hath by his blood obtained eternall redemption for us even a recovery of what we lost and forfeited by our sinning against and departure from God in him there is perfection and compleatness for every man and he is in our nature and for us become Wisdome and counsell is his and sound Wisdome he hath understanding and strength 1 Corinth 15. 45. Hebr. 9. 12. Jam. 3. 9. Coloss 1. 28. Prov. 8. 10 14. Wisdome hath builded her house she hath hewne out her seven pillars she hath killed her killing she hath mingled her wine she hath also furnished her table she hath made a rich and large provision and prepared for all even for all that are simple and want understanding before she sends forth her maidens and servants and invites them to come into the house and to eat of her bread Prov. 9. 1 2 3 5. there are waters wine and milke bread good fatness and whatsoever will give satisfaction prepared for every thirster not onely for gracious thirsters such as thirst out of a former taste of the sweetness and excellency of this provision but also for such as have no money such as have no worth or worthiness in them such as labour for that which is not bread and spend their money for that which will not satisfy and this is certainly prepared for them before proclamation is made and invitation given unto them and he that is athirst may come and whosoever will may take of the water of life freely Isay 55. 1 2 3 4 7. Revel 22. 17. this is a first and fundamentall Demonstration that any man may find and get Wisdome and understanding because it is prepared in Christ Jesus who gave himselfe a ransome for all men for every sinfull soule of mankind without which it were altogither impossible for them to have this rich and inriching commodity But. 2. Not onely hath he thus provided of his goodness for poore mankind but also he giveth Wisdome to men and brings it nigh unto them in due time especially to us upon whom the name of Christ is called and unto and amongst whom the scriptures in the plaine records of them are vouch safed and preserved thorow the wonderfullness of Gods goodness God by his spirit calls and cries to men and tells them where Wisdome is to be had and gives unto them both some discovery of this excellent object of Wisdome in knowing when they might be made wise and some opening of the eye of the understanding that they might behold Christ Jesus as discovered and live Christ Jesus is found of them that sought him not and made manifest to them that asked not after him and saith behold me behold me unto a nation that was not called by his name Isay 65. 1. with Rom 10. 20. and he who is a just God and a saviour and there is none besides him saith look unto me all the ends of the earth and be ye saved and he who thus speaks and calls is mighty to save for he is God and there is none else Isay 45. 21 22. Now he calls not to men to look unto him or heare what he saith untill he first manifests himselfe unto them and speakes of excellent things according to that all ye inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth se ye when and not before he lifts up an ensigne on the mountaines even Christ Jesus in the glorious gospell and testimonies of his goodness and when he bloweth a trumpet to proclaime and preach good newes to you heare ye Isay 18. 3. with Chap. 11. 10. and 40. 9. He that hath searched Wisdome out and prepared it doth also declare it to us and shewes forth its excellency that we might be allured there with to get and obtaine Wisdome Job 28. 27. God hath glorified and doth in mens proper ages glorify Christ Jesus by his spirit especially in the gospell as declared in the scriptures of truth and in the plaine and faithfull declaration thereof that men might run unto him from all other things for all Wisdome understanding righteousness and strength Isay 55. 5 6 7. And also in due time Christ is opening the blind eyes of men thath they might look unto him and be inlightned and made wise by him and that