§. XXIII.
The Power of God by weak Instruments restoring the Simplicity of Truth.And if in any Age, since the Apostles Days, God hath purposed to shew his Power by weak Instruments, for the battering down of that Carnal and Heathenish Wisdom, and restoring again the ancient Simplicity of Truth, this is it. For in our Day, God hath raised up Witnesses for himself, as he did Fishermen of old; many, yea, most of whom, are labouring and mechanick Men, who, altogether without that Learning, have, by the Power and Spirit of God, struck at the very Root and Ground of Babylon; and in the Strength and Might of this Power, have gathered Thousands, by reaching their Consciences, into the same Power and Life, who, as to the outward Part, have been far more knowing than they, yet not able to resist the Virtue that proceeded from them. Of which I myself am a true Witness; The Powerful Ministry of illiterate Men.and can declare from certain Experience, because my Heart hath been often greatly broken and tendered by that virtuous Life that proceeded from the powerful Ministry of those illiterate Men: So that by their very Countenance, as well as Words, I have felt the Evil in me often chained down, and the Good reached to and raised. What shall I then say to you, who are Lovers of Learning, and Admirers of Knowledge? Was not I also a Lover and Admirer of it, who also sought after it, according to my Age and Capacity? But it pleased God, in his unutterable Love, early to withstand my vain Endeavours, while I was yet but eighteen Years of Age; The Time of the Author’s first Convincement.and made me seriously to consider (which I wish also may befall others,) [93]That without Holiness and Regeneration, no Man can see God; and that the Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom, and to depart from Iniquity, a good Understanding; and how much Knowledge puffeth up, and leadeth away from that inward Quietness, Stillness, and Humility of Mind, where the Lord appears, and his Heavenly Wisdom is revealed. If ye consider these Things, then will ye say with me, That all this Learning, Wisdom and Knowledge, gathered in this fallen Nature, is but as Dross and Dung, in Comparison of the Cross of Christ; especially being destitute of that Power, Life and Virtue, which I perceived these excellent (though despised, because illiterate) Witnesses of God to be filled with: And therefore seeing, that in and among them, I, with many others, have found the Heavenly Food that gives Contentment, let my Soul seek after this Learning, and wait for it for ever.
[93] Job. 28. 28.