The Description and the Benefits of a Regular Education.  
A SERMON Preached in the Cathedral Church of St. PAUL, AT THE Anniversary Meeting OF THE GENTLEMEN Educated at St. Paul's School, January 25th. 1699/1700.  
Published at the Request of the Stewards.  
By Samuel Bradford, Rector of St. Marry le Bow, and Chaplain in Ordinary to His Majesty.  
London, Printed by William Redmayne, and to be Sold by John Nutt near Stationer's hall, 1700.   

TO MY HONOURED FRIENDS AND Schoolfellows THE STEWARDS OF St. Paul's School Feast.  

John Tully Esq;  
Richard Robinson Esq;  
Richard Crawley Gent.  
Richard Lloyd Gent.  
Anthony Smith Gent.  
Robert Paltock Gent.  
Edward Nelthorpe Esq;  
Dr. Thomas Sutton.    
2 Timothy III. 14, 15. 
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a Child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures,—  
THese are the Words of St. Paul, that excellent Apostle, whose Memory we this Day justly celebrate; We, whose Ancestors were Sinners of the Gentiles, to whom he was particularly ordained a Preacher and an Apostle and a Teacher in Faith and Verity; We, who inhabit an Island, 
1 Tim. 2.7.  to which 'tis probable that this Apostle brought the first glad Tidings of Christianity; and finally We, who besides our general Obligation as Christians, are now assembled upon a more particular occasion also, to bless God for our Education in a School which bears his Name, where we learned, as many other good Lessons, so particularly those which this great Apostle taught, and were in out Childhood daily exercised in reading the Holy Scriptures, in the writing of which our Apostle had so considerable a part.  
It would add mightily to the Solemnity of our present Assembly, and strangely increase the Joy of it, if on this Day, and in this Place, we could have St. Austin's wish granted us, to hear St. Paul speaking from the Pulpit to us. But since that cannot be, I judged it might prove both to our Satisfaction and Edification to entertain ourselves with meditating upon some of his Words, and those too such, as he might probably have himself uttered to us if he had been here present with us, exhorting us to continue in the things which we have learned, etc.  
They were written to Timothy, whom as St. Paul had taken along with him, whilst he was yet Young, first to attend, and afterwards to assist him in Preaching the Gospel, so finding him extraordinarily qualified, he appointed him to abide at Ephesus, to settle and govern the Church planted there, and to do the Office of a chief Pastor, or Bishop, in that City. And whereas there were certain Seducers started up, whom our Apostle describes, as Men equally vitiated in their Judgements and their Tempers, 
v. 8.  Men of corrupt Minds, and reprobate concerning the Faith; so in opposition to these, and as the Duty of his Office, he frequently admonisheth Timothy to continue steadfast himself, and to endeavour that others should do so, in the Profession of that Faith which he had received. 
1 Tim. 6.20. 2 Tim. 1.13, 14. 2 Tim. 2.2.  Thus, O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust; and again, Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me. That good thing, which was committed unto thee, keep; and lastly, The things which thou hast heard of me, among many Witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful Men, who shall be able to teach others also; all which Passages, as well as that in our Text, do evidently refer to that Formulary of Faith, called by the Writers of the following Ages, The Rule of Faith, which was committed both to those who were entered into the Christian Church by Baptism, and to the Bishops and Pastors of it at their Ordination, and is the same in effect with that which we now call the Apostles Creed. This especially, with whatsoever other particulars for the farther explication of this Rule of Faith, Timothy had at any time heard and learned of St. Paul, or any other of the Apostles, he exhorts him to retain. Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned.  
And hast been assured of; the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; the vulgar Latin reads it, & credita sunt tibi, as if it had been in the Copy they made use of, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: but to keep to those Copies which our Translators followed, the Word here used carries in it a fuller sense, importing that Timothy had not only received the things here spoken of by hearsay; but been fully informed, and upon considering the information entirely satisfied, upon solid and good grounds, of the truth of those things which he had learned; and accordingly it follows, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.  
If it be read, as in our Copies, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the singular number, it must denote St. Paul; if 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the plural, as the Alexandrian Manuscript has it, it must take in one more at least, probably Barnabas St. Paul's Companion: but whether one or more it matters not, since the Persons he intimately conversed with, had been Eye and Ear Witnesses of the things which they taught, and were of known Veracity and Probity. St. Paul to be sure was one of them, who was intimately known to Timothy, and had upon all occasions testified an especial regard to him, so that it could not be imagined that he would impose upon him. Besides that he himself, upon account of his miraculous conversion to the Christian Faith, was a more than ordinary Witness to it. Such were the Persons of whom Timothy had learned, and from a serious consideration of what they had taught him he became assured.  
Now was this all; but he had yet a farther advantage, both in order to his embracing and being confirmed in the Faith of Christ, namely, that he had known the Scriptures from his very Childhood, by the Piety of those who had the care of his tender Years; which Scriptures, viz. those of the Old Testament, gave abundant evidence to the Doctrine of the Apostles, and were a standing Testimony to what they taught.  
Having thus explained the Words, we may observe in them these Three Particulars, very proper to be considered upon this Occasion.  
First, The view which they give us of a just and regular Education.  
Secondly, An Intimation contained in them of something necessary on the part of the Learner, as well as of the Teacher. And  
Thirdly, The great Obligation which such Persons are under, who have been well instructed, and assured of those things which they have learned, to continue in them.  
First, We have here a view given us of a just and regular Education, in the instance of Timothy, to whom the Words are directed.  
He had known, St. Paul tells him, the Holy Scriptures from a Child, no doubt, by the pious care of his Grandmother and Mother, mentioned by our Apostle a little before, 
2. Tim. 1.5.  where commending the unfeigned Faith, which was in him, he says, that it dwelled first in his Grandmother Lois, and his Mother Eunice, intimating that he derived it from them, not certainly by mere descent, but by their carefully instructing and forming his tender mind; and the same Persons, no question, gave him also the first knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.  
'Tis true, 
Acts 16.1.  he had a Greek, or Gentile, proselyted, but not circumcised, to his Father; by which means he himself was not circumcised, 
v. 3.  till St. Paul from prudent Considerations thought fit to do it, after he was committed to his care; (the Father it seems governed in that matter, whilst the Son was in his State of Infancy and Childhood, and not the Mother:) but to make amends for this disadvantage, 'tis likely that both the Mother and Grandmother were the more sedulous in his Instruction. Here then his good Education began; these pious Women gave him the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures from his Childhood.  
And that the good Work which they had begun might be effectually carried on, they, having themselves early embraced the Christian Doctrine, committed this their Charge to St. Paul, that as soon as he was capable he might attend him, and be farther instructed and improved by his Precepts and his Example. For altho' the first mention we meet with of him is in that passage of the Acts of the Apostles, 
Acts 16.1.  where St. Paul is said to have come to Derbe and Lystra, yet 'tis very probable that he had attended the Apostle before that time, from a passage a little before the Text, 
V 10, 11.  where St. Paul tells him, that he had fully known, (the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which may fairly denote that he had known by attending the Apostle, by seeing, hearing, and observing) his Doctrine, manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Long-suffering, Patience, Persecutions, Afflictions, which came unto him at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra. 
Acts 14.1. ch. 13.1.  So that it seems he had been with him at Iconium, before he came to Lystra; and at Antioch, before he was at Iconium. 'Tis likely his Father was now dead, and he at the dispose of his Mother; and to whom could she better commit him, than to so admirable a Master as this; one who had himself had the most regular Education, as a Jew, brought up in Jerusalem, at the feet of the great Gamaliel, 
Acts 22.3. Gal. 1.14.  and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the Fathers; one who had profited in the Jews Religion above many his Equals in his own Nation; one who could thank God, that he had served him from his Forefathers, with a pure Conscience; one, 
2 Tim. 1.3. Gal. 1.15, 16.  whom as it had pleased God to separate from his Mother's Womb, so in due time he called him by his Grace, and revealed his Son first to him, and then by him, and that in a very extraordinary manner; one who had not received the Gospel of Man; 
V 12.  neither had been taught it, but by the immediate Revelation of Jesus Christ; and finally one who, as he had received, so he taught the Gospel with Demonstration and Power, endeavouring to propagate the knowledge of it with the most exact fidelity, the most indefatigable Industry, and the most ardent Zeal that was possible. This was the Person, to whom young Timothy was committed for his farther improvement.  
And as the Apostle took him along with him in his Travels, so upon all occasions he expressed the greatest tenderness towards him, 
1 Tim. 1.2. 2 Tim. 1.2.  styling him his own Son in the Faith, and his dearly beloved Son; and having at length found him a fit Person, from his own experience, as well as from the recommendation of others; 
Acts 16.2.  he consecrated him very early to the Work of the Ministry, and appointed him, whilst yet Young, to be Bishop of the Church of Ephesus. 
1 Tim. 4.12.  This was the Education of Timothy.  
And if from thence we would form an Idea of a just and regular Education, it must be to this purpose.  
That in the first place Parents, those to whom God hath committed the principal care of their Offspring, being themselves well instructed, prudent, virtuous and pious, make it their business, from the very dawning of Understanding and Reason, to cultivate and improve the Minds of their Young ones, instilling gradually, as their capacities shall be enlarged, such Principles, and inuring them to such Practices, as become Men and Christians.  
Where both the Parents shall conspire, in carrying on the same design by the same methods, the Child will have an advantage above what Timothy seems to have had in his Childhood: but if either of them shall thoroughly do their part, tho' the other should prove more unapt or negligent, we see in this instance, that by God's Blessing it may have its effect.  
And here even the weaker Sex may be of singular use. 
1 Tim, 2.11, 12. 1 Cor. 14.34, 35.  For altho' our Apostle would not suffer Women to teach, or to usurp Authority over the Men; but commands them to learn of them in silence, and with all subjection; yet we see he commends them for exercising Authority over and teaching their Children. And here indeed they have in divers respects the advantage of the Men; their tender Offspring being first delivered by Nature into their Arms, they having, during their minority, the greatest influence upon them, and it being consequently their place and privilege to sow the first seeds of Ingenuity, Virtue and Piety in them. But, where both Parents conspire, each of them doing their proper part, the work is like to succeed best.  
The next step in a regular Education is, that the Parents having thus done, and still continuing to do, as they have opportunity, what becomes them, both by their Instructions, Admonitions, Authority and Example, they take in the assistance of others to complete what they have begun, committing their Children to the care of such choice Persons, as shall be both able and willing to second them in their designs and endeavours.  
To this purpose, that they send them to well-managed Schools, where they may both be confirmed and improved in the Principles and Practice of Virtue and Piety; and may receive such farther Instructions, as may dispose them to become wise and good and useful Men, in their several future Stations in the World.  
And here great care is to be taken; for there are Quacks in all Professions, as well as in that of Physic, and in none do they Practise more frequently or more dangerously, than in this of teaching Youth. An ill Method, or an ill management here will either Poison, or at least weaken the Constitution of the Patient, and render him sickly and infirm thro' the whole remaining course of his Life. An Error committed in this Instance is like a fault in the first concoction, never thoroughly mended by any following digestions.  
After Child's being continued at School so long, as to answer the ends for which they are sent thither, the next care is to place them under serious and judicious Directors of their following Studies, for the furnishing them with more Manly Learning; or to commit them to such prudent and virtuous Masters, as may Instruct them thoroughly in the Arts and Mysteries which shall be found suitable to their Inclinations and Capacities.  
And whilst they are passing through these several degrees of Education, especial care is to be taken, that they be well grounded in the Principles of Religion, the main and fundamental Articles of Faith and Practice; that they be both privately and publicly Catechised in a form of sound Words, used to read, and taught to understand the plain and practical parts especially of the holy Scriptures; constantly brought to the public Worship of God, in the Company and under the Inspection of those that have the Charge of them; in a word, that they be led gradually into the habitual Practice of all those Instances of Piety and Virtue, which are proper to their Age and Condition. This is the Sum of what I intent by a just and regular Education.  
Before I proceed to the next particular, give me leave only just to observe, how much it becomes Parents in the first Place, and all whom they entrust in the next, to discharge their Duty in this Instance.  
Children stand in great need of this their care. The best that can be said of them is, that their minds are rasae tabulae, blanks, on which any Characters may be Written: but Zophar, in the Book of Job, 
Job 11.12.  carries the matter farther, when he tells us, that Man is born like a wild ass' Colt, which experience confirms, in those especially who are under the disadvantage of a lose or careless Education. As they are Ignorant and dull, insensible of that which is good; so they are moreover untamed and fierce, impatient of all restraint, violently bend upon their own will and humour, running wildly from one extravagance to another, to their own Perdition. Now 'tis Education, which must mollify and tame, which must correct and cure by degrees this untoward disposition.  
And Childhood and Youth are, without all doubt, the proper Seasons for making this attempt. Then it is, that they have not contracted strong habits of Vice, which will be very difficultly broken. Then it is, that the Understanding is easily opened, the Memory retentive, and the Mind soft and tender, so that Impressions may be easily and deeply made upon it. Then it is, that they are perfectly at leisure to attend to what is said to them, not engaged in an hurry of business, nor eager in the pursuit of Secular Designs. If these Seasons be neglected, they are never to be retrieved, nor the loss thoroughly repaired by any after care; no more than the Seasons of the Year can be recalled by the careless Husbandman, who has neglected to sow his Seed, in the time appointed by God in Nature. In fine, by an early care, Piety and Virtue, and Learning of all kinds may be rendered easy and Pleasant; whereas by delay it will become extremely hard at least, a great pain and drudgery, if not an insuperable difficulty, to acquire either intellectual or moral Habits.  
To conclude this particular. Those who have the charge of Youth, whether Parents or Masters of any sort, should Remember that Providence hath committed them to their care, in order to their present and future welfare, and that an Account will be expected from them, how they have discharged this their trust.  
But to proceed to the next particular contained in the Words, viz.  
Secondly, An Intimation of something Necessary on the part of the Learners, as well as of the Teachers, and that is, a due Application of mind to what is taught them, and a serious Reflection upon what they have learned.  
Timothy had not only learned, but was assured; and how was that? No doubt, by a careful observation of the Instructions given him by his Grandmother and Mother in the first place; as afterwards by a diligent attendance both to the Precepts and Example of that great Apostle whom he accompanied; and finally by a serious Reflection upon what he had learned either of the one or the other.  
This is absolutely necessary in a Learner; 'tis the making that which he is taught, his own; 'tis like the Digestions performed in the Stomach and in the Blood, which first turn the food into chyle, and afterwards into nutriment to all the parts of the Body. It was for want of this, that some in the Apostles days fell under the Character he gives in this Chapter, of such as are ever learning, 
V 7.  and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.  
Such indeed was the Evidence given to Timothy of the Truth of those things which he had learned, that nothing but Application and Reflection, attended with Integrity of Mind, could be wanting to render him fully assured. The Scriptures of the Old Testament, which he had known from a Child, do give so full and pregnant Evidence to the truth of Christianity, the Law and the Prophets were so perfectly fulfilled by our blessed Saviour in the dispensation of the Gospel, that a right understanding of both, and a just comparing one with the other, must necessarily convince and satisfy an honest Mind. And St. Paul, of whose ability, probity, and goodwill towards him, Timothy had such abundant Evidence, could add over and above, such Testimony to the truth of the Doctrine which he Preached, that nothing beyond it could be desired. He could, for instance, recount to him the violent Prejudices he himself had once lain under, the Zeal with which he then persecuted Christians, and which engaged him in that very Expedition, in which he was converted; how he was then on a sudden struck down to the ground, and both he and those who were with him, astonished; how he saw a great light from Heaven, and heard the voice of Jesus himself distinctly calling to him from thence; how after this he remained for three days without sight, continuing in Prayer and Fasting, till Ananias was sent to him, and by laying his hands upon him in the Name of Jesus restored his sight to him, and admitted him into the Christian Church by Baptism; how since that time he had been favoured with divers heavenly Visions and Revelations; how he found himself inwardly enlightened and strengthened, enabled to Preach the Christian Doctrine with great Zeal and Courage, and to confirm it with Miracles, and to expose his Life and all that was dear to him in this World upon its account. He could farther, since his becoming a Christian, expound to Timothy the Old Testament more thoroughly, and apply it more clearly to the Christian Revelation, confounding Gain-sayers, and proving that Jesus was the very Christ.  
'Tis true, even all this must have been lost upon Timothy, if he had not duly attended and reflected upon it; and especially if he had been biased by any corrupt or vicious Inclinations, against the Christian Doctrine. In such a case, neither Moses nor the Prophets, not one risen from the Dead, not Jesus himself, after his Resurrection and Ascension, appearing and speaking from Heaven, nor any other Demonstration would prevail; so necessary Qualifications are probity in the first place, and then seriousness and diligence, in our inquiries after Divine Truth. And in all other cases, a just application and reflection are equally necessary in a Learner.  
This therefore should be an Admonition to Learners, that they be not satisfied with being placed under able Teachers, nor glory in the regularity of their Education, till they are conscious of having performed their own part, in receiving and thoroughly digesting what has been taught them. 'Tis your great Privilege and Felicity to have fallen into the Hands of those who are able and willing to instruct and improve you: but it will turn highly to your reproach and infamy, it will aggravate greatly your sin and misery, if you do not thankfully improve so great a Blessing, by the addition of your own Care and Industry.  
Before I leave this Head, I shall only take notice of that dangerous Caution of the Church of Rome, whereby its Members are restrained from examining the Principles of their Religion, and are obliged to believe as their Church believes without nicely enquiring into particulars; nay, are moreover forbidden to read, and consequently to know the Holy Scriptures, not only whilst Children, but even when arrived at years of Understanding and Discretion. Nothing certainly but consciousness of guilt could ever have induced that Church to take this scandalous course, whereby however it may prevail with its Members to believe, it can never render them assured of those things which they have learned. Men may be confident, as those that are most ignorant are most apt to be, without Examination; but rationally assured they can never be.  
How contrary is this to the Pattern of our Text! Both the Grandmother and Mother of Timothy were it seems conversant with the Holy Scriptures, and took care that he, whilst a Child, should be so too; and afterwards as he grew up, he did not only learn, but was assured, which he never could have been upon solid grounds, unless he had first known the Holy Scriptures, and afterwards considered and examined what St. Paul taught him.  
'Tis true, there is a very considerable difference between the Capacities of Men. Some are of weak and narrow Minds, and have but little leisure from the necessary business of humane life; and in that case, supposing them truly honest, there can be no question, but that God by his good Providence will take care that they be competently instructed; and will make fair allowances for their unavoidable Ignorance and Mistakes. But after all, the great and necessary Truths of Religion are so intelligible, and so plainly expressed in the Holy Scriptures, and a great part of those sacred Writings are so evidently calculated for the use of all sorts and conditions of Men, that those who are blest with the means which we enjoy, may by a tolerable diligence and application, such as they use in all other cases of concernment, not only learn, but attain to a reasonable assurance of what they have learned.  
But I hasten to the last particular I observed in the Words, viz.  
Thirdly, The great Obligation such Persons are under, who have been well instructed, and assured of those things which they have learned, to continue in them.  
This St. Paul urges upon Timothy; Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, &c, And certainly the Obligation is as great as is possible, both in gratitude to Almighty God, and to those who have been his Instruments for our good; and in kindness and justice to ourselves.  
I. Such Persons are obliged in gratitude to Almighty God, who hath conferred so singular a Blessing upon them.  
Next to our being made after the image of God, and our being restored to a capacity of recovering the Divine Image and favour by Jesus Christ, is the Blessing of a good Education, the having had wise and good Parents for the Instruments of our coming into the World, and the being committed by them to the care of others like themselves. There is according to all just Estimation, no comparison between the Advantages of a mere descent from noble or wealthy Progenitors; and those of an honest Parentage accompanied with a virtuous and liberal Education. These may, and often do raise Men to as real a Superiority above such, as can only boast of the former; as they are raised to an Imaginary one above the rest of Mankind. These are the proper and likely means of informing the Judgement aright, of rectifying the Temper of the Soul, of repairing the Image of God upon the Mind, of bringing Men to a due knowledge of themselves and their main end, and disposing them to act with a just regard thereunto, of rendering them useful and truly easy in this Life, and preparing and qualifying them for a better.  
And surely they are greatly indebted to God, who are favoured with such Advantages, especially considering that they are the Effects of his mere bounty, not our own choice. For 'tis he alone who can appoint what Parents we shall be born of, 'tis by his Providence that our Masters and Governors, those who have the charge of our younger Years are assigned to us. The Improvement of these advantages is, under the conduct of his Grace, our part: but the bestowing them is wholly his.  
II. There is a farther Obligation upon such Persons, in gratitude to those, who have been God's Instruments for their good.  
Parents and Masters deserve a thankful acknowledgement, and ingenuous requital from those who have been the Subjects of their tenderness and care, which is such as we cannot be thoroughly sensible of till we ourselves become Parents and Masters to others. Then, if we discharge our duty faithfully, we best know, because we feel, the weight and trouble of such a Trust. It should therefore be one of the greatest Pleasures of our Souls, and it will be so, if they are rightly disposed, to make grateful returns to so great Benefactors; and the very best which they desire, or we can make, is to continue in the things we have learned of them.  
'Tis true, if we are not first duly thankful to Almighty God, our first and chief Benefactor, upon this account, 'tis not likely we should be so to his Instruments: but both these considerations put together, may serve to increase the sense of our obligation to both. And if neither of these will work upon our Ingenuity, there is yet another which may move us from the principle of self Love, for  
III. Such Persons are farther obliged in kindness and justice to themselves.  
Providence hath done for them all that is possible, in an ordinary way, in order to their present and their everlasting Wellbeing. The Paths of Wisdom, Virtue and Happiness are plainly marked out to them, they are as it were led by the hand into the right way, and custom and exercise have rendered their duty easy and pleasant to them; so that they have nothing farther to do, but to persevere in a straight course, turning neither to the right hand nor to the left.  
'Tis difficult and discouraging to begin to learn the Art of living, when we are grown into Years; and to be forced to break off evil Customs and Habits which we have been long contracting; (though this is absolutely necessary, if we have been so unhappy as not to begin sooner:) but nothing can be more easy, nothing more delightful, than to follow the Instructions which have been early given us, and frequently inculcated upon us, which we ourselves have been made to understand and approve, and to persevere in those Habits which we have been accustomed to from our tender Years.  
Whereas on the other Hand, we cannot forsake the Instructions of our Youth, nor departed from the good Ways in which we have been used to walk, without contradicting our own Judgements, offering violence to our Consciences, disturbing the Peace of our Souls, and filling them with constant Regret and Horror; nor finally without exposing ourselves to the highest displeasure of Almighty God, and the severest Punishment from his Hands. 
Heb. 6.7, 8, 9  For, as the Apostle to the Hebrews elegantly makes the Resemblance, The Earth, which drinketh in the Rain, which cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth Herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth Blessing from God: But that which beareth. Thorns and Briars is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned. But beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany Salvation, though we thus speak.  
Give me leave to conclude all, with applying very briefly the Exhortation in the Text to ourselves, under the Three following Denominations.  
I. To those amongst us who are devoted to any Spiritual Office or Employment in the Church of Christ.  
As the Exhortation was here given to Timothy, Bishop of the Church of Ephesus; so it concerns all the Bishops and Pastors of the Church in every Age, to continue in the things which they have learned and been assured of.  
The Special Occasion of this Admonition, as I observed before, was the starting up of some false and dangerous Teachers, who endeavoured to corrupt both the Faith and Manners of Christians. The Apostle compares them to Jannes and Jambres, who withstood Moses; 
V 8.  in like manner these also resisted the Truth, who were, as he adds, Evil Men and Seducers, 
V 13.  deceiving and being deceived. And I am afraid there is too much Occasion upon the same Account, for the like Admonition in our Days also. There are arisen up amongst us, Men of corrupt Minds, and Reprobate concerning the Faith, Men that have presumed boldly and wantonly to dispute against the anciently received and established Doctrines of Christianity, making their shallow Conceptions the Measure of divine Revelation, and haughtily disdaining to believe what they cannot fully comprehend; nay, there are some who have not only corrupted, but denied the Faith, to whom the holy Scriptures cease to be sacred, and the inspired Penmen are become of no authority, who make it their business to cavil at what they do not understand, and to expose to contempt what they have never considered, and what, during the affected levity of their tempers, they are uncapable of considering; who having first deviated from the Practice of Christianity, accounting its Rules of Life and manners too strict, are forced afterwards for the ease of their minds to throw off its very Principles too; in a word, who not only like those of whom St. Paul complains in this Chapter, 
V 5.  have denied the Power; but also laid aside the very form of Godliness, who have in effect renounced their Baptism, and broke lose from all the Obligations of their Education.  
We ought therefore not only to be steadfast ourselves; but to make it our care also to establish, as much as in us lies, the Flock committed to our Charge.  
We have learned, and upon good grounds been assured of the things which we profess, we know of whom we have learned them, namely of the Inspired Penmen of the holy Scriptures, those sacred Books which we have taken as the Rule of our Faith and Practice and Doctrine, and from which, thoroughly considered, we have wherewith to stop the Mouths of all gainsayers.  
II. I may apply the same Admonition to all of us, as Christians.  
It is our duty as such firmly to adhere to the Form of Sound Words delivered to us at our Baptism, and to be true and faithful to the solemn Vow and Promise then made in our Names, which those of us who are come to years of Discretion, have, as it may be presumed, taken upon ourselves. We know of whom we have learned these things, namely of our blessed Saviour and his Apostles, by the help of those sacred Books which lie open before us, for our constant instruction and direction, and in the due use of which, we may arrive to a well grounded assurance, upon the same Principles and Reasons upon which Timothy was assured of what he had learned. 'Tis to be hoped we have all of us been carefully instructed in them from our Childhood, and it becomes us to make them our daily Study, that by a thorough acquaintance with them, we may be fortified against all the attempts of such as would either shock our Belief, or vitiate our Practice.  
III. Let me in the last place apply this Admonition to those of us, who have had our Education at St. Paul's School.  
A School that makes good the Inscription upon its Walls, viz. Schola catechizationis puerorum in fide Christi, Opt. max. & bonis literis; which as it was designed by its Pious and learned Founder, heretofore a Dean of this Cathedral Church, to these excellent purposes, so by the faithful and diligent management of its worthy Overseers, the Worshipful Company of Mercers, it has been constantly blest with a succession of excellent Masters, Persons eminently skilled in their Profession, and thoroughly qualifyed to instruct those committed to their charge. So that we may upon this account also say, that we know of whom we have learned.  
There we were early taught the Principles of True Religion, and the Rudiments of good Learning. There we daily read the Holy Scriptures, and were frequently Catechised, according to that form of sound Words, which our Church hath appointed for that use. There also we were daily Exercised in offering up our joint. Devotions to Almighty God, rendering thanks to him for his Blessings, and ask of him such good things as were suitable to our occasions and circumstances. There our Youth was formed to Piety and Virtue, to real, not only formal, good manners; and there moreover divers of us laid the sure Foundation of our future Studies. We are met together at this time to make a public and grateful acknowledgement of these great Blessings to God and the World.  
Let us therefore in the words of our Apostle, continue in the things which we have learned. So shall we truly answer the end of our Founder, our Patrons, Benefactors and Masters; so shall we do honour to the Place of our Education; finally, so shall we best express and testify our real Gratitude to Almighty God, and comply with the main design of our present assembling, which is by making this our public acknowledgement, to put ourselves in mind of the Obligations we are under.  
Now to that good God who gave us our Being's, who formed us in the Womb, who preserved, and Instructed us in our childhood and in our Youth, and who hath taken care of us to this day, to God even our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Eternal Spirit, be ascribed all Praise and Glory, now and for ever. Amen.  
FINIS.