SERM. principles, and the ways it recommends. It is VI. the design of the undertaking in this book of

Proverbs, as declared at the begining, (as it is alfo the design of all other like attempts,) to give knowledge to the fimple, to the young man knowledge and difcretion. And in this eighth chapter: Ail the words of my mouth are in righteousnesse. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. That is, the knowledge of them is eafie to be attained by those who are attentive. And they who have fo much understanding, as to prise Wisdom, will foon perceive, how right and reasonable all it's rules and precepts are.

Again, in the second chapter of this book : My fon, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto Wisdom, and apply thy beart to understanding: Yea if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for underStanding: if thou feekest for her, as for filver, and Searchest for her, as for hid treasure: that is, if thou be fincere and diligent in feeking after wisdom, as what thou esteemest very valuable: then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge

of

of God. Then shalt thou understand righteouf- SERM. nesse, and judgement, and equity, yea every VI. good work.

They who feek knowledge and understanding, who are fincerely defirous to be informed in the principles of Wisdom, will certainly become acquainted with all the rules and precepts, which are of general importance, and suited to their rank and condition.

2. If you love and feek wisdom, you will become wife, discreet and virtuous, and make it's maxims the rule of your conduct. So Solomon says in the just cited second chapter of this book: When Wisdom enters into thy heart, and knowledge is pleasant to thy foul; difcretion shall preferve thee, understanding shall keep thee : to deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things: who leave the paths of uprightneffe, to walk in the ways of darknesse.

He who loves wisdom, and labors fincerely to be acquainted with it's principles, and perceives how right, and reasonable they are, must be disposed to observe and follow them: and will be prepared for, and fortified against the enticements of finners, and the specious

SERM. pretenses of those, who speak froward and perverse things.

VI.

Prov. iii.

3. Another thing included in this encouragement is, that they who love and seek wifdom, shall have the many advantages, that are annexed to the knowledge, and practise, or obfervation of wise rules and maxims. This must be implied in the expreffions here used of Wisdom's loving them that love her, and being found of them that seek her. She will favor, prefer and advance such, and chearfully bestow upon them all the gifts and bleffings, which are in her disposal, and which indeed are great and manifold.

These are oftentimes affectionatly set before men, in a variety of expreffions, in order to determine their right choice: which cannot but be much for their benefit.

My fon, forget not my law: but let thy heart keep my commandments. For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add unto thee. Let not mercie and truth forsake thee. Bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thy heart. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding, or acceptance, in the fight of God and man. And af

terwards: Happy is the man that getteth un

derstanding. For the merchandise of it is bet- SERM. ter than the merchandise of filver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies. And all the things thou

VI.

canst defire are not to be compared unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantnesse, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold of her, and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Again: Keep my commandments, and live. Ch. iv. 4. Get wisdom, get understanding. Forget it not, neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee. She shall bring thee to honour, when thou shalt embrace her. She shall give to thy head an ornament of grace. A crown of glorie shall she give unto thee. Hear, my fon, and receive my fayings: and the years of thy life Shall be many.

Peace and tranquility is one great advantage, mentioned in passages already cited. Again it is said: Thou shalt walk in thy way iii. 23. lafely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou lyest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea thou shalt lye down, and thy fleep shall be fweet.

SERM. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall VI. keep thy foot from being taken.

Pf. xxxvii. 16.

Prov. xxxiv,

3.4.

And though it be true, that a little, which a righteous man has, is better than the treasures of many wicked: yet virtue and difcretion do also tend to secure a competence: and often add, or give, great abundance: as it is said in a place before cited: Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left band riches and honour. And, Through wisdom is an house builded, and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches: that is, with all things, both for use and ornament. A wise man is strong: yea a wise man encreafeth ftrength.

All these blessings are often, and with great assurance, spoken of, as advantages, usually attending Wisdom: or as the happy lot and portion of those who value and feek it and observe and obey it's rules and directions; health, and long life, riches and honour; that is, a competence, and sometimes abundance, and credit and honour therewith; safety and security, peace and quietnesse, and great fatisfaction of mind.

V. I shall