HAPPY MERCHANDISE OR WISDOMS Excellency darkly discovered, OR Rather greatly obscured by Words without knowledge By CHARLES PHELPES.  WISDOM is better than Rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverb. 8. 11. 
At AMSTERDAM, Printed by Steven Swart, Bookseller at the Crowned Bible, near the Exchange.   

THe great design of men generally is to exercise themselves unto that which may be gainful, and profitable unto them, and to that end many men take a great deal of pains, and weary themselves, and adventure themselves into many dangers, that they may increase to themselves: and because their Wisdom is folishness, and their knowledge bruitishness, therefore they labour for such riches as will not truly in rich them nor make them happy in the account of God, if they find the life of their hands; and for such also as are uncertain both as to the getting and keeping, Prov. 23. 4. 5. Now then, that the Ho: Ghost may take us off from labouring for that which will not satisfy, he here commends to us a better, and enduring substance. Which is of infinite and eternal worth and value, that we might not for lying vanities forsake our own mercies: And commendeth to us the excellency of the Merchandise itself, or way of getting it: That we might labour, not for that meat which perished, but for this which endureth unto everlasting life, which the son of man will give unto us. O that we may all so considerer it, that, ceasing from our own Wisdom, we may get Wisdom, this Wisdom of God, which is the principal thing, and with all our get get understanding, that we may, at last, inherit glory, when shame shall be the promotion of fools.   
Proverb. 3. 13, 14. Happy [is] the man that findeth Wisdom, and the man that getteth (or draweth out) understanding: For the Merchandise of it is better than the Merchandise of silver; and the gain thereof then fine gold. 
THis Book of the Proverbs of Solomon though in many places thereof, it seemeth not to have such dependence and connexion as other places of the scripture of truth, yet is fitly disposed; and the Proverbs therein are orderly placed, for because the preacher was wise. He gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many Proverbs, Eccles. 12. 9 yea indeed these words of the wise, though spoken by Solomon, yet came not by his will, but he spoke as he was moved by the Ho: Ghost. 2 Petr. 1. 20, 21. and they are all given from one shepherd, even from Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, and God in him Eccles. 12. 9 11. Who is the God of order, and not of confusion. And therefore if we see not that wise order and disposing of them, its meet for us to take shame to ourselves, and judge ourselves: and to cry to him who putteth Wisdom into the inward parts, and giveth understanding to the heart, to teach us what we see not: and to open our eyes to behold wondrous thing out of his law, Job 38. 36. and 34. 31, 32.  
And the Principal end of writing the Proverbs, was, to know Wisdom, to make it known, and that we might know it, and know that it is the principal thing Prov. 1. 1, 2. and 4. 7. and there sore in the nine first chapters of it, there is a large commendation of Wisdom, and declaration, and discovery of its excellency, with manifold intimations that we may be made partakers of it; and directions how we may find, and get it; and there fore many invitations to get it; and affirmations, and demonstrations of the blessedness of him that hath, and retaineth it; and of the misery, and wretchedness of him that refuseth it: with many warnings and cautions to take heed of the evil man and woman, even of all evil persons and spirits, who would hinder us, or call us off from seeking it, that we might have fellowship with them in eating of their bread of deceit, and in their unfruitful works of darkness: all which words of the wise are pleasant and profitable. For this holy man, as directed by that one shopherd, sought to find out acceptable words, words of delight; and that which was Written was upright, even words of truth. And these words of the wise are as goads, to prick and provoke us, that when may not be slothful, but diligent followers after Wisdom: and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies (in a sure place) which are given from one shepherd; upon which we may lean and depend; and have our trust in the Lord according to them; that our faith may not stand in the Wisdom of men, but in the power of God Eccles. 12. 10, 11.  
And these words we have proposed to considerer, and speak unto, are added to that instruction set down, us. 11. 12. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction; or saint not when thou art rebuked of him, Hebr. 12. 5. for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth etc. To signify to us, either.  
1. That the end of God in all his chastenings and corrections of us, while it is the day of his grace and patience, is to drive out of us that foolishness that is bound up in our hearts, Prov. 22. 15. and to awaken us, and engage us to apply our hearts to Wisdom, Psal. 90. 7, 12. for the rod and reproof give Wisdom, Prov. 29. 15. he doth not correct and chasten us for his pleasure simply, but for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness, even of Christ, who is made Wisdom, and righteousness, and holiness etc. Hebr. 12. 5, 10. Lament. 3. 33. and therefore it is unseemly for us to despise, and set light by God's chastenings, or faint when rebuked of him; because he hath such a gracious end therein, that we might seek, and find Wisdom, and apply our hearts to God's understanding. Or.  
2. He doth hereby direct us unto, and commend unto us, that excellent means, and thing, where by we may be helped and strengthened neither to despise God's chastenings, nor faint when he rebuketh us, namely, this sound Wisdom and understanding, which is profitable in and under all afflictions, and unto all things to direct us, Eccles. 10. 10. and so it is as if he should say: that you may behave yourselves comely, and laudably under God's afflicting hand, so as not to err on the one hand, or on the other, needful it is to get Wisdom, and an happy man he is that getteth understanding. For this will show unto us, that he never correcteth but when our need requires it, and to seal our instruction: that we might not set light by his chastenings: and this acquaints us with his grace in Christ, and gracious end and intention in all his debatings with us, that we might not be weary, or faint in our minds: for it is out of love, and for our good that he taketh this pains with us, and is now judging of us and this considered, is proper and powerful to teach and help us to rejoice in the tribulations he is ordering. Hence when the Apostle James exhorteth, and instructs the beleivers, to count it all joy when they fall into divers temptations etc. he adds, if any of you lack Wisdom let him ask of God, Jam. 1. 2, 5. intimating to us, that Wisdom will instruct, and strengthen us to carry ourselves evenly under trials and temptations, and help us to rejoice in that which seemeth to be grievous so the Apostle, to the end the colossians might be strengthened to all patience, and long suffering with joyfulness, prayeth, that they might be filled with the knowledge of Gods will in all Wisdom and spiritual understanding, that they might Walk worthy of the Lord in all conditions, unto all pleasing, Colos. 1. Colos. 1. 9, 11. this Wisdom will help us to judge well of God at all times, and of his deal with us when he writes bitter things against us: needful therefore it is that we seek and search for this that we may not sleight, nor sink under the corrections he is ordering. Or.  
3. He addeth this affirmation of the happiness of the man that findeth Wisdom, etc. after the former admonition, to signify to us, that now when God's hand is lifted up, and he is judging us, it is high time to a wake out of sleep, and to seek after this most excellent thing, that it may be well with us: it is good, profitable, and needful at all times to get Wisdom; but then especially so when his judgements are amongst us, and upon us: for if the present opportunity be neglected, we may be deprived of another; and to the end we may be kept from evil both now and for ever, hence the Apostle instructeth the beleivers to redeem the time from this motive, because the days are evil; sinful, and full of afflictions, and judgements: wherefore, saith he, be ye not unwise but understanding. What the will of the Lord is Ephes. 5. 15- 17. So when Moses the man of God had been declaring and bewailing the manifold afflictions himself and the people were under, saying, we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath we are troubled, thou hast set our sins before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance, etc. He than prayeth, so teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to Wisdom, signifying to us thereby, that now especially our hearts should bestirred up, and provoked to turn from our iniquities, and understand his truth; and to take fast hold of instruction, and not let her go, to keep her for she is our life, Psal. 90. 7, 12. Daniel 9 13. Or.  
4. He now showeth unto us wherein happiness consisteth, and who is the happy man, to wit, he that findeth Wisdom, that this may be a comfort to us in all our afflictions, and in and under all God's corrections, and rebukes, be they never so heavy and grievous, and though there by God should strip us naked and bare, and take away from us all this World's good, and we should be rendered amongst men miserable, wretched creatures, and looked upon as most un happy persons; yet this one thing, even Wisdom, will render us truly happy, and blessed in the account of him that judgeth righteously, and of those that are taught of him. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, o Lord, and teachest him out of thy law, Psal. 94. 11, 12. Men in their vain thoughts think, that they are accursed and miserable ones whom God chasteneth, tough there by he give them Wisdom; but their thoughts are vain and foolish: such is the excellency of this heavenly Wisdom and understanding, as that it alone will make them truly happy that have it, though God in and by his judgements and corrections should so impoverish them as that they should be as poor as was Christ, who had not where on to lay his head: and suchalone is its excellency, as that though a man should gain the whole World, and be without this pearl of great price, he would be a poor, miserable, piteous creature. This is good for us now to consider, when God is pleading with us in rebukes in our nation generally, by manifold afflictions and judgements, and in great decay of trading: when men are minished and brought low thorough oppression, affliction and sorrow, and God is staining the pride of our glory; yet this is a pearl of such great price and worth, that it will indeed render happy,, and truly enrich them that have and retain it, though they should be naked, and destitute of daily food: Oh! that it were so considered by us, that we might with fervency seek it, and give no sleep to our eyes, nor slumber to our eye-lidds till we find it; and that for the sake thereof, we might count all other things but loss and dung, that we might win, and be made partakers of it.  
In the words themselves we have.  

1. An affirmation of the happiness of the man that findeth Wisdom, and of the man that getteth understanding, us. 13.  
2. A General Demonstration, and evidence of the happiness of such a man, and a commendation of the exercise itself, laid down as a Motive, and argument to engage us to seek, that we may find and get it, us. 14.   
1. An affirmation of the happiness of the man that findeth Wisdom, and getteth (or draweth out) understanding, us. 13.  
In which affirmation, we shall, God assisting.  

1. Speak some what by way of explication.  
2. Note some instructions contained in this Affirmation.   
1. By way of explication, and opening, we shall inquire into, and consider these two things which are needful to be known by us.  

1. What is this Wisdom and understanding here commended to us?  
2. What is this finding and getting it?   
1. What is this Wisdom, and understanding here commended to us.  
To that we may say, that by both expressions one and the same thing may be meant, and signified, as appeareth, in that the Demonstration and motive is so set down as to include and contain both in one word: As, the Merchandise of it, namely, of Wisdom and understanding is better than the Merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof, as before, then fine gold she (speaking of both as of one person) is more precious than Rubies, etc. so Chap. 4. 5, 9 and 8. 1, 4. and by this Wisdom and understanding is not meant ours, that which we have naturally in us, or that which we may attain unto by art, or by our own labour and industry: and so it is not the Wisdom of this World, or of the princes of this World, not humane learning, nor the arts and sciences of this World, such as Rhetoric, Logic, Philosophy, which are science falsely so called: and which, though in high esteem among men yet, will not render a man happy: nay those that had no other Wisdom came to nought, 1 Corinth. 2. 6. He who here commendeth to us this Wisdom and understanding, warneth, and admonisheth us elsewhere to cease from our own Wisdom, Prov. 23. 4. and not to lean to our own understanding, Prov. 3. 5. and to beware of Philosophy, and vain deceit, etc. Colos. 2. 8. and telleth some, that their Wisdom and knowledge had perverted them, Isay. 47. 10. and it is his purpose to destroy the Wisdom of the wise, and to bring to nought the understanding of the prudent, and them that lean 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 Wisdom, declaring the testimony of God; for the Wisdom of words maketh the cross of Christ of none effect, 1 Corinth. 2. 1. and 1. 17. this Wisdom is foolishness with God, and it is so fare from helping us to understand, and know God's name, or his son's name, as that it is an hindrance thereto; and therefore that we may be wise, it is needful that we become fools, and lay aside, and cease from our Wisdom and understanding. But the Wisdom and understanding here commended to us, and that which will render us happy in the enjoyment of it, is, the Wisdom that is from a 'bove, which is first pure then peace able, etc. Jam. 3. 17. even the Wisdom of God, and not that of our own: according to that, my son, attend unto my Wisdom; and bow thine ear 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 eternal generation: so where as in one place it is said; the Lord by Wisdom founded the earth; by understanding hath he established 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 Wisdom, even of Christ in this consideration of him, it is said by himself, the Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works 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, etc. Prov. 8. 23, 32.  
2. And he is so called, and may be comfortably viewed by us as Wisdom, as he was abased for us, and took 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 again, according to the scriptures: so Christ is the Wisdom 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 Wisdom declaring the testimony of God, that the beleivers faith might not stand in the Wisdom of men, but in the power of God: He addeth; howbeit we speak Wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the Wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world that come to nought: But we speak the Wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden Wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory; which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Where it appeareth, that Jesus Christ the Lord of glory, is the Wisdom which they preached, 1 Corinth. 2. 1, 8. with 2 Corinth. 4. 5. and so this excellent one calls himself Wisdom and understanding, Prov. 8. 12, 14. compare Matth. 23. 34. with Luc. 11. 49. and he is called Wisdom and understanding.  
1. Because he is the great clear, and comfortable evidence, and manifestation of the Wisdom of God: here it is brightly discovered, and may cheerfully be viewed in the cross of Christ Jesus. He did by Wisdom make the heavens, and give a being to all things; and in his works of creation it may be seen by us: but this invention of his is a greater and clearer discovery of his infinite Wisdom, and unsearchable understanding: For in his first creating us there was nothing contrary to his work: But unto his showing mercy to us where we were fallen, there was somewhat 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 redeem his brother by any means, nor give to God a ransom for his own soul, Psal. 49. 6, 7. righteousness could not come by the law, Galat. 2. 21. not could any creature in heaven or earth divise a means for the helpfullness of us: this Wisdom was hid from the eyes of all living, Job 28. 12, 22. this passed the understanding of men and Angels, Philip. 4. 7. but herein appeared the manifold and unsearchable Wisdom of God, who in the exercise thereof hath devised a means 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 wonderful Wisdom contained therein; that the creator 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 itself, should be made sin for us; that God should lay down his life for us; and all this to so gracions an end, not to condemn the world, but that thorough him the world might besaved here in was admirable, and unsearchable Wisdom; and here in we may clearly, and comfortably see, that the creator 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 only wise God, Judas 25. hence also the Apostle, when he had said, this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, persently adds; Now unto the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honour, etc. 1 Tim. 1. 15, 17. He hath herein evidenced himself to be the alone, and only 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 sinful creatures of mankind, might be brought back to God.  
2. Christ Jesus is also said to be Wisdom and understanding, because he is become the treasury, fountain, and store-house of it; he is the beginning, the first borne from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence: for it hath pleased the father that in him should all fullness dwell, in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, Colos. 1. 18, 19 and 2. 9 In him are hid all the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge, Colos. 2. 3. so he who calleth himself Wisdom saith, counsel is mine, and sound Wisdom; I am (or have) understanding, etc. Prov. 8. 12, 14. Solomon, who set in order these Proverbs, was a wise man, yea, in his time, Wiser than all men: God gave him wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness, or wideness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore, 1 King. 4. 29, 31. but behold a greater than Solomon is here, Matth. 12. 42. for he was taught, and directed to seek out, and set in order these Proverbs by Christ Jesus that one shepherd, Eccles. 12. 9, 11. God hath not given unto him the spirit by measure, but hath given all things, and so all Wisdom into his hand, Joh. 3. 34, 35. On him resteth the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of Wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might; the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord; and he is quick of understanding, Isay. 11. 1, 2, 3. and 42. 1. and 61. 1. He knoweth the father, and the mind, and counsels of the father, as is signified, in that when John wept much because no man was found worthy to open, and to read the book of God's counsels, and purposes; one of the elders said unto him, weep not, behold the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David (even the lamb who was slain, and who hath seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God) hath prevailed to open the book, and to lose the seven seals thereof; and the four beasts, and twenty and four elders in the new song they sang, confess, that the lamb which was slain was worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof, jea and an innumerable company of Angels confirm it, and say, worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive Wisdom, Revel▪ 5. 1. 5. 9, 12, and he is quick of understanding, and knows us, and what our needs and wants are, and how to supply them; he knows how to teach us sinners; to make wise us simple ones, to speak a word in due season to the weary, to open the eyes of the blind; to bring forth the prisoners out of the pit; to heal the broken hearted; to forgive the guilty, wash the polluted, and perfect what soever concerneth us. And he knows the plots and designs of our enemies, and adversaries, and how to disappoint, and defeat them, that their hands may, not perform their erterprises: yea he knows all things, all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do, Joh. 21. 17. Hebr. 4. 13, 14. and this unsearchable Wisdom and understandidg he hath to improve for our good as the saviour of all men, especially of them that believe; and to dispense to us according to our needs and capacities: and his willingness to improve it for us, and communicate it to us is abundantly evidenced in the great abasement where to he so willingly humbled himself for mankind that he might obtain all things pertaining to life and godliness into himself for us. Oh! let us rejoice in him, and not glory in our own Wisdom: for he is made of God for us Wisdom; that, according as it is written, he that glorieth may glory in the Lord, 1 Corinth. 1. 29, 31.  
3. He also in the Object of Wisdom and understanding, in knowing whom we may be made truly wise, and furnished with sound Wisdom, and see and know things for our good; so [Wisdom] many times signifieth, the Object of Wisdom; or that which is to be known, and in the understanding where of we shall be rendered wise indeed, Prov. 1. 2. and 5. 1. In coming unto, and knowing Jesus Christ, we may know the father, so as to believe, and hope in, and love him; no man knoweth the father but the son, and he to whomsoever the son will reveal him: come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden (ye that run to the wise and prudent, and read many books, and tyre yourselves herewith, and yet meet not with what you seek for) I will give you rest, saith our saviour, Matth. 11. 25, 28. He is the image of the invisible God, in seeing whom we may see the father also; and whosoever cometh unto and followeth him shall not abide in darkness, but shall have the light of life; he will show them the father, and give them the knowledge of him; and this is life eternal, that they know him the only true God, Joh. 8. 12. and 12. 44, 46. and 14. 6, 10. and 17. 3. Colos. 1. 15. God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ; even the glory of his Wisdom, power, truth, holiness, and justice, 2 Corinth▪ 4. 4, 6. yea and he gives such a gracious and amiable discovery of the father to us, that there thorough we might be encouraged to come unto, and believe in him, and put our trust under the shadow of his Wings. For here in we may see that he is the God of love, the God of all grace: we may in the cross of Christ see Gods secret will, even what his will towards man was, when secret; this Christ hath revealed: God is love, charity itself, he is so essentially, and was so towards mankind when they had sinned against, and departed from him: And in this he hath manifested himself to be love, and manifested his love to us, which was hid in himself, because he sent his only begotten son into the World, to be the saviour of it: 1 Joh. 4. 8, 9, 10, 14, 16. Joh. 3. 16. in Christ our saviour appeareth, that his will, which was secret, was good will, and not evil will toward mankind, Luc. 2. 10, 14. Christ hath revealed the father who was hidden from us, and reavealed his thoughts and heart; and in him we may see, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all; that God will have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth, 1 Tim. 2. 4, 6. And in him we may know ourselves so as to be humbled and abased in fight of our own vileness and wretchedness, and to loathe ourselves, and have pride hidden from us: for saith the Apostle, we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; and he died for all, 2 Corint. 5. 14, 15. In that Christ died for all by the grace of God, herein it appeareth that we were all dead, condemned to die, and deserved to have died that death which he tasted for every man, and to have Perished in it for ever: We were accursed creatures, and helpless in our misery, as is evident, in that he hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, Psal. 49. 6, 7. Galat. 3. 13. yea in that he died for our sake that he might obtain eternal redemption; and in him dwelleth all fullness; He is made of God Wisdom and righteousness, herein appeareth that we were destitute of all good, empty creatures, Job 11. 12. that we have no Wisdom in us naturally; no light in our understandings, no freedom of will to any thing that is spiritually good, no affection, desire, or inclination to the things that belong to our peace; no spark of God's image left in us, but we are destitute thereof, and inclined to all that is evil; all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. While we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly: While we were yet sinners (neither righteous, nor good) Christ died for us, Rom. 5. 6, 8. In him we may behold the vileness of sin so as to abhor it, and that it may be an abomination to our souls; in that God hath so punished and condemned it in the person of Christ Jesus, who knew no sin, Rom. 8. 3. He was wounded, or tormented for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: such was the odiousness of sin to God, as that when it was but imputed to his son, he spared him not: but it pleased the lord to bruise him, he hath put him to grief▪ Were this considered by us, it would be powerful to cause us to say, how shall we live any longer in sin for which our saviour suffered so great and in expressible sorrows? Esa. 53. 4, 10. Rom. 8. 32. and 6. 1, 2, 3. and 4. 25. 1 Petr. 3. 18. Aswell as also in Christ we may perceive the greatness of the sin of not believing on Christ, who, by the grace of God tasted death for every man; and is raised again, and is become such a good foundation and object of faith, that men's faith and hope▪ might be in God, Joh. 16. 8, 9 1 Petr. 2. 6, 7, 8. he that beleiveth not God hath made him a liar, because he beleiveth not the record that God gave of his son: and this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life: he that beleiveth not that God hath given to him eternal life in Christ Jesus, hath made God a liar, and is therefore condemned, and the wrath of God abideth on him while he abideth in un belief, 1 Joh. 5. 10, 11. Joh. 3. 16, 18, 36. if Christ died for the fewest of mankind only, it would be no sin in the greatest part for whom he died not, not to believe on Christ: Yea they would believe a lie in so doing: but this is an ungodly conception, for Christ died for all, and rose again, that all men thorough him might believe, Joh. 1. 7. and 17. 21, 23.  
In Christ also we may see the unprofitableness of our works of righteousness, that we might not have Confidence therein, Joh. 16. 10. Corint. 1. 29, 30. if righteousness could have come by the law, by the Works or sacrifices there of, than Christ died in vain Galat. 2. 21. hence the Apostle, though he was Concerning the righteousness of the law blameless, yet, what things were gain to him, the Privileges, and works of the flesh, those he counted loss for Christ. Yea doubt less, saith he, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is thorough the faith of Christ, etc. Philip. 3. 4. 9 it Is he, and he only, that hath brought in everlasting righteousness thorough his personal abasement and sufferings: even the righteousness of God without the law, which was witnessed by the law and the Prophets; but is now manifested by the faith of Christ to be unto all; and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference. Dan. 9 26. Rom. 3. 21. 22.  
In Christ we may see death, even the first death, which was the wages of our first departure from God, so as not to fear it, nor any afflictions, weaknesses, sicknesses, which are fore runners, and branches of it; and which God is now ordering to us while it is called to day: For Jesus Christ our Saviour hath by the grace of God tasted this death for every man, and hath overcome and abolished it, taken out the sting, and destructive nature out of it, so as that now there is no hurt in it, nothing in it to separate us from te love of God, or keep us out of heaven; nor shall any man perish therein for ever, but all shall in due time be raised out of it, by him who died for all, and rose again: Christ hath in overcoming this death made it a shadow, it is not the lively image of what sometimes it was. 2 Tim. 1. 10. Gal. 3. 13. Psal. 23. 4. Yea not only so, but he the great God and our Saviour hath turned our curses into blessings; and the afflictions, and corrections he is ordering are ordered to a gracious end, as is before shown.  
In Christ also, this heavenly Wisdom, we may see life, even our natural life, how it is procured for us, and by what means we have a comfortable enjoyment of it and of God's mercies, even by Christ, who gave his flesh for the life of the World. Joh. 6. 51. in him is life, and the life is the light of men. Joh. 1. 4. Had he not laid down his life for us, we could have had no comfortable enjoyment of our lives, or of God's creatures, but had been always, and altogether accursed and miserable, and all our life time thorough fear of death subject to the bondage of Satan. Hebr. 2. 14. 15. But he hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Gal. 3. 13. and 4. 4 with Rom. 3. 19 And here we may also see to what end our lives are preserved, and continued; that to us to live might be Christ: He died for all that they which live might not hence forth live to themselves, but to him that died for them, and rose again, this was the very end of Christ's suffering for us in the flesh, that we might thereby cease from sin; and thorough his grace that bringeth salvation to all men might live, not to the lusts of men, but to the will of God, 2 Corinth 5. 15. 1 Petr. 4, 1, 3. 1 Joh. 4. 9  
In this Wisdom we may know who are borne of God, and so made of the elect and chosen generation; even all such, and only such (who are of years of capacity, and where the gospel is plainly declared) as come unto, and believe on him. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know (as included in the knowledge of him) that every one that doth righteousness is borne of him, 1 Joh. 2. 29. To Christ coming, the living stone, disallowed indeed of men (yea of the bvilders, land leaders of the people) but chosen of God and precious; ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house. Ye are an elect, and chosen generation, a royal priesthood (though not owned by men as God's clergy) aen holy nation a peculiar people, etc. Which in tim past were not a people, but now are the people of God, which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy, 1 Petr. 2. 4, 5, 9, 10. And here we may also see who are rejected, and reprobated of God: not any man in a personal consideration, or before he was borne; but those that disallow, and reject Christ Jesus, and persist in refusing, and rejecting him till the day of grace and patience be ended, 1 Petr. 2. 6, 7, 8. Whosoever shall fall on this stone (though they be bvilders) shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder, Matth. 21. 42- 44. God so infinitely loveth his son, the son of his love, that whosoever kisseth him not, but refuseth him, and will not have him to reign over them, his wrath will be kindled against them, and they shall be destroyed with an everlasting destruction, Psal. 2. 10- 12. Joh. 3. 36.  
In knowing Christ, the Wisdom of God, we may come to have an useful understanding and knowledge of all the scriptures of truth, otherwise not; he is the interpreter, and opener of them to us in his cross and testimony hence our saviour intimately instructs the Jews, in searching the scriptures, to come unto him; and faults, and reproves them for not coming unto him in them, that they might have life, even the light of live, Joh. 5. 39, 40. our saviour, in showing unto his disciples in the scriptures the things Concerning himself, thereby opened the scriptures to their understandings; and their understandings into the schriptures: and unless we come unto, and know Christ Jesus, we shall remain ignorant of the scriptures though we read them, and hear the voices of the Prophets and Apostles read to us: if we come not to Christ as the rest, we shall have the word of the Lord to ourselves precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, and there a little: and not see the harmony, and agreement of the scriptures, nor receive the use fullness of them, Luk. 24. 25, 27, 32, 44, 46. Isay. 28. 12, 13.  
Yea in a word, they that seek the Lord to know him, win him, and be found in him, understand all things, Prov. 28. 5. the knowledge of this one, this excellent object of Wisdom, is that which will make us wise to salvation: hence the Apostle determined to know nothing else save Jesus Christ, and him crucified, 1 corinth. 2. 2. and to the end Timothy might have an understanding in all things, he exhorts him to remember, that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to his gospel, 2 Tim. 2. 7, 8. and the way whereby the Ho: Ghost teacheth all things, and leadeth into all truth, is to glorify Christ, and take of his things and show unto us, Joh. 14. 26. and 16. 13, 14. oh that this were seriously, and hearty considered by us; that our hearts may be fixedly set to know Christ in and unto all things! Philip. 3. 8- 10.  
4. And he is called Wisdom, because he is the giver and dispenser of it: the Lord giveth Wisdom, Prov. 2. 6. hence though Apostle prayeth for Timothy, that the Lord would give him an understanding in all things: even the Lord Jesus, 2 Tim. 2. 7. this is his gift; God hath given him power over all flesh, that he might give eternal life to as many as the father hath given him: and this is life eternal, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, Joh. 17. 2, 3. And himself saith to his disciples, I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be abele to gainsay, nor resist, Luk. 21. 15. Ephes. 4. 7.  
2. By Wisdom and understanding is meant also, the gospel of Christ, which holy men of God have declared, as they were moved by the Ho: Ghost; even the gospel as testified by the Prophets, in whom the spirit of Christ did signify before hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow, 1 Petr. 1. 11. and as the same gospel is now reported to us by the Apostles, with the Ho: Ghost sent down from heaven, us. 12. Which is recorded, and preserved to us in the records of it, in the scriptures of truth, thorough the greatness of God? goodness, and wonderfulness of his working; the sum and first things whereof, are, that Christ died for our sins, even for the sins of Jews and Gentiles according to the scriptures; and was buried; and risen again the third day, according to the scriptures, 1 Corint. 15. 1- 4. Rom. 1. 1- 4. this is called the word of Wisdom, 1 Corint. 12. 8. and the gospel, or preaching of the cross, is said to be the Wisdom of God, 1 Corint. 1. 17, 18- 23, 24. Prov. 5. 1. and 7. 1- 4, 5. and this is called Wisdom and understanding.  
1. Because Christ, who is Wisdom, and understanding, is herein evidently set forth unto us before our eyes, even the eyes of our understanding Galat. 3. 1. here, though now we see him not as the first trusters in Christ did yet, we may see him in the evidence, and demonstration of the spirit, and so in this word of faith, which is the evidence of things not seen; As Moses, by faith, saw him that was inusible, Hebr. 11. 1, 13, 27. in which gospel we may look upon things that are not seen, 2 Corint. 4. 18. So here we may see the great sufferings, and Wonderful a basement of Christ; and for whom he tasted death, and was raised again, even for all mankind; Hebr. 2. 9 and here in this glass, we may with open face behold the glory of the Lord, 2 Corint. 3. 18. and therefore because this gospel testifieth of Christ, and discovers him to us who is Wisdom, and understanding, therefore his name is named upon it.  
2. Because here in, especially as now preached according to the revelation of the mystery, God hath a bounded in all wisdom, and prudence unto the first trusters in Christ, and by them to us, having made known to us the mystery of his will, etc. Ephes. 1. 8. 9 herein the manifold Wisdom of God is made known, that all men may see it in this gracious and blessed means which he hath devised, that his banished be not utterly expelled from him: Which is discovered to us in this Wisome, Ephes. 3. 9 10. here in God hath wrltten to us excellent things in counsels and knowledge; and in this gospel are hid all the treasures of Wisdom, and knowledge, Prov. 22. 17- 20. Colos. 2. 3.  
3. And this may be called Wisdom, and understanding, because here by God makes wise the simple: and still and further giveth Wisdom 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 Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge, or gospel, of Christ, and hereby openeth the eyes of the understanding, Ephes. 1. 17, 18. with this gospel Paul was sent to open the eyes of Jews and Gentiles; and to turn them from darkness to light, Act. 26. 18. And in preaching this gospel 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 bow down our ears, and hear these words of the wise (in which Christ is discovered to us and the manifold Wisdom of God made known; and by which he giveth Wisdom) 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 commandments, the old and new commandment, with us; we shall be helped so to behold the excellency, and comeliness of Christ, the Wisdom of God, as to incline our ears unto Wisdom, and apply our heart unto understanding; and to cry after knowledge, and lift up our voice for understanding, etc. Prov. 2. 1, 2, 3, 4.  
3. By Wisdom 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 turn at his reproofs, in the light and strength of his grace; even the opening of the mind, or eye of the soul, 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 man's Wisdom, but which the Holy Ghost hath taught, and teacheth; Comparing spiritual things with spiritual, Ephes. 1. 17, 18. 1 Joh. 5. 20. even Wisdom in the knowledge of Christ; and such knowledge and understanding, as that there by we are led to fear God, and departed from evil: unto man he said, the fear of the Lord that is Wisdom, and to departed from evil is understanding, Job 28. 28. the fear of the Lord is the beginning, or, principal part of Wisdom: A good understanding have all they that do, Psal. 111. 10. Prov. 1. 7. and 9, 10. the fear of the Lord is the instruction of Wisdom, that which wisdom instructs us unto, even to worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus; to serve God with reverence and godly fear; and to departed from iniquity, Prov. 15. 33. and the fear of the Lord is to hate evil, even pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth; Which things Wisdom hateth, Prov. 8. 12, 13. and therefore where as in the text, it is said, happy is the man that findeth Wisdom: the same happiness is assured unto, and affirmed of him that confesseth and forsaketh his sins, Prov. 28. 13, 14. He is a fool that sporteth with, and makes a mock at sin; Whatever notional understanding he may have, he is destitute of blessed Wisdom: but a man of understanding hath wisdom; he feareth, and departeth from evil, Prov. 10. 23. and 14. 9, 15, 16.  
This then is the Wisdom and understanding commended to us; Jesus Christ, and the word of his grace; and that Wisdom which he giveth, and knowledge, and understanding which cometh out of his mouth; even such Wisdom, and understanding of him as thereby we are led highly to prize, come unto, believe 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 needful hereto. In General, by finding Wisdom may be meant, a knowing, and understanding what this sound wisdom 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 mean 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 further business, to wit, a being made partaker of this excellent commodity, an obtaining it, or getting it into our possession and hearts; an embracement, retaining, keeping, and holding it fast, as presently afterwards is said; happy is every one that retaineth her, even this Wisdom and understanding. It is a laying hold of it, taking fast hold of it, and not letting it go, a keeping it as our life, Prov. 3. 18. and 4. 13. there may be a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom and he have no heart to it, no love or affection to, or courage for it; and thereby he deprives himself 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 kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls; who when he had found one pearl 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 himself that he had found Wisdom simply, but he got it, and parted with all  it. Now than more particularly here may be supposed in the exercise here commended to us.  

1. That this Wisdom and understanding is not ours, or in us naturally, it is to be found and gotten; to which afterwards.  
2. And that this excellent pearl is hid: in him are hid all the treasures of Wisdom 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 wisdom, a diligent hearing, or hearing in hearing, as Wisdom is lifting up her voice, and preventing us with an hearing capacity, which she is doing in due time: for naturally we are deaf, and until prevented by Christ we cannot hear: but the son of God in due time is causing us when dead, to hear his voice, that we might hear in hearing and live, Joh. 5. 25. and when he is thus speaking to us, and opening our ears then he requires us in the capacity afforded from him to hear, Prov. 20. 12. So Wisdom and understanding saith; hear, for I will speak of excellent things; and harken unto me o ye children; hear instruction and be wise, Prov. 8. 6, 32, 34. this is the one and first thing needful unto our finding, and getting wisdom, to hear the word of Christ, Luc. 10. 39, 42. Not to hear any thing, or any word; we are exhorted to cease to here the instructions that cause to err from the words of knowledge, Prov. 19 27. and to take heed what we hear, Mark. 4. 24. but we are to hear Jesus, and God in him, as speaking to us by the holy Prophets and Apostles, in the scriptures of truth; and to this oftentimes are we called upon, even to hear the words of the wise fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd, Eccles. 12. 10, 11. Prov. 19 20. and 22 17. Isay. 55. 1, 3. Act. 3. 22, 23. Aswell as also.  
2. It is requisite as we hear, to seek for this excellent commodity, and search after it with our hearts, yea with our whole hearts, as we have the excellency, and amiableness of it discovered to us: such an applying, or causing our heart to come unto this Wisdom as commended, and the commendation heard, is requisite, as, that we cry after Wisdom, and lift up our voice for understanding; that we seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures, even with greatest desire, and diligence; and as those that judge happiness doth only consist in having this treasure, and without which we are undone, and miserable for ever, Prov. 2. 1, 4. and so searching for it, in all the scriptures of truth, which are the veins, as it were, where this enriching, and happy treasure may be had, Joh. 5. 39 and in all ordinances; and in the assemblies of God's people; Prov. 8. 34. and in so doing we shall find it.  
3. And to our getting is requisite, a selling all that we have when we have found it; and buying, or getting it into our hearts, and possession: according to that; buy the truth, and sell it not: Wisdom, instruction and understanding, Prov. 23. 23. Matth. 13. 44, 46. here lieth the stick with many persons, and too much with us all; we would have wisdom if we might part with nothing for it, but keep our own things still; but this cannot be: if any man come unto me saith our saviour, and hate not father, and mother, wife, and children; brethren, and sisters: yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple and whosoever he be of you (speaking to his disciples, and the multitudes) that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple, Luk. 14. 26, 27, 33. We are all too much like the young man who would feign have in herited eternal life; when our saviour told him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest; go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, and take up thy cross, and follow me: he was sad at that saing, and went away grieved, for he had great possessions, Mark. 10. 17, 22. So it is too much with us, if we might keep our own things and have wisdom too; if we could carry on these two designs, to serve God and Mammon; and could have Christ, and love the world also, than we could be content; and this would please us; but this cannot be we must deny ourselves, our brutish lusts and desires; aswell as also our wisdom, righteousness, love of the world, and the things thereof, the honour, praise esteem friendship, and fellowship thereof; and take up our cross and follow him: yea the that loveth father, or mother more than him, is not worthy of him; and he that loveth son or daughter more than him, is not worthy of him; and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after him, is not worthy of him, Matth. 10. 37, 39 and 16. 24. we must sell all that we have, all must be parted with, that we may win Christ, and be found in him: not as if our things were so worthy, as that we might deserve there by this heavenly wisdom; nor are we to part with them as a valuable consideration; for all the things we can desire are not to be compared to this pearl: but our things will hinder us from having, and obtaining Wisdom, if we let them, not go; therefore though we have no Worth, nor wortiness, yet we must buy wisdom, though without money and price; for no man can serve two masters; we must part with our sins and idols, or otherwise we cannot get this Wisdom, and understanding.  
And if we take in the reading in the Margin; happy is the man that draweth our understanding, hereby may be meant.  
1. A drawing it out for our own use, and benefit; and so diligence, and labour of the inward man especially, is to be used and exercised, and hereby the Ho: Ghost may have reference to the drawing out water out of a well, or deep place; and it is like that, Isay. 12. 3. therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation: namely, out of the doctrine of the Prophets, and Apostles false teachers are said to be wells without water, there is nothing in them, or in their doctrine to refresh, and satisfy, 2 Petr. 2. 17. but these teachers sent of God, and who are even God's mouth to us, have water in their word & doctrine; and we are therefore to search thereinto for Wisdom and understanding, and draw it out, when we find it, Act. 17. 11. Or to draw it out as out of a vessel, Joh. 2, 8. 2 Corinth. 4. 7. and so secondarily out of their words woe have believed on Christ thorough the Prophets, and Apostles words, and have the word of reconciliation put into their hearts and mouths, Prov. 20. 5. And.  
2. We are to draw out understanding for the good of others also, and to the end we may be instruments for communicating it to others, as the like Phrase is used, Isay. 58. 10. John. 2. 8. Thus have we spoken to the finding, and getting Wisdom and understanding; what it is, what supposed herein, and needful hereto, according to my weakness.  
2. We come in the next place to note some instructions contained in this affirmation of the happiness of the man that findeth Wisdom, and getteth, or draweth out understanding. As.  

1. That men are naturally without this Wisdom and understanding.  
2. That yet men may find this Wisdom, and get, or draw out this understanding.  
3. That the present time is the apportunity of finding and getting.  
4. He is and shall be an happy man that findeth, and getting this Wisdom and understanding.   
1. That men are naturally without this Wisdom and understanding; even destitute of Wisdom in the knowledge of Christ; they are without Christ, and all spiritual understanding, Ephes. 2. 12. A Wisdom indeed they have, but such as is foolishness with God; they are wise to do evil, and to pursue their drunken, unclean, covetous, ambitious, revengeful lusts; but to do good they have no understanding, Jerem. 4▪ 22. every man is brutish by his knowledge, jerem 10. 14. God did indeed make man righteous at first, in his own image, after his likeness; and put Wisdom into his inward parts; he was created in knowledge, as the Apostle signifieth, when he saith, ye have put on the new man, Which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: renewing, is a restoring a Person or thing that is deformed to its first, and primitive estate: there in then is intimated, that at first man was created in knowledge; Aswell as also it so appears in that it is said, that the renewing in knowledge is after the image of him that created him; and so at first man being created in or after his image, he was created in knowledge, and understanding, Colos. 3. 10. But man not abiding in that honour in which he was made, but aspiring to an equality with God, and desiring some higher wisdom, and knowledge thorough his listening to the Lie of the tempter; Genes. 3. 5, 6. Mist what he aspired unto, and lost what he had; and so man in honour not abiding therein, understandeth not, but is like the beasts that perish, Psal. 49. 12. 20. they are destiture of all true and sound Wisdom: that which they have leads them to labour to be rich, Prov. 23. 4. Ezek▪ 28. 4, 5. and to trust in their riches, and worship their gold and silver, Hose. 13. 2. and to seek after greatness, and glory in this world, Isay. 10. 13, 14. and fills them with enoying and strifes against all that stands cross to their design, Jam. 3. 14, 16. but as with respect to his Wisdom that is from above, they are like wild asses colts, Job 11. 12. In this consideration they are all (until, and further than in lightened of God) simple and foolish ones. And this is true of them all, even of those also that have the highest esteem of themselves: As, young persons, they are usually highly conceited of themselves, but they are simple, as is signified, in that the end of the Proverbs in making known Wisdom is said to be, to give subtly to the simple, to the young man (who is simple also) knowledge and discretion, Prov. 1. 4. and 7. 7, 8. and this is true also of those that have much of the Wisdom of this World, who are great scholars, and rich in that knowledge which is science falsely so called: their wisdom is foolishness with God; and the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they are vain, 1 Corinth. 3. 18, 20. and it is also true of those that are of the professed church; they are simple, and without understanding naturally, Prov. 1. 21, 22. Rom. 3. 1, 2, 9, 10, 11. Yea of all men, Job 32. 7, 9 hence Wisdom saith to men, and the sons of Man, o ye simple understand Wisdom, and ye fools be ye of an understanding heart, Prov. 8. 4, 5. and 30. 2, 3, 4. The natural man receveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2. 14. Out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts of God, as if he had a secret pleasure in the destruction of the greatest part of man kind. Ezech. 33. 10, 11. and though he speaketh fair, and commands the gospel to be preached to all, yet he hath a secret will contrary to his revealed: We need not be taught, and strengthened in such blasphemous thoughts, for they naturally proceed out of our hearts. And thence also proceed evil, thoughts of ourselves; high esteems, and conceits of ourselves, from whence we are filled with pride. And evil thoughts of the world, as if the enjoyment of that would render us truly happy; and hence proceedeth covetousness: Yea and evil thoughts of all things, thinking evilly, and calling light darkness, and darkness light; every imagination of man's heart is only evil continually, Genes. 6. 5. And hence we are choosing, loving, and affecting vain things that cannot profit, nor help us, because they are vain, even any thing besides this excellent Wisdom, to wit, Christ, and God in him. Mark. 7. 21, 22.  
Use. 1. This consideration might be of usefulness to us, to hid pride from us, for we are all naturally fools: And to cause us not to glory in God's presence, but be willing to become fools that we may be wise, in receiving this heavenly Wisdom here commended to us. 1 Cor. 1. 29- 31. and 3. 18, 19  
2. To admonisch us cease from man, for wherein is he to be accounted of. Isay. 2. 22. and not to have our faith standing in their Wisdom, we are such simple, and foolish ones as that if men use good words, and fair speeches to us, and have much of the Wisdom of this world, especially if also therewith they have a form of godliness upon them to depend upon, and admire them, and receive what they say, though they come in their own name; and to embrace their interpretations of the scripture, though therein they consent not to wholesome words, but cause divisions, and offences contrary to the doctrine of the Apostles Rom. 16. 17, 18. and to glory in the Wisdom of man, whereas their wisdom is foolishness with God: And were this considered by us as discovered to us in the light and instructions of the gospel, it would take us off from that idolatrous esteem we have of them, and their Wisdom. Matth. 11. 25, 26. 1 Corinth. 2. 1- 5. and 3. 18- 21.  
3. To show unto us the great grace and love of God to us, in taking notice of such simple foolish ones as we are with him, and in his account who judgeth righteously; and in making a way for us that we might become wise: He hath not despised us in this sad condition into which we brought ourselves, but hath of his goodness prepared for us; and is giving good counsel to us, in hearing which we may be made wise: to such he calls, be ye of an understanding heart, hear for I will speak of excellent things, Prov. 8. 4, 6, 7. Behold God is mighty and despised not any, he is mighty in strength and Wisdom; and yet despiseth not us who are weak and simple, Job 36. 5. learn we of him.  
4. To come to Christ in the testimony, that we may be made wise, Matth. 11. 27, 28. and to move here to, consider the next instruction, viz.  
2. That though men are naturally simple, and fools, yet thorough the grace of our Lord Jesus, they may find this excellent Wisdom, and get, or draw out, this understanding here commended to us, while it is called to day, and this is intimated to us, in that the holy Ghost here affirmeth, and presently evidenceth the blessedness, and happiness of the man that finds it; of the man indefinitely; he had spoken before to the sons of Wisdom more directly, us. 11, 12. but here, happy is the Man, etc. and that men, any man, that is come to years of capacity, may find, and get it in God's opportunity, appeareth.  
1. Because all the treasures of Wisdom, 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 Wisdom were it is not to be found, to come unto him, Matth. 11. 27, 28. Jesus Christ, who is the Wisdom 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 Angel 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 though guilt of mankind's first sin and sinfulness; and he bore the sin of the world in his own 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 again for their justification, Rom. 4. 25. 2 Corinth. 5. 14, 15. Hebr. 2. 9 and hath redeemed all mankind in himself 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, Wisdom, 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 Wisdom 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 Jews, 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 eternal 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 own image, after his own 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 again created after the image of God in a more glorious manner then ever we were in the first public man; he hath by his blood obtained eternal 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 Wisdom; and counsel is his, and sound Wisdom, he hath understanding and strength, 1 Corinth. 15. 45. Hebr. 9 12. Jam. 3. 9 Coloss. 1. 28. Prov. 8. 10, 14. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewed 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 milk bread, good fatness, and whatsoever will give satisfaction, prepared for every thirster; not only 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 fundamental Demonstration that any man may find, and get Wisdom and understanding, because it is prepared in Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all men, for every sinful soul of mankind; without which it were altogether impossible for them to have this rich, and enriching commodity. But.  
2. Not only hath he thus provided of his goodness for poor mankind; but also he giveth Wisdom 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 plain records of them are vouch safed, and preserved thorough the wonderfullness of God's goodness. God by his spirit calls, and cries to men, and tells them where Wisdom is to be had; and gives unto them both some discovery of this excellent object of Wisdom, 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 hear what he saith, until he first manifests himself unto them, and speaks of excellent things; according to that, all ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye when (and not before) he lifts up an ensign on the mountains (even Christ Jesus in the glorious gospel, and testimonies of his goodness) and when he bloweth a trumpet (to proclaim and preach good news to you) hear ye, Isay. 18. 3. with, Chap. 11. 10. and 40. 9 He that hath searched Wisdom out, and prepared it, doth also declare it to us; and shows forth its excellency, that we might be alured there with to get and obtain Wisdom, Job 28. 27. God hath glorified, and doth in men's proper ages glorify Christ Jesus by his spirit especially in the gospel as declared in the scriptures of truth; and in the plain and faithful declaration thereof; that men might run unto him from all other things, for all Wisdom, 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 enlightened, and made wise by him; and that their faces may not be ashamed, Isay. 42. 1, 6, 7. He is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; the light of the world, Joh. 1. 9 and 8. 12. and 12. 46. and God in and by him giveth to all men, liberally that whereby they may be made partakers of Wisdom, Jam. 1. 5. And God in Christ by his spirit doth both discover unto men, and give unto them Wisdom, even the object of Wisdom; and gives unto them some sight, and opening of the eye to behold it in and thorough his testimonies in the holy scriptures, the Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; namely, both rendering Christ precious unto them; and opening the eye of their souls that they might know Christ, and win him, Psal. 19 7, 8. the entrance of God's words giveth light to discover that, in knowing whereof we may be wise indeed; and it giveth understanding unto the simple, Psal. 119. 129, 130. My Father, saith our saviour, giveth you the true bread from heaven; in receiving and eating where of they should be made wise: but how should they receive this heavenly bread? they, as all men are, were dead, and without life in themselves, and had no will to it, nor strength to receive it: to remove this discouragement our saviour adds; the bread of God is he that cometh down from heaven; and giveth life to he world, which hath none naturally: this bread of Wisdom is the most excellent bread, it is the bread of God, living, quickening bread; it prevents them with life that have none, aswell as preserveth them in life, even unto eternal life that eat it: but how doth this bread of God give live? our saviour tells us, in the word in which it is declared and commended to us: the words, saith he, that I speak unto you they are spirit, and they are life, Joh 6. 27, 32, 33, 35, 51, 63. the spirit of Wisdom and revelation is given in the knowledge, and gospel of Christ, Ephes. 1. 17. Christ was anointed with the holy spirit to preach the gospel, or glad tidings of and concerning himself; and therewith to preach recovery of sight to the blind; to preach their eyes open; and to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, Luk. 4. 18. and as he thus prevents men with the discovery of the excellency of himself, and enlighteneth their eyes, Prov. 29. 31. he than calls unto and upon them to look unto and behold him; and to come unto him, to receive this instruction and Wisdom which he is giving unto them (for no man can receive any thing except it be given him from above, joh. 3. 27.) and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, Prov. 8. 6, 10, 11. to get Wisdom, get understanding, and not forget it, neither decline from the words of his mouth, in which Wisdom is brought, and given to us, Prov. 4. 4, 8. and not only doth Wisdom call and cry unto us, but also she stretcheth for't her hand to help and strengthen us to receive it: where the word of this king of kings is, there is power, Eccles. 8. 4. he is not only opening men's eyes in and by his gospel, but also turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, that men might come unto him, Prov. 1. 20, 24. Act. 26. 18. 22, 23. he is in and by his law and doctrine converting the soul, whither men be converted or no; and yet to the end they might be converted; and therefore calls upon them, be ye converted, not convert yourselves; be ye saved; be ye reconciled to God; be ye wise; be ye of an understanding heart to signify to us, that God is not wanting to men, but is in and with his calls, and by his gospel converting, saving, reconciling, and making men wise, and of an understanding hearth: and therefore if they perish, their destruction is of themselves, Psal. 19 7. Act. 3. 19, Isay. 45. 22. 2 Corint. 5. 19, 20, Prov. 8. 5. by all which it evidently appeareth, that men may in due time find Wisdom, and get understanding.  
3. It also appeareth that men may find, and get Wisdom, and understanding, because he not only hath prepared it for men in Christ, and is giving it unto them in and with him; but also he hath made and confirmed great and precious promises, that in our seeking and searching for it as thus prevented, we shall find it, and get it: from this motive and argument our saviour exhorteth; ask and ye shall receive: seek and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened, Matth. 7. 7, 8, 11. To the same purpose the Wisdom of God speaketh; if thou criest after Wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth Wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding, Prov. 2. 1, 6. the same encouragement also the Apostle James sets before the beleivers. Ifany of you lack Wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth liberally to all men, and upbraideth not; and it shall begiven him, Jam. 1. 5. see also, Joh. 4. 10. and 6. 27. Prov. 8. 14, 17. many promises of this nature are proposed to us, to the end we might seek, and get Wisdom; and faithful is he that hath promised, who also will do what he hath promised, according to the tenor thereof: and these promises are now confirmed to us by the precious and incorruptible blood of Christ; for in him all the promises of God are yea and Amen, 2 corinth. 1. 20. and he also who by his blood hath ratified, and sealed them is alive, and lives for evermore as the mediator of the New Testament, to take away our iniquities, and give unto us in his father's way all things that pertain to life and godliness, so as none that seek Wisdom, or any other good thing, shall be ashamed, Hebr. 9 14, 15. Psal. 69. 6.  
And this consideration, that men may, while called to day, find and get Wisdom, and understanding, as is in part thus evidenced, may be useful to us, and usefully considered by us.  
1. To help us to cease to hear those instructions that cause to err from the words of knowledge, Prov. 19 27. namely, such instructions as whereby sinners entice us to cast in our lot amongst them, and to walk in the way with them; to run with them to the same excess of riot, in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revel, banquet, etc. Prov. 1. 10, 20. 1 Petr. 4. 1, 4. to have fellow ship with them in their unfruitful works of darkness. Aswel as also to go from the presence of such foolish and false teachers as have not in them the lip of knowledge, Prov. 14. 7. both of such as say, there is no resurrection of the dead; and so by consequence that Christ is not raised again: As those that say, that Christ is in every man, and that the light in every man is Christ; and deny that Christ is raised again in that very personal body in which he was crucified, and died for our sins according to the scriptures; and was buried: these ungodly doctrines render it altogether unprofitable for us to seek Wisdom, and impossible to get understanding: for if Christ be not raised again in that body of his flesh in which he was delivered for our offences, we are yet in our sins, and the faith of beleivers is vain; and the preaching of the Apostles is also vain; then they are found false witnesses of God, then is the hope of the gospel vain; then let us eat and drink for to morrow we die; but those are ungodly, and anti▪ christian say; for Christ is raised again, his soul was not left in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption, 1 Corint. 15. 12, 20. take we heed of such false witnesses as bring such profane and vain babble. And also it may cause us to beware of those false teachers who consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus; such as say, Christ did not taste death by the grace of God for every man, nor is raised again for their justification; and so by consequence there is no Wisdom or understanding prepared for the greatest part of mankind; these are false witnesses also, who render it doubtful whither Wisdom may be gotten or no; yea who say in their doctrines, that it is vain for the greatest part of mankind to seek it, 2 Petr. 2. 1. Judas 3. Contrary to what these ungodly ones say, Wisdom may be gotten; and he that getteth Wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good: And a false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Prov. 19 5, 8, 9 1 Tim. 6. 3, 5.  
2. To show unto us the folly and madness of those that seek not Wisdom, and get not understanding; the greatness of their sin, and folly, and severity of their judgement is manifested in what hath been said; of Wisdom were not prepared for them: or if they could not possibly be made partakers of it, they would have some cloak and excuse; but now their sin is inexcusable; and it greatly provokes the king of glory to anger, that when he hath prepared his dinner, his oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready, and they invited, they then make light of it, and go their ways, one to his farm, and another to his Merchandise, Matth. 22. 4, 8. this is men's great folly, and that which highly provokes God, that they hate knowledge, and will not choose the fear of the Lord, when he is calling upon them, and stretching forth his hand unto them; Prov. 1. 20, 29. Oh! that we may not be such fools, and so unwise, but may understand what the will of the Lord is, Ephes. 5. 17. Prov. 1. 7.  
3. To encourage and move us all to find Wisdom, and draw out understanding; it is prepared for us, and declared and given to us that we might seek it; and assurance given to us in his great and precious promises that in seeking it early we shall find it; oh let us therefore get Wisdom, and with all our get get understanding, Prov. 4. 6. seek we the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near, Isay. 55. 6. and to provoke us hereto, consider the next instruction, viz.  
3. That the present time is God's opportunity for finding Wisdom, and getting understanding. Whence the Wisdom of God saith, Now therefore hearken unto me o ye children, Prov. 8. 32. we might branch this instruction into these two parts, and show.  

1. That the present time is the opportunity in which it is possible for us to get Wisdom.  
2. It is the opportunity in which it is good and needful for us to get it.   
1. The present time is the opportunity in which it is possible for us to get Wisdom, therefore it is said, happy is the man that findeth, and getteth; as signifying to us, that now while God is waiting upon us that he may be gracious to us, and vouchsafing means, we may seek success fully; and that is all the day long, while he is calling unto us. To him that in joined to all the living there is hope, Eccles. 9 4. While God hears Christ in his meditation for us, and that is all the time he makes intercession, he vouchsafeth some means to us; and while he vouchsafeth means, God succours Christ in his ministration, and sends forth his spirit; and, behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation; now we may receive his grace so as to be saved thereby, 2 Corint. 6. 1, 2. While God is exercising long-suffering to us, it is to a gracious end, and out of love to us, because he is not willing that any man should perish, but that all should come to repentance; and hence the beleivers are instructed to account, that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation, not destruction, 2 Petr. 3. 9, 15. Wisdom is crying, and calling unto simple ones that love their simplicity; and to scorners that delight in scorning; and to fools that hate knowledge, and have done so for a long time, to turn at her reproofs, with assurance, in so doing, she will pour forth her spirith, and make known her words unto them: and while she calleth, she stretcheth forth her hand to help them to turn, Prov. 1. 20, 24. yea though men have forgotten him days without number, and so provoked him, as that he hath put them away, and they have sold themselves for their iniquities, yet while Christ calls unto them by his gospel, or any means, his hand is not shortened that he cannot redeem, but he hath power still to deliver, and is stretching it forth to that end and purpose, Isay. 50. 1, 2. and 65. 1, 2. and though we have long despised Wisdom, yet to day, while it is called to day, we may seek and find Wisdom: the end of Christ's dying for all, was, that they which live, and are still joined to all the living, might not hence forth live to themselves, but to him who died for them, and rose again, 2 Corint. 5. 15. Eccles. 9 10. and this consideration may comfort us, and cause us to lift up the hands that hang down, and to strengthen the feeble knees: for though we have been such fools as hitherto to despise Wisdom, and hate knowledge, yet while God is calling us, and continuing means to us, and especially his servants to preach the gospel, it is still a time of finding, and getting Wisdom; and he that so hears and learns of the father as to come to Christ, he will in no wise cast out, but will receive him graciously, pardoning his iniquities, Joh. 6. 37. And it might be powerful also to awaken us to seek the Lord, to seek Wisdom, and righteousness while he is exercising patience, and forbearance to us, and crying to us to turn at his reproofs; and to stir us up hereto, the next branch of the instruction is good to be considered by us, viz.  
2. The present time is the opportunity in which it is good and needful for us to seek and get Wisdom and understanding: Wherefore as the Ho: Ghost saith, to day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, Hebr. 3. 7, 8, 14, 15. and 4. 7. strive now to enter in at the straight gate, for many I say unto you, saith our saviour, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able: When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut too the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. Then all plead and arguments will be in vain; he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence you are, Luk. 13. 24, 27. gather yourselves therefore together, yea gather together, before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lords anger come upon you, Zephan. 2. 1, 2.  
Objection. If any one should say, I am young, and strong, and the evil day will not yet prevent, nor overtake me: I may now rejoice in my youth, and let my heart cheer me; I may now seek after the world, and love the lust of the flesh, mine ease and pleasure: Or the lust of the eye, in labouring to be rich, and laying up for myself and mine: Or the pride of life. I may hereafter apply my heart to Wisdom; I know not yet how to be so serious; it will be time enough for that when old age cometh.  
Answer. 1. To this I may say, this Objection savours of great ignorance, and folly, and want of consideration of the worth, and invaluable price of Wisdom: did we seriously consider that Wisdom is the principal thing; and that all the things we may, or can desire are not to be compared to her; as God is discovering the excellency of it, and opening our eyes to behold it; and that it is prepared for us, and may be found and gotten by us; it would be powerful with us to seek it early, to seek first the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof, to cry after it, and be restless in our spirits for it, and with all our get, and in all opportunities to seek after this one thing that is so profitable unto all things, Prov. 3. 15, 16, 17. and 4. 1, 8. and 8. 1. 6. 10, 11, 17. And therefore also.  
2. It is safe good, and needful to seek it in the present opportunity, and dangerous to neglect that▪ For.  
1. If thou shouldest live to old age, it may be more difficult then to find Wisdom then now because.  
1. When old age cometh, than our naturally capacities and powers will be much weakened and impaired; and afflictions, and weaknesses are ordinarily so many, and so flowing in upon us like the waves of the sea, one in the neck of another, the clouds returning after the rain, that then we shall be more out of capacity to seek and get Wisdom, hence when the preacher had, by way of severe reproof to such an Objector, said: rejoice o young man in they youth, and let thy heart cheer the in the days of thy youth; and walk in the ways of thine own heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement, etc. He adds: Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them While the sun or the light, or the Moon, or the Star be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain, etc. Eccles. 11. 9, 10. and 12. 1, 7. it will then be more hard to hear, and seek after Wisdom, when we are pressed down, and burdened with manifold pains, sicknesses, weaknesses; and when also our natural strength is weakened; As is signified in what is said of the Israëlites, when God sent them word by the hand of Moses that he would bring them out from. Under the burdens of the Egyptians; and rid them out of their bondage etc. yet they harkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, Exod. 6. 2, 9  
2. Then also it will ●e more hard, and difficult, to get understanding, because they have been accustomed to do evil: When it hath been men's manner from their youth to neglect Wisdom, and despise instruction, and to seek after, and set their hearts upon the world, and the things thereof, this renders it more difficult with them to leave their old ways, and practices, and cause their hearts to come to Wisdom, according to that: Can the Ethiopian change his skin? Or the Leopard his spots? then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil, Jerem. 13. 23. Indeed with God all things are possible; nor do I speak this to discourage them that are old; but to awaken the young, and others before they are older, to break of their sins, and forsake their unrighteous ways and thoughts, and turn unto him who delighteth in mercy, and who will multiply to pardon. Nor doth the Holy. Ghost use that saying fore mentioned Jerem. 13. 23. to signify, that it is impossible for them to learn to do well, as he is giving grace unto them; for he; vers 27. thus still expostulates with them; wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be? As intimating, that God was yet waiting upon them, and cleansing them from the evil they had been accustoming themselves unto: but he speaks it, to the end he might engage them to consider their ways, and turn unto him: but continuance in evil makes it more difficult with us to departed there from, and to forsake our old lovers and companions, and to incline our hearts to God's understanding, which we have so long despised, and set light by. What one is wont to do, becomes at last, after a sort, necessary for him to do. As, whereas in Matth. 27. 15. it is said, Pilate was wont to release unto the people a prisoner; it is thus rendered; Luk. 23. 17. of necessity he must release unto them one at the feast. As on the one hand, the holy spirit saith, train up a child in the way in which he should go; and when he is old he will not departed there from, Prov. 22. 6. so on the other hand we may say, when we have been training up ourselves in the days of our youth, and strength in the ways in which we should not go, it becomes more hard with us to departed therefrom when we are old, 2 Petr. 2. 14. let this be considered by us.  
3. Yea God may put an end to our harvest time, I mean, to those choice, and advantageous opportunites which yet in mercy he is cotinuing to us, if we continue in hating knowledge; and for such wickedness; and than it will be more difficult to seek Wisdom: He may send a famine, not of bread, or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And men may wander from sea to sea, and from the north even unto the east, and run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and not find it: and in that day the fair virgins, and young men (who may have too much neglected the present opportunites) shall faint for thirst, Amos 8. 11, 13. Go then to the Ant, thou sluggard, consider herways, and be wise; which having no guide, overseer, or ruler provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest, how long wilt thou sleep, o sluggard, when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep; so shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth, and thy want as an armed man, Prov. 6. 6, 11. and 10. 5. O! if God should send such a famine upon us, as we have by our iniquities deserved, that we may not then have cause to bewail it with the Prophet, and say; the harvest is past, the summer ended, and we are not saved, Jerem. 8. 18, 20.  
4. Yea God may deprive us of all means, and leave striving with us; or deprive us of capacity, that no man can be an instrument of good to us, for our manifold, and long continued in provocations of him, if we should defer seeking Wisdom till the evil days come: He is not tied, or engaged to us to wait our leisure or pleasure: and though he is rich in mercy, and abundant in goodness, yet it is dangerous to despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, Rom. 2. 4, 5. his spirit shall not always strive with men, Genes. 6. 3. and if we should provoke him to leave striving, woe will be unto us; No man can come to Christ, except the father who hath sent Christ draw him, Joh. 6. 44. do we then provoke the Lord to anger? are we stronger than he? Who ever hardened his heart against him, and prospered? oh that we may then be admonished to walk while we have the light, lest darkness come upon us; and while we have the light to believe in the light that we may be the children of the light, Joh. 12. 35, 36. Nay.  
2. Suppose thou shouldst live to old age, and that then thorough the grace of God that brings salvation to all men, thine heart should be turned to the Lord; yet it is much better now; and the present time is the most excellent opportunity for getting Wisdom; because.  
1. The sooner we apply our hearth to find and get, & walk in Wisdom, the more truly joyous and comfortable will be our life here in the flesh, to be spiritually minded in life and peace. Rom. 8. 6. Wisdom is sweet to the soul; life to the soul, and health to all the flesh, it doth good like a medicine. Prov. 24. 14. and 3. 21- 24. and 4. 20. 21. and whatever afflictions such meet withal as are found in this exercise; Whatever troubles they have in the flesh, and as to the outward man, yet they have a mercy heart, and thereby a continual feast. Prov. 19, 8. and 15. 13- 15. When they have tribulation in the World, they have peace in Christ who hath overcome the World; and such peace guards their hearts as passeth all understanding. Joh. 16. 33. in believing God fills them with joy and peace, and such joy as astranger intermeddleth not with. Rom. 15. 13. Prov. 14. 8- 10. Yea when they are in heaviness thorough manifold temptations, yet believing what Christ hath done, and the hope set before them; and so in Christ; They rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. 1 Petr. 1. 6- 8. Whereas the laughter of those fools that despice Wisdom is but like the crackling of thorns under a pot; it makes a great show, but is gone presently, it is but for a moment, it vanisheth away in an instant. All the things men rejoice and trust in, besides the name of the Lord, and our God; Wither they be the more gross lusts of the flesh, such as surfeiting, drunkness, uncleaness, ease and pleasure: or the desires of the mind, as covetousness, pride, the honour of this World, the friendships, and praise of men; Wisdom, or our own works of righteousness, etc. they are all but sparks of our own kindling, they are assoon out as in; There is no abiding comfort in them; And even in the laughter thereby occasioned the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness. Eccles. 5. 6. Isay. 50. 10. 11. Prov. 14. 13. A dreadful sound is in their ears many times, trouble and anguish takes hold of them in God's awakenings of them; and when they are recovered out of the snare of Satan, oh what shame is then upon them for their former evil ways; They were unfruitful to them while they walked in them, and now appear exceeding shame full to them, when they reflect upon them: according to that, what fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? Rom. 6. 21. Oh how are they then filled with grief and sorrow, both for their own personal evils, and for the injury they have done to others! They will then mourn at the last and say, how have I hated instruction? And mine heart despised reproof? And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation, the great congregation, to which the Scriptures in the records of them are vouch safed, and amongst which continued, & read every Sabbath, and upon which the name of Christ is called: and in the midst of the assembly of the upright, that have been taught of God as the truth is in Jesus, and love him, and without hidden things of dishonesty hold forth the word of life, and speak often thereof one to another in their frequent assemblings of themselves together; Which aggravates the evil of any, that have such advantages, to despise Wisdom. Prov. 5. 11- 13. with Psal. 111. 1. but contrariwise, the sooner we search for Wisdom, and seek for understanding, the more comfortable will our lives be here; hence that; come ye children, harken unto me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning and instruction of Wisdom: What man is he that will love life, and see good days? keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile: depart from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it; for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, etc. Psal. 34. 11, 15. with, 1 Petr. 3. 9, 14.  
2. And the earlier we seek Wisdom, it will probably tend to more happiness, or a greater degree of glory afterwards: men that delay the applying their hearts to understanding till the evil days come, they cannot have such opportunity for exalting Wisdom to others, and so doing them good, as those that hearty embrace it in their more youthful days; and therefore not so much fruit will abound to their account in the day of the lord They that are wise will shine as the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever andever, Dan. 12. 3. But.  
3. It is needful for us to seek and get Wisdom and understanding in the present time, and dangerous to neglect it; because our times are not in our own hands, but in the Lords; and we cannot boast ourselves of the morrow, for we know not what a day may bring forth, Prov. 27. 1. In God's hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. Job 12. 10. and how many doth he cut off in their full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet, whose breasts are full of milk, and their bones moistened, with Marrow? Job 21. 22- 24. and if he cut of, or shut up, or gather together, than who can hinder him? Job 9 12. 13 and 11. 10. and 12. 14. There is no man hath power over the Spirit to retain the Spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death; and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. Eccles. 8. 8. And in the grave there is no work nor device, nor knowledge, nor Wisdom. Eccles. 9 10. no hoping for God's truth. Isay 38. 18. None to preach the Gospel, or to Commemorate God's praises. Psal. 6. 5. and 88 11, 12. and 115, 17, 18. And besides all this, the state of man is then fixed for ever when theydye; there is then a great gulf fixed, so that there is no passing from one place, or state, to another no not forever; But as the tree falls so it lies, whither toward the south, or toward the north: In the place where the tree falleth there it shall be. Luk. 16. 26. Eccles. 11. 3. Let us consider this according to what the Apostle James saith: Go to now, ye that say, to day, or to morrow, we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy, and sell, and get gain: Whereas you know not what will be on the morrow; for what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Therefore (because our lives are so uncertain and brittle) to him that knoweth to do good, and doth it not (in the present season) to him it is sin. Jam. 4. 13. 17. All that hath been said doth in some measure show, that it is good and needful for us to search diligently for Wisdom, and understanding in the present opportunity: And it may be of usefulness to us.  
1. To show unto us who are fools indeed, even such as procrastinate, and delay their seeking Wisdom; such as know not, or take no notice of their time. Eccles. 8. 5- 7. They are more brutish herein then many creatures that have no understanding: The stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times and the swallow, and the turtle, and the crane, observe the time of their oming: but my people, saith the Lord know not the judgement of the Lord: how do ye say we are Wise? Jerem. 8. 7, 9 such are instructed to go to the Ant, and consider her ways; though she be without the understanding that men have, yet she provideth her meat in the summer, in the proper season; Whereas sluggards, Whom God teacheth more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh wiser than the fowls of heaven, observe not the proper time. Job 35. 11. Nay herein also men are preferred before, or have greater advantages than the aunts, that weak people; they have no ruler, overseer, arguide; whereas generally we have some parent, or yoke fellow, or relation, or faithful friend, to Counsel and provoke us to do whatever our hand findeth to do, with our might. Prov. 6. 6- 10. Eccles. 9 10.  
2. It may exhort us all, not to have fellowship with men in their unfruitful works of darkness; but to redeem the time, especially when the days are evil, that we may understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephes. 5. 11- 17. and with David, to think on our ways▪ and turn our feet to God's testimonies; to make haste, and not delay to keep God's commandments Psal. 119. 59, 60. And to engage us hereto, consider the last instruction noted in this Affirmation; Viz.  
4. He is, and shall be an happy man that findeth Wisdom, and getteth understanding: The translatours have put in [is] and read, happy is the man; but it is more full, left out, and read; Happy the man that findeth Wisdom, etc. namely, happy now and for ever. Happiness is a deliverance from evil, and an enjoyment of all good, according to that. Psal. 84. 11, 12. the Lord God is a sun and shield, and will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly: Blessed (happy, as is evident in the former verse) is the man that is in such a case: so here. He that is and shall be thus happy, is such an one as findeth Wisdom, etc. Not that hath found simply; but to him that by patiented continuance in welldoing seeks for glory, etc. Rom. 2. 7. to such as always abide in this exercise, and are not weary of welldoing; he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved. Gal. 6. 9 Matth. 10. 22. Otherwise all will be in vain. Men may have run well in former times, and yet by some means be hindered from Obeying the truth: They may draw back, after they have begun well; and then during such neglect of, or departure from this exercise, God's soul shall have no pleasure in them. Gal. 3. 1- 3. and 5. 7. Hebr. 10. 38. When the righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and doth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doth, shall he live? Shall he be happy? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned; in his trespass that he hath trespassed; and in his sin that he hath sinned in them shall he die. Ezek. 18. 24. But she is a tree of life to all that lay hold on her, and happy is every one that retaineth her. He that getteth Wisdom loveth his own soul, he that keepeth understanding shall find good. Prov. 3. 18. and 19 8. Happy is such an one, and it shall be well with him for ever. Psal. 128. 1, 2. like to those say of our Saviour; He that beleiveth on him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Joh. 3. 15, 16, 18, 36. He that cometh to me shall never hunger; he that abideth in me shall bring forth fruit; but if a man abide not in him, he is cast forth as a branch, and whitereth, and men gather them, and they are cast into the fire and burned. Joh. 6. 35. and 15. 1. 8. such an one than is the subject of this happiness, even every one that cometh unto, and abideth in Christ. And every such an one is pronounced happy, not by the men of the World, the World knoweth not, owneth not, approveth them not, but looketh upon them as miserable ones; But by Wisdom, who is infinite in love, as manifested in that she hath built her house, and furnished her table, and invites all to hear, to come and be wise; and loves them with peculiar manner of love that from the discovery of her love, love her, and seek her early. Prov. 18. 17. and 9 1- 5. and she is infinite in power, as evidenced in that she made the heavens, and hath grappled with and overcome all our enemies; and all power is given to her; and therefore not only saith, happy; But makes happy with her word; he is blessed whom she blesseth, and shall be blessed, for ever. 1 Chron. 17. 27. Yea and she is faithful, the opening of her lips are right things; for her mouth speaks truth, and wickedness is an abomination to her lips; all the words of her mouth are in righteousness, etc. Prov. 8. 6- 10. all which are powerful motives to listen to, and receive her instruction, and take fast hold thereon. And what the happiness, and blessedness of every such an one as findeth Wisdom, and gets understanding is, and shall be, we shall give some account of in speaking to the gain thereof.  
Thus though with, much weakness, I have spoken to the affirmation of the Ho: Ghost, which was the first thing proposed to be considered in the beginning: and now come to speak to the second. Viz.  
2. We have also in the words, a general demonstration, and evidence of the happiness of such a man as findeth Wisdom, and getteth understanding. And a commendation of the exercise of finding, and getting; Laid down as a motive and argument to engage us to seek, that we may find and get it. For the Merchandise of it is better than the Merchandise of Silver, and the gain thereof then fine gold. Verse. 14.  
In which Demonstration, and Commendation is signified to us in general.  
1. That that which renders a man happy in the account of Wisdom, is somewhat that is more excellent than silver, or gold, or any thing included therein, or to be had, and enjoyed thereby; therefore it is not said, happier, or happiest, is the man, but positively, happy the man, For the Merchandise of Wisdom is better, etc. it must be somewhat better than gold and silver, that will make a man happy. Though money answers all things here. Eccles. 10. 19 Yet it will not make a man truly happy; nor all the things besides this excellent Wisdom we can desire. Prov. 3. 15. a man may be, and is, an unhappy, miserable piteous creature, though he should gain the whole world if he be without Wisdom, for he will lose his own soul. Matth. 16. 26, 27. Prov. 19 8. Silver and gold is so fare from making a man happy, and blessed indeed, that the abundance of it which he possesseth will not make the natural life comfortable, nor continue it. Luk. 12. 15. Deut. 30. 20. It is Christ Jesus, the Wisdom that is from above, in whom there is blessing for all the nations, and families of the earth; in whom are treasured up all spiritual blessings in heavenly things▪ Genes. 22. 18. Act. 3. 25. Ephes. 1. 3. and he that hath and finds him is blessed indeed, and shall be blessed. Prov. 8. 33. 34. Israel, who have the God of Jeshurun for their help, who are justified, and glory in the Lord, are an happy people, and there is none like unto them herein, namely, none besides them happy: though others may have an abundance of the World in their possessions, yet he that beleiveth not the son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. Deut. 33. 26-29. Joh. 3. 36. Prov. 29 18. Psal. 144▪ 15▪ and 146. 5. there is, as before is said, blessing in Christ for all nations, that which will make a man happy; but this is only received in receiving him, which any man may do while God is calling, and stretching forth his hand; but though a man had all the silver and gold in the World, yet if he sinneth against this Wisdom, and hates her, he wrongs his own soul, and loves death; And is therefore a most miserable man; such an one is opposed to the blessed and happy man. Prov. 8. 36. with vers. 34. And this consideration might be useful to us.  
1. To show unto us the folly of such as labour for silver and gold, as if happiness consisted therein; and account themselves, and others happy in the enjoyment of it; The covetous man blesseth himself, but the Lord abhorreth him. Psal. 10. 3. indeed, our Wisdom which is earthly, leads us to labour to be rich in those uncertain, and deceitful riches, as if they would render us blessed in the possessing of them: Prov. 23. 4. and causeth them that have the riches of this World to say, blessed be the Lord, for I am rich; as is they were therefore happy; or as if this were an undoubted evidence of God's peculiar love to them, Zach. 11. 5. but they are miserably Mistaken; he that had such an a abundance of this World's good that he wanted room where to bestow it, was yet but a fool; and so is every one that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God, Luk. 12. 16, 20.  
2. It may help us to take heed, and beware of covetousness, and not to love the World, nor the things that are in the World; for whosoever so doth, the love of the father is not in him, 1 Joh. 2. 15, 17. why should we set our affections upon, and lust after those things in which happiness consisteth not? this argument the Apostle useth to take off the beleivers from covetousness. If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God; set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth; for ye are dead, and your life (your happiness) is hid, (not in the things on the earth, but) with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we appear with him in glory; Mortify therefore your members on the earth. Covetousness, Colos. 3. 1, 3, 5.  
3. It may make us sober in our exercise about the things of this world; and let the Moderation of our mind be known to all men, in all these things, Philip. 4. 5. and especially seeing the end of all things is at hand, it may cause us to be sober, that we may watch unto prayer, and attend upon the Lord without distraction, for the things here below will not make us happy, 1 Petr. 4. 7. 1 Corint. 7. 29, 35. the things here below may cumber and distract us, but one thing is needful for us to be fervently sought after by us, even this sound Wisdom, and excellent understanding. Luk. 10. 39-42.  
4.  silver and gold will not make us happy, and that Wisdom will only do so, even this heavenly Wisdom, it may engage us to get Wisdom; and with all our get to get understanding.  
2. In this Demonstration, and Commendation, is also in general signified to us; that the way of the Ho: Ghost for taking us of from those things that are uncertain, and unprofitable, is, to set better things before us; He doth noth simply forbidden us to love the World and things that are in, and of the World; But to redeem us from them, and from our vain conversation, he proposeth to, and sets before us the precious blood of Christ, and what thereby he hath effected and obtained, and is become, that he might out bid all other things. 1 Petr. 1. 18, 19 Wisdom had before admonished us not to lean to our own understanding. Vers. 5. Now that she might prevail with us to receive that admonition, and cease from our own Wisdom, she here proposeth to us a Wisdom, and understanding that is infinitely better, more rich, and enriching. So when the Apostle had been crying down the Wisdom of the wise, and understanding of the prudent, that no flesh might glory in God's presence, but be willing to become fools, he saith, Christ is made of God Wisdom. And, saith he, how be it, though we come not with excellency of speech, or of Wisdom, but have shown that God hath made foolishness the Wisdom of this World, Yet we preach Wisdom, etc. 1 Cor. 1. 17- 31. and 2. 1- 8. to the end that we might in beholding, and considering that better, and more precious, and profitable Wisdom, part with and cease from our own, which is brutish, and not only unprofitable, but hurtful. In like manner, that we might be broken off from our covetousness, from affecting, and lusting after the riches of this World; and from seeking after the honour of this World; the Wisdom of God assures us, that riches and honour are, with her, yea durable riches, and righteousness; that her fruit is better than gold, yea then fine gold, and her revenue then choice silver. That in her left hand are riches and honour; that we might hearken unto her, and be crucified to the World, and come unto her to be enriched by her; and in a patiented continuance in Welldoing seek for glory, honour, and immortality; That honour which hath immortality joined with it, which the honour we may receive from men hath not, Prov. 8. 10, 18, 20. and 3. 16. Rom. 2. 7. so to take us off from rejoicing, or trusting in our own works of righteousness, Christ Jesus by his spirit sets before us the righteousness of God without the law; or without the works, or sacrifices thereof, even that righteousness which is manifested by the faith of Christ to be for and unto all, and upon all them that believe; that we might count all our own righteousnesses as filthy rags, and as loss and dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, that we might win him and be found in him, Rom. 3. 20, 22. Gal. 2. 15, 16, 21. Philip. 3. 7, 9 Hebr. 10. 32, 34. Prov. 16. 16. and 8. 18.  

1. This consideration than shows unto us, the willingness, and cordiallness of Christ, that we might be partakers of him, and of that excellent provision treasured up in him for all mankind.  
2. It shows the bruitishness of those men who spend their money for that which is not bread, and labour for that which satisfieth not; seeing God hath prepared for us, and sets before us that which is good and fatness, and which will give to us real satisfaction, and render us truly happy. Isay. 55. 1- 3. O that we may none of us by following lying vanities forsake our own mercies. Jonah. 2. 8.   
More particularly in this Demonstration and evidence of the happiness of the man that findeth Wisdom, and getteth understanding; and commendation of the exercise thereabout, is signified to us.  

1. That to the end we may find, and get Wisdom, as referring to the former verse; and have the gain of it, as referring to the latter end of this verse; We must first use Merchandise.  
2. That the Merchandise of Wisdom is better than the Merchandise of silver; and the gain thereof then fine gold.   
1. That to the end we may find, and get Wisdom, and have the gain of it, we must first use Merchandise. This excellent, and beneficial treasure is prepared for us, and declared to us, without and before any thing be required of us, as is before shown: But that we may partake of it, and its benefit somewhat is required of us as God is enabling us. There is first good prepared for men, and shown to them, before any thing be required of them. Mica. 6. 8. But then there are commandments given to us by the Lord Jesus. The husbandman must first labour, saith the Apostle, before he be partaker of the fruit; Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee an understanding in all things. 2 Tim. 2. 5- 7. Hence our Saviour saith, Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give unto you, (in thus exercising yourselves) Joh. 6. 27- 29. It is in this also, and most certainly true; The diligent hand maketh rich; and the soul of the diligent shall be made fat; but the soul of the sluggard desiretb, and hath nothing, the idle soul shall suffer hunger. Prov. 10. 4, 5. and 13. 4. and 19 15. and 20. 4. Hence such precepts are given to us. Prov. 4. 5, 7, and 6. 6, 11. In this instruction than we shall briefly inquire and consider.  

1. What is this Merchandise here commended to us?  
2. Why it is called, and compared to Merchandise?   
1. What is this Merchandise here commended to us, and what is needful hereto? to this we have spoken already, and shall therefore briefly say.  
1. There is contained in it, and needful to it, an hearing, and learning of the father, that we may know where it is, and is to be had by us, and the excellency of it, that we may seek it, and in the right place; how shall we believe on him of whom we have not heard? Rom. 10. 14, 17, 18. that the soul be without knowledge it is not good, and we canoot know unless we hear and learn of God; naturally we are ignorant, and know not God's name, or his Son's name, but every word of God is pure, Prov. 30. 4, 5. let every man therefore be swift to hear the word of truth; and to hear in hearing: to learn of Christ to know him, who is made known to us in the holy scriptures and in his ordinances, and in the assemblies of his people, let us then bow down our ears; and hear the words of the wise, Jam. 1. 18, 19 Prov. 22. 19 and 8. 33. and 19 2.  
2. There is diligence, and industry, especially of the soul, to be used, and exercised, that we may get, and be made partakers of it; to wit, an exercising ourselves in the law of the Lord day and night; as is said of the virtuous and wise Woman; she girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms; when she perceiveth her Merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night, Prov. 31. 17, 18. so there is requisite hereto, and contained herein, a diligent seeking, and serious searching for, and earnest drawing out this sound Wisdom; and a safe laying it up, and keeping it, when we have found it, and thereto reading, and searching the Scriptures of truth, meditating therein, praying unto God to open our eyes, and give us Wisdom; and as we find his words to eat them, that they may be the joy and rejoicing of our hearts. Matth. 13. 45. Joh. 6. 27. Matth. 6. 33. Prov. 8. 17, 18.  
2. Now this spiritual exercise may be called, and compared to Merchandise.  
1. To signify to us, that this excellent commodity of Wisdom, and understanding is not in ourselves, as is before noted; we must seek it elsewhere, even without us in Christ Jesus, as declared to us in the gospel. As those things that merchants seek after, they have them not of their own, but the merchant's ships bring their commodites from a fare, Prov. 31. 14. so this Wisdom is above, and fare of from us; and the tidings of it is good news from a fare country. Prov. 25. 25. in us, that is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good thing; we have no sound wisdom, or understanding in us; there is none▪ that understandeth. Rom. 3. 10, 11. and 7. 18. but these treasures are hid in Christ; and yet they are brought nigh to us in the word of faith; and in the preaching of it they are in our mouths, and in our hearts, that we might receive them; they are brought to us in the Scriptures, and in the opportunities we have to hear the gospel, as commodities, are brought nigh to men in a mart, or market: But we are without this Wisdom naturally, and from our first byth'. Those are ungodly, and antichristian spirits who say, the true light, Christ, is in every man; for Christ is in heaven, and no otherwise had but in receiving him, even in believing on his name. Joh. 1. 12. and he that heareth, and learneth of the Father cometh unto him; and therefore he is naturally at a distance from him. John 6. 45.  
2. It is called, and compared to Merchandise, to instruct us, that we must part with somewhat, that we may have this excellent pearl, as also before is said. Commodities are sold to, and therefore must be bought by the Merchants, before they have them, or somewhat must be parted with by the Merchant for them. Prov. 31. 24. The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Merchant man seeking goodly pearls (a good heart, good frames, and qualifications) who when he had found one pearl of great price (Christ in the gospel in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in whom is all good) he went and sold all that he had (all his former riches righteousness, confidences, hopes for Heaven, marks, signs, etc. and bought it. Matth. 13. 45, 46. Indeed, herein also is a difference between the earthly and heavenly Merchandise: The Merchants of this World part with somewhat usually that is in some measure worthy, or judged worthy of the commodity; But we have no worth, nor worthiness, and therefore can parth with, nothing which may in the least be of like value with Wisdom: And therefore he that hath no money is invited to buy, and to buy without money and price. Isay. 55. 1. Yet we must buy Wisdom, and understanding. Prov. 23. 23, and to that end we must forsake all that we have. Luk. 14. 33.  
3. This spiritual exercise is likened to Merchandise also, because as in the earthly Merchandise a man meets with many troubles, and storms; Their trading being much upon the sea; and they being placed near the sea. Ezek. 27. 3. They meet with many boisterous winds, and troublesome seas, which many times do affright them, and threaten danger to them: So also in seeking after this sound Wisdom, Many are the afflictions of the righteous. Psal. 34. 17- 19 They have many contrary winds of evil doctrines annoying them, and hindering them in this pursuit, and endeavouring to corrupt them, and draw them off from listening to Wisdom, and seeking, and getting understanding. Prov. 9 1- 6. 13- 17. They are endeavouring to toss them to and fro. Ephes. 4. 14. that they might drive them back, or cause them to come into their pretended harbour, which will not indeed secure them. Gal. 5. 7. Prov. 7. 1- 18. and many storms they meet with from violent dealars, and profane ones; many frowns and flatteries, many scoffs, reproaches, and derisions; many threats, and actual troubles, and bodily persecutions also; imprisonments, spoilings of their goods, loss of liberty, name, yea and life also, when their enemies have permissive commission given to them. Matth. 10. 38, 39 So that, as it is needful for us in coming unto, and following Christ Jesus to deny ourselves, and sell all that we have; So also it is needful to take up our cross daily, and follow him. Luk. 14. 26, 27. Matth. 16. 24. Such as use this Merchandise must expect to meet with manifold storms and tempests; The floods of the ungodly lift up, they lift up their voice, they lift up their Waves. Psal. 18. 4, 5. and 93. 3, 4. They shall be hated of all men, and suffer Persecution, who will live godly in Christ Jesus. Matth. 10. 22. 2 Tim. 3. 12, 13. Yea and their Lord and Master will be more abundantly trying, correcting, and chastening them, not to discourage them in their way, but to purify them, and try them, and make them white to the time of the end: The rain will descend, upon them, and the floods beat, and the winds blow: and it is good, and needful for them to know this, who resolve to exercise themselves in this Merchandise, that when persecutions & afflictions arise for the gospel sake, they may not be offended, or count it strange concerning the fiery trial, as if some strong thing happened unto them. Luk. 14. 25, 26-33. 1 Peter 4. 12. Matth. 7. 24, 25.  
4. This is Merchandise, because gain is aimed at, and may lawfully be proposed by us: Those that use Merchandise in this World do it to this end, that they may enrich themselves by their traffic, and trading. Ezek. 27. 12. and 28. 5. in all labour there is profit aimed at, and sought after. Prov. 14. 23. and indeed this is the great thing the Merchants of the earth propose to themselves, that they may enrich themselves; and therefore they willingly adventure, and endure many storms, and go thorough much foul weather. Revelat. 18. 11- 17. 23. So also those that trade for, and in this heavenly commodity, may have respect to the recompense of the reward, to that gain which is better than that of fine gold: the hope of this is that which causeth them to labour, and suffer reproach; and forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forth unto those things that are before, to press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philip. 3. 13, 14. This is the motive the faithful and true witness useth, to engage those who were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, to listen to his counsel, and buy his commodities, because they were gainful, to wit, gold tried in the fire wherewith they might be made rich, and white raiment, etc. Revelat. 3. 17, 18. and because of this gain proposed, they who are spiritual, and heavenly Merchants, are strengthened to bear up against all storms, and to hoist up their sails in all foul weather, and not to faint, but set their faces like a flint, knowing that their light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for them a fare more exceeding eternal weight of glory, While they look not on the things that are seen, but on the things which are not seen. 2 Corinth. 4. 16- 18. They do not so observe the wind as to be discouraged, but the gain being so sweet, and delightful, it causeth them to trade, that they might get more knowledge of Christ, and God in him, more acquaintance with him, and conformity to him; that they might add to their faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity; and that their pound might gain five or ten pound; and that at last they might be made partakers of the hope of eternal life, Luk. 19 15, 18. this makes them launch out into the deep amidst the waves, and billows of the sea, and to fear no weather, because they know they shall reap in joy; and at last partake of that glory which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive; this hope saves them, and strengthens them with patience to wait, and with resolution to hold on their way, and not to fear what flesh can do unto them; and this gain makes them willing to count as loss those things that formerly were gainful to them; and to sell, and part with all, that by any means they may attain the resurrection of the dead: no storms, or blasts they must endure, and pass thorough; no goodly things they must forgo, and part with; no flatteries and enticements they meet withal, move them, while the eye is fixed on this great gain: but he that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure, Act. 20. 19, 24. 1 John. 3. 1, 3.  
5. This exercise may be compared to merchandise, because we should seek after this heavenly Wisdom, that we might impart it to others: thus it is with the merchants of the earth; they adventure for commodities, and buy them, that they may sell, and get gain, as before: and here in merchants are differenced from many other buyers; many others buy for themselves, and their own use only; or for their own families: But Merchants buy not commodities for themselves, and their families only, but that they may sell to others, to any that will buy of them; and this is part of their trade and traffic. Ezek. 27. 33, 34. So those wise, and spiritual Merchants should seek and get Wisdom and understanding, not for themselves, or their families only, though especially they are to seek their good; and to teach and instruct their Children diligently; and to talk unto them when they sit in the house, etc. Deut. 6. 4- 9 But they are also to impart Wisdom to others; I say not, sell it, however not in such a sense as to part with it, and let in go; the Ho: Ghost hath instructed us to buy the truth, and not sell it, Prov. 23. 23. but to disperse it, as instruments in the hand of God, to others: this is the exercise of wise men, and hereby they still grow richer, according to that, in the house of the righteous is much treasure; the lips of the wise disperse knowledge (hereby they are more filled with treasure, to him that hath shall be given) but the heart of the foolish doth not so, Prov. 15. 6, 7. this is the way for merchants to grow rich, to disperse their commodities to others; and hereby shall the wise merchant increase knowledge; the more he scattereth, the more he increaseth; the liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself, Prov. 11. 24- 26. Christ's disciples are the light of the World; and are instructed to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, holding forth the word of life in word and conversation, Philip. 2. 14- 16. this liberty and authority he hath given them, who taught them their trade, and committed to them his goods, and gave them ability to traffic therewith; I mean, he who is king of saints, who is their judge, to plead their cause, and right their wrongs, and justify them when thy are unjustly condemned; Who is also their Lawgiver, and Statute-maker; Whose laws they ought to observe, and according to whose statutes they are to act, and by which to be judged: And who is their king, to save them from all evil, and enemies; and to help them as the needs of their matters require, Isay. 33. 22. And if any of them should forbear to exalt, and promote Wisdom to others, because they are forbidden by men; or because danger threatens them; or on what account soever they hid their talents, it will tend to their great damage, if not to their utter undoing; from him that hath not shall be taken away that which he hath; those who are unprofitable servants shall be cast into utter darkness, where shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth, Luk. 19 26. Matth. 13. 12. and 25. 29, 30. their Apostle, and the Bishop of their souls, hath instructed them, to exhort one another daily; and as they have received the gift, so to minister, as good stewards, etc. Hebr. 3. 1, 13. 1 Petr▪ 4. 10. with Chap. 5. 1. 1 Thess. 5. 11, 12. and those that are indeed Wise merchants are found in this exercise, to invite others to this excellent commodity: the spirit and the bride say come: and let him that heareth say, come; and whosoever will let him come, and take of the water of life freely, Isay. 55. 1. Revel. 22. 16, 17. the very end wherefore they are brought into so near a relation to Christ, and have this treasure committed to them, is, that they might show forth the praises of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light, and call others into Wisdom's house, that they in eatingh her bread may be wise also, 1 Petr. 2. 4- 9 Prov. 9 1- 6. with 2 Corint. 11. 2. and Revel. 14. 4.  
6. And this may be compared to merchandise, because this spiritual exercise of theirs should be their trade, as it were, their daily and continual employment. As the merchandise of the merchants of the earth is their trade, their continued practice: other men may sometimes buy what the merchant doth, but they are not therefore reckoned, or accounted merchants; but they are accounted, and are such, who continue to buy and sell, that they may get gain, Ezek. 27. 13- 24. so they are wise merchants who with all their get get understanding, Prov. 4. 7. and they are said to use merchandise because they trade in, and with this heavenly riches: So he that had received the five talents, went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents; and likewise he that had received the two, etc. Matth. 25. 16, 17. To the same purpose it is said in another Parable, that a certain Noble man delivered ten pounds to his ten servants, and said unto them, Occupy till I come; this was to be their continual work and employment. And when he was returned, he called unto him his servants to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading, Luk. 19 12- 15. this spiritual merchandise is not an hearing sometimes, and seeking sometimes Wisdom, but the making it ones business; and happy are such servants whom their Lord when he cometh shall find so doing; according to that, blessed is the man that heareth me (not that hath heard for a little season, but continues so doing) watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors, Prov. 8. 34. happy are those servants who run to and fro that they may, grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ; Who follow on to know, that they may know the Lord, win him, and be found in him; and who are showing forth God's righteousness, and his salvation all the day; and walking in the strength of the Lord God, making mention of his righteousness, even of his only, Psal. 71. 14- 24. In such like respects, this finding Wisdom, and getting understanding, may be called, and compared to merchandise.  
2. We come in the next place to show.  

1. That the merchandise of Wisdom, and understanding, is better than the merchandise of silver.  
2. And the gain there of then fine gold.   
1. The merchandise of Wisdom, and understanding is better than the merchandise of silver. And this appeareth.  
1. Because the commodity that is here traded for, even this excellent Wisdom, and understanding, is better, infinitely better, unspeakably, yea inconceivably more excellent than silver and gold: She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her, Prov. 3. 15. They are accounted amongst men the best merchants of the earth, who trade for, and in, the most rich, and excellent wares; and their merchandise is esteemed more excellent than the merchandise of those that traffic in mean, and inconsiderable things: Now therefore the merchandise of the wise merchant must needs be most excellent, because he seeks after a pearl of great, yea of the greatest price. How much better is it to get Wisdom then gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen then silver, Prov. 16. 16. Man knows not the price thereof, the price it cost, or the worth of this heavenly riches it cannot be gotten for gold neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of ophir with the precious Onyx, or the sapphire; the gold and the crystal cannot equal it; and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold: No mention shall be made of coral, or of Pearls, for the price of Wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Job. 28. 13-19. Wisdom, even Christ Jesus, is the principal thing: And the law of his mouth is better than thousands of gold and silver. Prov. 4. 6. Ps. 119. 72, 127. There is gold, and a multitude of Rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a Precious jewel, Prov. 28. 15. Yea this Pearl is better than that which many zealous, and religious Merchants, are seeking after: They are seeking goodly pearls, they are seeking first some brokenes of heart, some love to God and men; some marks, and frames, that from thence they may conclude Christ died for them, and God loves them; they are seeking after some knowledge of God, zeal for God, hatred of sin, and victory over their corruptions, as it were by the Work, of the law, and before they dare come to Christ; and to this end they labour, and are heavy laden, and weary themselves in vain, and to no purpose. But this is a pearl of great price, even Christ as declared in the gospel, in and with whom God gives all things; here he gives wisdom, and understanding to us, hereby he quickens to a lively hope; by him he gives repentance, and forgiveness of sins, here he gives the manifestation of his love to us before we love him; he is the fountain of all grace and truth: Hence the Wise merchant who was seeking goodly pearls, when he found this one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it, Matth. 13. 45, 46. Philip. 3. 4, 9 Christ is made of God Wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: Yea he is all in the new creation, that we might come unto him, and of his fullness receive, grace for grace. 1 Corinth. 1. 30. Colos. 3. 11. O that we did in deed know his excellency, and comeliness! That we might receive his instruction and not silver: And knowledge rather than choice gold. For Wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may (Possibly, and lawfully) be desired, are not to be compared to it. Prov. 8. 10, 11.  
2. The merchandise or exercise, in seeking, getting, and drawing out this Wisdom and understanding is better than the merchandise of silver. For  
1. It is more honourable in the sight of God and all good men; The merchandise of the earth is in esteem among men; and those that use it are some of them, princes, and the honourable of the earth. Isay. 23. 8. 2 Chron. 8. 27, 28. Revel. 18. 23. But this is more honourable, not in the sight and account of fools, but in the judgement of him who is perfect in knowledge, and of those who are taught of, and led by him truly God hath no high account of the riches of this World, nor of those that labour for them. Will he esteem thy riches? no not gold, nor all the forces of strength. Job. 36. 19 Prov. 23. 4. But those that honour him, who prefer him above all other things, and hear Christ Jesus (for he that honoureth not the son, honours not the father that hath sent him) he will honour, he will greatly, and highly esteem them, both now and here after: And those that despise him, and love their gold or silver, or children above him, shall be lightly esteemed, 1 Sam. 2. 30. Hence we have this motive proposed, to engage and prevail with us to get Wisdom, and understanding, she shall bring thee to honour (not only hereafter but) when thou dost embrace her Prov. 4. 5-8. the way of life is above to the wise it is above any other way, that he may departed from hell beneath, Prov. 15. 24. the conversation of such is in heaven; and they are minding, and trading for, and in heavenly things, Philip. 3. 19, 20. and as high as heaven is above the earth, so answerably the exercise of those that are seeking after, and dwelling in heaven, is higher than the Merchandise of those who seek gold and silver: and indeed to be the servant of Christ in this exercise is the highest honour, and most honourable service, and exercise; if any man serve me, saith Christ, him shall my father honour he that waiteth on this master shall be honoured, Joh. 12. 26. He that hath my commandments, my word, and gospel, and keepeth them, saith our saviour, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my father: and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him, as I will not do to the World, and those that trade for that only; and my father and I will come unto him; and not only give him a short visit, but we will make our abode with him. What an honour is this to have the favour of and fellowship with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ? and this honour have all his saints▪ who are exercising themselves in this heavenly merchandise, Joh. 14. 21-23. and those that are led by Wisdom honour them that fear the Lord Ps. 15. 4. and are instructed to hold them in reputation, and very highly to esteem them in Love, for their works sake, who are sanctified and made meet for their master's use, and prepared to every good work, Phil. 2. 29. 1 Thess. 5. 11, 12, 13.  
2. This heavenly exercise is better than the Merchandise of silver, because it is more pleasing to God: men may laudably serve God in any work of his providence he gives them to be exercised in; and may, while they are so exercised, with the blessing of God become rich; though when that is the highest end aimed at, it is displeasing, and abominable to God, Prov. 23. 4. Luk. 16. 15. but still to cry after Wisdom, and lift up the voice for understanding, this exercise is better in the eyes of God then to seek silver, or the riches of this World. So much is signified to us in what is said of Solomon who wrote this book of the Proverbs. When the Lord in vision had bidden him to ask what he should give him, Solomon desired Wisdom and knowledge; and a wise and understanding heart. And the speech pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing: And God said unto him, because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither haste asked riches for thyself nor the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding, behold I have done according to thy Word, 1 King. 3. 5, 12. 2 Chron. 1. 7, 12. our saviour instructs us first to seek the kingdom of God; and rather to seek that then any of the things of the world: and the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ, is well pleasing to God, and approved of men, Matth. 6. 33. Luk. 12. 30, 31. with Rom. 14. 17, 18. God hath no pleasure in fools, that are destitute of, and lightly esteem this excellent Wisdom, Eccles. 5. 4. but there is joy in heaven: and it even rejoiceth the heart of our heavenly father when we retain his words, and there thorough get Wisdom, and understanding: it maketh his heart, as it were, glad, Prov. 10. 1. and 27. 11. Whoso loveth Wisdom rejoiceth his father, Prov. 29. 3. hence that; my son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine; yea my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things, Prov. 23. 15, 16.  
3. This spiritual merchandise is better than the merchandise of silver, because it is more pleasurable delightful, and joyous to us, while we sek this Wisdom with the whole heart. The Ho: Ghost doth hereby evidence and demonstrate that the Merchandise of Wisdom and understanding is better than the Merchandise of silver, because her ways are ways of pleasantness; and all her paths are peace, Prov. 3. 14, 17. My son saith Wisdom, eat thou honey because it is good and the honeycomb which is sweet to thy taste. So shall the knowledge of Wisdom be unto thy soul when thou hast found it; then there shall be a reward, etc. Prov. 24. 13, 14. The words of Wisdom are pleasant Words, even as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones: yea they are admirably sweet, sweeter than honey, and the honeycomb, Prov. 16. 24. Psal. 19, 10. and 119. 103. Prov. 2. 10. Whatever pleasure and delight men find in the earthly merchandise yet it falls short of that they partake of who trade for Wisdom; there is no fullness of joy in the former; nor is it sweet and delightful to the most noble part of man, the soul; that may be sad and sorrowful enough in the midst of all their outward joy, and delight: for the World, about which they are exercised, and all the things thereof, are broken Cisterns that can hold no water. But the God of hope fills the soul with joy and peace in believing; and with such joy as a stranger intermeddleth not with. Prov. 14. 10. Rom. 15. 13. 1 Petr. 1. 8. while the heart is exercised in a believing mind fullness, and consideration of the precious blood of Christ; and of what there by he hath effected and obtained in to himself, and is become; and of the grace of God as herein commended; and of all the treasures of Wisdom and knowledge which are hid in this mystery; it causeth them to rejoice always in the Lord, and to joy in the God of their salvation, and though they are as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, Habak. 3. 15, 18. Phil. 3. 1, 3. and 4. 4. 2 Corint. 6. 10. this is life to the soul, and health to all the flesh, and the more they are thus exercised, the more they increase in understanding, and thereby they increase joy in the Lord, who is the only true object of joy. Isay 29, 19 For God giveth to a man that is good before him, Wisdom, and knowledge, and joy but to the sinner (that wanders out of, or errs from the way of understanding) travel, to gather, and to heap up, that hemay give to him that is good before God, Eccles. 2. 26.  
4. The merchandise of Wisdom, and understanding is better than the merchandise of silver, because it is a more sure and certain way of finding, none shall fail 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 find them; they are uncertain 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 skilful, therein also; yet this is not always so. I returned, saith the preacher, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift; nor the battle 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 vain, and to no profit, rise up early; and sit up late, and eat the bread of carefulness, Psal. 127. 2. there is a great uncertainty in getting and retaining this unrighteous Mammon, especially by merchandise, the merchant's ships may be broken in going for commodities; or sink, and be cast away when they are full and returning, 2 Chron. 20. 36, 37. Or trading may fail and decay: Or those to whom they sell and adventure their commodities may break, or cheat and deceive them: or moth and rust may corrupt, and thiefs break thorough and steal: and however God hath not engaged his word that those that seek silver and gold Shall certainly find what they aim at, and seek after. But in seeking Wisdom with the whole heart we shall be sure to find it; for God who cannot lie hath so promised, as hath been said; and these promises are, confirmed with the precious blood of Jesus, who in the virtue thereof is raised again, and is the Mediator of the New Testament that the called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, Hebr. 9, 15. 2 Corint. 1. 20. Matth. 26. 28. hence our saviour exhorteth, ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find, 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 evil, give good gifts to their children; how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit, the spirit of Wisdom and revelation, to them that ask 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 soul that seeketh him; even herein he is good; he will give himself unto them to be their Wisdom and inheritance, and with himself all things that pertain 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 find 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 Wisdom it shall certainly tend to the enriching of them: according to that be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord: in due time we shall reap if we faint not. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Galat. 6. 9, 10. What an encouragement is this for us to seek Wisdom, 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 Wisdom early shall find her. Prov. 8. 17. O! let us not be slothful, but diligent followers of them who thorough faith and patience inherit the promises.  
5, The merchandise of Wisdom and understanding is the most excellent merchandise, because it is most safe, and secure from dangers and fears: those that occupy themselves in the earthly merchandise are exposed to manifold fears, 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 wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof; they mount up to heaven, they go down again to the dephts, their soul is melted because of trouble; they reel to fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and all their Wisdom is swallo wed up, Psal. 107. 25-27. yea and many times they lose their lives also by storms, or robbers, etc. And if they grow rich they are in daily danger, and fear, lest thiefs should break in upon them, and spoil thein, or kill them; and this fear hath torment and occasions much disquietment to them. But whoso hearkneth to Wisdom shall dwell safely; and shall be quiet from the fear of evil. Prov. 1. 20-33. This is a motive laid down by Wisdom to engage us to trade in this excellent commodity, to keep sound wisdom and discretion. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble: When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid; Yea thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, for the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep 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 sear and be afraid of danger: but this wisdom strengtheneth the wise against the fear of evil, more than 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 known, and heart'ly believed casteth out continually that fear 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 seethe the son and beleiveth in him shall never perish, but have everlasting life. God preserveth their souls, and none can pluck them out of his hand, who is greater than 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 eternal. He that beleiveth in Christ, though he were dead yet shall he live, and be that liveth and beleiveth shall never die, 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 evil, and from the fear of evil: So that they can glorify God in the fires, and not fear any evil though they walk in the valley of the shadow of death. Wisdom loves those that love her: and the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety, the Lord shall cover them all the day long. Prov. 8. 17. with Deuter. 33. 12.  
6. The trading for heavenly Wisdom is the best Merchandise, because it is the most easy way, easier than the Merchandise of silver and gold, this is the Motive and argumen Christ, the Wisdom of God useth, to prevail with us to come unto him, and learn of him, that his yoke is easy, and his burden light. Matth. 11. 28-30. It may not so appear to our Wisdom, but may seem very difficult; Yea it is a great mystery in itself; but it is made easy, and is declared so to be by him who is truth itself; and if our right eye cause us to offend, let us pluck it out, and become fools, that we may believe him. Amongst men every one cannot be a Merchant of the earth: Some whatever Masters and instructers they have, yet they want capacity to learn this mystery of Merchandise; and others, because of the difficulty of the employment, though they may do well while they are before the Master's eye, and under his care, and instruction, yet when they trade for themselves they may be to seek, and thorough their unskilfulness be un fit for it, because there are so many intricacies in it thorough the rising and falling of commodities, and by reason of deceitful men they may meet with, etc. And others though they have capacity enough, yet may be so poor as that they cannoth carry an end their trade; or such heavy customs and impositions may be laid upon their goods, that they know not how to pay them and subsist. But any man may thorough the grace of Christ be a wise Merchant, to trade for, and in heavenly Wisdom, as before is shown. There is a wise and gracious Master to teach them, even Christ Jesus the Wisdom of God; and he calleth, o ye simple understand Wisdom, and ye fools be ye of an understanding heart: Hear, for I will speak of excellent things; Good and upright is the Lord, therefore will he teach sinners in the way. And though they have no capacity naturally, but are all fools, yet the Spirit is put upon him, and he will bring forth, and give judgement, capacity, and discretion to them that have none; which not eartly Merchant can do to his apprentice. God hath given him for a light of the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes, and unstop the deaf ears. Psal. 25. 8. Isay. 42. 1-7. He is even eyes in his testimony to the blind; and though they are dull of hearing and learning, though they are unteachable, and untractable, yet he is meek and lowly in heart, and will not strive, nor cry, nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets: A bruised reed will he not break, and the dimly burning week will he not quench Matth. 11. 29. Isay. 42. 2, 3. Hence he calleth hear ye deaf, and look ye blind that you may see, and not be discouraged because of your natural incapacity. Who is blind as my servant? Or deaf as my messenger that I sent? Who is blind (thorough charity) as he that is perfect? And blind as the Lords servant? Seeing many things (that might provoke him to cast us off, and forbear to instruct us) but he observeth them not, opening the ears, but he heareth not. Isay. 42. 18-20. with vers. 1. And then he that cometh to him, he will never cast out from under his care and instruction, but will still guide them with his counsel and eye, until he receive them to glory: The time of their apprenticeship to him is all their life time, they are still the Lords servants, though free from all men. And the way of Wisdom is made easy, and plain, as declared in the testimony of Jesus; the rules, orders, and statutes not changeable, as Merchants here may be, but abide the same at all times: The way of the righteous is made plain, and raised up as a causey, so as way faring men, though fools shall not err therein. Prov. 15. 19 Isay. 35. 8. Nor is this heavenly commodity so dear as that they may not get, and obtain it, but they may have it without money, and without price, even freely. Isay. 55. 1. And though it must be bought, yet every man hath that to buy it withal; and in parting with all he hath, shall be made a partaker of it. Luk. 14. 33. Nor will he lay such burdens, and impositions upon any as to discourage them; his commandments are not greivons. 1 Joh. 5. 3. this Merchandise is made easy by their gracious and wise Lord, who is the head, Master, and orderer of the seekers; and who is also the commodity to be soughtafter, and enjoyed by them. Though there are excellent things contained in Wisdom, yet they are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge, thorough Wisdoms instruction. Prov. 8. 4-10. Hence when our heavenly Father calls upon us, and provokes us to get Wisdom, to get understanding, etc. that we might not say, this trade is so hard I cannot attain it, he signifieth, that he makes, it easy by his words; and therefore saith, instead of murmuring and questioning; hear, o my son, and receive my say: I have taught thee in the way of Wisdom, I have led thee in the right paths (in the way of Wisdom are right paths, there are no turn in it either to the right hand, or to the left; no thorns, snares, or stumbling blocks in it) when thou goest (therein) thy steps shall not be straitened (there is room enough) and when thou runnest thou shalt not stumble, etc. Prov. 4. 5-11. 27. with Jerem. 31. 9 and they that walk herein shall find it an easy way; their soul shall dwell at ease, whatever troubles they have in the outward man, Psal. 25. 13. Whereas those that exercise themselves in the earthly merchandise meet with, not only much weariness to the flesh, but also much vexation of spirit, Eccles. 2. 17, 18, 22, 23, 26. a scorner that hates instruction and reproof seeks Wisdom, and finds it not, but knowledge is easy to him that understands; Prov. 14. 6. with chap 15. 12. and 9 7, 8.  
7. This spiritual merchandise is better than that of silver, because it is more clean and free from pollution: there is much pollution and corruption cleaving to the earthly merchandise thorough our lust to the riches of this World, 2 Peter. 1. 4. the thing they trade in and for is called unrighteous Mammon, because too often unrighteousness is used and exercised in trading for it, Luk. 16. 11. and the merchants of the earth do very frequently pollute and defile themselves in their trade and traffic; according to that; He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand, be loveth to oppress, and deceive. And Ephraim said, yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance; in all my labours they shall find no iniquity in me, etc. Hose. 12. 7, 8. there is many times much evil and fraud found with them in burying, much false speaking, lying, and deceit: the getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro, from one to another, of them that seek death, Prov. 21. 6. When they are buying then they discommend, disparage, and dispraise the wares they are about, that they may beat down the price of them, and have them at a cheap rate. It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way then he boasteth: praiseth the commodities which before he undervalved, and boasteth what a good bargain he hath gotten, Prov. 20. 14. and thus, and other ways they go beyond, overreach, and defraud others, 1 Thess. 4. 6. and many times in their Merchandising, they, to the end they may have a commodity worth the buying, have fellowship with others in their unfruitful works of darkness, keeping company with fwearers, drunkards, and profane ones, and too much loving their manners, according to what is said of Tyrus. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned, thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic, Ezek. 28. 15-18. And in selling, many times, there is much pollution found with men, boasting of, and overvaluing their wares, as supposing gain to be godliness, and that all is honestly come by that is that way gotten, which is a great evil, and too commonly found with men in their trading, 1 Tim. 6. 5. Amos 8. 5. Or if men be free from those gross evils in their buying and selling, yet many times their hearts go after their covetousness, and they love the world, and the things thereof, and, if riches increase set their hearts upon them; and are highminded, or trust in those uncertain riches, which things are an abomination in the sight of God, 1 Joh. 2. 15, 16. 1 Tim. 6. 17. Ephes. 5. 5. Psal. 62. 10. But the trading for and in this heavenly merchandise, is free from such pollutions: This wisdom that is from above, Christ as declared in the gospel, is first pure, Jam. 3. 17. and the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of Wisdom unto man, and the instruction of Wisdom, this is clean, Psal. 19 9 with Prov. 1. 7. and 15. 33. the fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and froward mouth, Prov. 8. 14. they are, fools that count it a sport to do mischief, and make a mock at sin, but a man of understanding hath wisdom, which will preserve him from such folly, and from all evil, Prov. 10. 23. and 14. 8, 9 Wisdom and the way of getting Wisdom, is clean; and in walking therein we shall be kept from every path of the destroyer, in all our conversation: we may, and shall escape the pollutions of the world thorough the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Peter. 2. 20. this Wisdom is an excellent preservative, to preserve us from the evil of the world, that we may not have fellowship with men in their unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them; to keep us from deceiving, and defrauding others in our buying and selling, and in all our exercise about the affairs of this life; to preserve us from covetousness, pride, desires of vainglory, and from every evil way: it is pure and purifying; and an excellent Antidote to keep us from all the infection of sin: to deliver us from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things (and not the words of wisdom, in which there is nothing froward, Prov. 8. 8.) who leave the paths of uprightness (the way of wisdom) to walk in the ways of darkness: who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: And to deliver us from the strange Woman, even from the woman which flattereth with her lips on this account, because this treasure of heavenly wisdom is so pure and clean, and will preserve us from evil, the Ho: Ghost instructs us to seek it. Get Wisdom, get understanding, forget it not, neither decline from the words of my mouth, forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee, love her and she shall keep thee, Prov. 4. 5- 7. and 2. 10- 19 and 5. 1- 4. and 7. 4, 5. and 9 5, 6. Ephes. 5. 11- 17. Colos. 4. 5, 6.  
8. The merchandise of Wisdom is more excellent than that of silver, because it is more profitable and beneficial; but this leads us to the next thing to be considered by us. What hath been said unto this instruction, to wit. That the Merchandise of Wisdom and understanding is better than the Merchandise of Silver, both because Wisdom, which is the thing to be sought after is more excellent, yea infinitely, and incomparably better than silver and gold; and the refore also the way of seeking and getting it is, answerably better, more honourable, pleasing to God pleasant to the wise Merchant; certain safe easy clean, and profitable; may be of usefulness to us.  
1. To show onto us the ignorance and folly of the most part of men, who in their esteems, and practices prefer the things that are in the World, before this heavenly, rich, and most enriching commodity: such are fools in the account of Wisdom, though they are looked upon as, and accounted wise men in the World: They are fools that despise Wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1. 2, 7. fools they are that hate knowledge, as all do who love, and serve the World; for no Man can serve two Masters: either he will love the one and hate the other; or cleave to the one and forsake the other: Ye (saith Christ) cannot serve God and Mammon. Prov. 1. 22. with Matth. 6. 24. He that hath the World for his Master; that serveth, and is ruled by, and obeyeth it, cannot serve Christ as his Lord, for these two are contrary the one to the other: No man can love the World and the Father; if any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 Joh. 2. 15. It is no man's evil to serve God in any work of his providence he gives us to be exercised in; nay it is an evil which the Ho: Ghost doth reprove, and condemn, to be idle, and slothful in business: But this is men's folly, that they make the World, and the things thereof the Main thing to be sought after, and gotten by them; that they can watch, and look every one for his gain from his quarter; that they can rise early, and sit up late, and run, and labour for, and lay hold on every opportunity, and endure hardness, and not matter shame, or danger, so they may but get and increase their earthly substance: and mean time when a price is put into their hands for getting Wisdom, they have no heart thereto; they can neglect opportunities for getting this spiritual commodity, and then cry, there is a lion in the way, I shall be slain in the streets: they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth, Jerem. 9 3. but are fearful, and afraid of sufferings, shame, and reproach for Christ's sake; ashamed of him and his words in an evil and adulterous generation: What will become of such in the end? Christ will be ashamed of such, when he cometh in his own glory, and in the glory of his father, and in the glory of his holy Angels, Luk. 9 23- 16. with Mark. 8. 34- 38. this is that whi●h is greatly provoking to God, he was wroth with those who, when they were invited to come into Wisdoms house, and eat of her provision, made light of the invitation, and went, one to his farm, another to his merchandise; Yea protests that none of them shall taste of his supper, Matth. 22. 4-7. with Luk. 14. 16-24. oh that we may so consider it, that we may walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, (for-getting Wisdom) because the days are evil, Ephes. 5. 15- 17.  
2. And let us all be exhorted, seeing Wisdom is the principal thing to get it; and with all our get to get understanding. And to move hereto consider further.  
The gain of Wisdom and understanding is better than that of fine gold, of the choicest, and most refined gold; and so better than the gain of all earthly riches; though the gain of gold if it be honestly gotten, and to a good end laboured for, that we may honour the Lord with our substance, and with the first fruits of our increase, and live to him that died for us, and risen again, is good; Yet the gain of spiritual Wisdom is better, and more to be desired then gold, yea then much fine gold; and better than all the gainful things here below; and so have wise men accounted it. Philip. 3. 7, 8, 9 It is admirably, and inexpressibly better. Prov. 16. 16. it is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, as is said of godliness: And indeed this Wisdom, and Godliness are the same: The root and foundation of Godliness is, God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit; the means and medium for making it known, and manifesting it, and giving, and dispensing it, is, the gospel, especially as preached by the Apostles: The exercising ourselves to godliness is, believing with the heart on Christ as delivered to death for our offences, and raised again for our justification, and glorified, as this 'tis declared to us in the gospel. 1 Tim. 4. 8. with Chapt. 3. 16.  
1. The gain of it is better now, by it there is profit to them that see the sun. Eccles. 7. 11. For  
1. It gives all things that pertain to life; and gives life to them that get it, even spiritual, and eternal life▪ now by faith, and a first fruits of the Spirit, and all contained therein, which silver and gold cannot do: Wisdom is a defence, & money is a defence, but the excellency of knowledge is, that Wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Eccles. 7. 12. hereby the Holy Ghost doth evidence that the gain of Wisdom is better than fine gold; and therefore proposeth it as a motive to move and prevail with us to seek and get it; She is a tree of life to all that lay hold on her. Prov. 3. 17. And this is contained in the blessedness they meet with, and partake of, that seek and find her; Whoso findeth her findeth life. Prov. 8. 32. 35. As  
1. It giveth unto those that find Wisdom, the forgiveness of sins; by Christ all that believe, are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses. Act. 13. 39 And this forgiveness of sins is included in eternal life; and therefore eternal life is opposed to condemnation; and in having that a man passeth from death to life. Joh. 5. 25. and being justified from their sins by the blood of Christ, much more shall they be saved from wrath, even from the wrath of God, thorough him. Rom. 5. 9 Hereinits gain is greatly preferred before fine gold, and all the riches of this World; riches profit not in a day of wrath, but righteousness delivereth from death Prov. 10. 2. and 11. 4. Neither men's silver, nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lords wrath. Zephan. 1. 18. their riches will not procure them a pardon from God (though they may from the Man of sin) nor deliver them from his anger, and the dreadful, and direful effects thereof; their money will not obtain the remission of their sins when they come to die; nor give them peace with God; nor will this deliver in the day of wrath: But men shall then cast their idols of silver and gold to which they have given their loves and worship, to the moles, and to the bats, to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord; they shall then cast their silver into the streets, and their gold shall be removed, or, shall be as uncleaness; their silver, and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lords wrath. Isay. 2. 19- 21. Ezeck. 7. 19 But this is the gain of Wisdom: In finding and winning Christ, a man also receives remission of sins, and deliverance from God's wrath, and the fears thereof; So as being justified by faith, he hath peace with God thorough our Lord Jesus. Rom. 4. 25, and 5. 1. To him give all the Prophet's witness, that thorough his name whosoever beleiveth in him shall receive the remission of sins. Act. 10. 43. 1 Joh. 5. 11, 12. And oh what a blessed privilege is this! It is even the sum of all blessedness: Even as David describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord imputes righteousness without works, saying, blessed in the Man whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sin is eovered, Psal. 32. 1, 2. with Rom. 4. 5- 7. And it is also the inlett unto all Salvation; He giveth the knowledge and enjoyment of salvation thorough the forgiveness of sins Luk. 1. 77. Psal. 103. 1- 3. Herethorow they receive salvation, and deliverance from his anger, the power whereof who knoweth! Psal. 90. 11, 12. The wrath of this King of Kings is as messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it. How? not by fine gold; but to this end, how much better is it to get Wisdom then gold? Prov. 16. 14-16.  
2. It gives to men the Spirit of life, even, that living, quickening Spirit which is Wisdoms Spirit; this money will not get, or give: It was an heinous, provoking iniquity in Simon Magus, to offer money for the Holy Spirit: and therefore Peter said unto him, They money perish with thee, because thou hast thought the gift of God may be purchased with money, etc. Act. 8. 18- 21, 22, 23. But now this is the promise that Wisdom hath promised the simple ones, who love their simplicity, and scorners that delight in scorning, and fools that hate knowledge, that in turning at her reproofs, she will pour out her Spirit unto them; and saith, Behold, consider, and mark this, for this is a wonderful enriching gift of God. Prov. 1. 20- 23. This Spirit is given by Wisdom; it is upon, and resteth upon Christ Jesus, even the spirit of wisdom and understanding; and it is given as a spirit of Wisdom, and revelation in the knowledge of Christ, Isay. 11. 2, 3. with Ephes. 1. 17, 18. and by this spirit, wisdom doth make known her words, Prov. 1. 23. and therethorow glorify herself; for it is the work of his spirit to bear witness of Christ, to glorify him, and take of his things, and show unto us, that we might run unto him; and that our hearts might be enamoured on him, and united unto him, and rejoice in him, Joh. 15. 26. and 16. 14. and thorough his glorifying Christ, and showing 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 quickeneth, 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 minds by reason of any afflictions, or adversity we meet withal; and from our sins and idols, Rom. 8. 24, 25. 1 Joh. 3. 3. and this hope is an anchor of the soul, both sure, that which will not break: and steadfast, standing fast in Christ the rock, and therefore will not slip, or deceive us; and which entereth into that within the vail, whither the forerunner is for us entered, Jesus, made an highpriest after the order of Melchisedec, Hebr. 6. 18- 20. this spirit of Wisdom 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 Wisdom, to open our blind eyes, and still, and continually to give Wisdom to the wise: It is the spirit of adoption, and freedom, whereby we cry Abba Father; it is the spirit of the fear of the Lord, to teach, and help us to reverence, and stand in awe of God, and to departed from iniquity: It is the spirit, where by we may abound in hope of the mercy of Christ, and God in him, unto eternal life; and therefore it is set down 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 Wisdom is better than fine gold.  
3. It gives unto us the favour of God in which is life. Psal. 30. 5. Yea whose loving kindness is better than life. Psal. 63. 3. They are loved with peculiar manner of love that love Wisdom. Prov. 8. 17. Christ's Father will love them, and Christ will love them, and will manifest himself unto them. Joh. 14. 21. 23. Prov. 3. 1- 4. This is a motive set down by Wisdom to engage us to seek her; and an evidence of the blessedness of him that finds her. Whoso findeth her.— Shall obtain favour of the lord Prov. 8. 32- 35. The King's favour is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is upon him that causeth shame, that despiseth Wisdom and is a fool. Prov. 14. 35. The favour of God is a wonderfully gainful, profitable, and desirable thing; and therefore the servants of God have prayed that they might be favoured with the favour he bears unto his people, because of the blessed advantage thereof. Psalm. 106. 4, 5. And have entreated 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 deceitful; and it is better, and rather to be chosen then silver and gold. Prov. 22. 1. In the light of the King's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain, to refresh, and revive, and fructify the soul, 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 Wisdom, and hereby the Holy Ghost evidenceth intimately that the gain of Wisdom is better than fine gold, when he saith; How much better is it to get Wisdom then gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen then silver. Prov. 16, 15, 16. O! blessed are the people that know the joyful sound, They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance: In thy name shall they rejoice all the day, and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted: For thou art the glory of their strength; and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. Psal. 89. 15- 17. Many there are that entreat the favour of the prince, and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts; But he that getteth Wisdom loveth his own soul, he that keepeth understanding shall find good; he shall find the favour of, and fellow ship with God, which is as fare above the favour and friendship of the kings and princes of the earth, as himself 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 than nothing, and vanity, Prov. 19 6, 8. and 3. 3, 4. Isay. 40 15, 18.  
2. The gain of Wisdom is better than 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 rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, Eccles. 10. 10. and that we may be imitators, and followers of God as dear children. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of Wisdom, that which Wisdom instructs us to, Prov. 15. 33. it teacheth us to reverence him, to give to him the honour due unto his name; to trust in him, Prov. 22. 17, 20. to departed from evil, Job 28. 28. to pray unto him, Eccles. 5. 1. to speak profitably unto men: Prov. 15. 2. to seek and increase knowledge, Prov. 18. 15. and 21. 11. to rebuke others when need requireth, Prov. 25 12. Eccles. 7. 5. to know when to speak, and when to be silent, Prov. 17. 27, 28. yea it is profitable to direct, us in all our conversation, that we may give none offence in any thing to the Jew, or Gentile, or to the church of God, but that we may do all things that God in all things may be glorified, and the good of men, and especial good of beleivers may be pursued, and promoted hence the Apostle prays, and desires for the beleivers, that they might be filled with the knowledge of Gods will in all Wisdom, and spiritual understanding, that they might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruit full in every good work, and increasing with the increase of God; and that they might be sincere, and without offence till the day of Christ, Philip. 1. 9, 11. Colos. 1. 9, 11. and have instructed them to walk in Wisdom toward them that are without; as intimating, that this would teach them how to walk, and please God, and so help them to order their conversation that he might be glorified in all things thorough Jesus Christ, Colos. 4. 5, 6.  
3. The gain of Wisdom is better than fine gold, because in seeking, and getting that we shall have all other things appertaining to the natural life, which are good, and needful for us: such meat, drink, , health, deliverance from trouble, continuance of life, as he sees good for us who is perfect in knowledge, and infinite in goodness, according to what our saviour saith; take no thought saying, what shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or where withal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you, Matth. 6. 31, 33. there are many things that gold will not give which appertain to this present natural life; it will not give a man health in sickness; it will not make the life comfortable, but by occasion thereof, many times it is more full of disquietment, and vexation of spirit: it will not defend a man from danger; but they that have it, and have much of it are the more exposed to danger: it will not deliver from the fear of evil, but rather it occasioneth fear to a man: nor can a man thereby add one cubit to his age; a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, Luk. 12. 15. But they that seek this Wisdom shall not want any good thing, Psal. 34. 8, 10. and 84. 10, 11. it is so acceptable to God that men seek this excellent, and heavenly, commodity that he will with hold no good thing from such as are so exercised, 1 Tim. 6. 5, 6, 8. and 4. 4, 8. it did so please the Lord that Solomon asked of him Wisdom, and understanding, that he not only gave that unto him, and a wise and understanding heart; but he also gave unto him that which he did not ask to wit, riches, and wealth, and honour, 1 King. 3. 5. 13. 2 Chron. 1. 7, 12. riches and honour are in Wisdoms left hand to dispense thereof as is good, to those that seek her, and therefore she invites us to trade for her, Prov 3. 13. 16. and 8. 18. and God hath made provision in his great, and precious promises, and given us assurance, that with Christ he will also freely give us all things, Rom. 8. 32. and all things are theirs who are Christ's, the world, life, death, things present, and things to come, 1 Corinth. 3. 21, 23. how might this provoke and encourage us to get Wisdom and understanding, and assure us, that the gain of it is excellent; and so help us to have our conversation without covetousness, and be content with such things as we have, for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; so that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what flesh can do unto me, Hebr. 13. 5, 6.  
2. And the gain of Wisdom and understanding is better than that of fine gold hereafter, infinitely better a man's life, as before is said consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, and much less eternal life: but they that seek and get Wisdom shall inherit glory, and such glory as eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive; this is contained in the motives that the Wisdom of God maketh use of, to provoke us to get Wisdom, and with all our get to get understanding: she shall give to thine head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee, Prov. 4. 5, 9 and that which shows the excellency of its gain completely, is, that this salvation, glory, and happiness shall be enjoyed by such for ever and ever. When the Ho: Ghost gives us a particular evidence of the excellency, and gainfullness of Wisdom, he saith, length of days is in her right hand, as the most excellent thing, Prov. 3. 13. 16. even length of days for ever and ever Psal. 21. 4. this completes its preciousness, and demonstrates its gainfullness, and evidenceth the happiness of those that trade for it, and find it; Whatever glory, and blessedness were set before us hereafter to prevail with us, and engage us to seek Wisdom; if we might have in finding her deliverance from all evil, and the favour of God, and fellowship with him, and so the enjoyment of all desirable, and conceivable good, yea of all good proposed to us, yet it there were an end to such enjoyment, it would not be so truly gainful, nor so desirably precious: but in the enjoyment of her there will be fullness of joy, and pleasures in her right hand for evermore. Herein indeed its gain appears evidently to be better than fine gold; riches are not for ever, nor doth the crown endure to all generations, Prov. 27. 24. but to them who by patiented continuance in welldoing seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, will the Lord give eternal life, and possess them of an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that passeth not away, reserved in the heavens for them; for the things that are not seen are eternal, 2 Corinth. 4. 16, 18. Rom. 2. 7. they shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation, and shall not be ashamed, nor confounded world with out end this, wisely considered, imbitters the things, of this world, and weanes the heart from them, and crucifies them to the soul; the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, both the object of it, as gold, and silver, etc. Which are corruptible; and the act also; but he that doth the will of God, in seeking Wisdom, abideth for ever: there will be an enjoyment of its gain to all eternity, and of the blessedness of those that have and retain her, there shall be no end: here is a commodity worthy our trading for, because it is so infinitely, and eternally gainful: that which other merchant's trade for will come to an end; the merchandise of gold and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all sweet wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, and cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincenfe, and wine, and oil, and fine flower, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, etc. shall all departed away; and the merchants of these things shall weep, and wail because these riches shall come to nought, Revel 18. 11, 23. But herein it will appear that the Merchandise of Wisdom is better than silver, and the gain thereof then fine gold; and that they are wise and happy merchants that trade for, and in this heavenly commodity, because it hath the promise of the life to come; by this Wisdom their days shall be multiplied to all eternity, and the years of their life shall be increased, Prov. 9 10, 12 and 4. 9, 10.  
Let all then be of usefulness to us.  
1. Te take us of from listening to Satan, the God of this world, whose work it is to glorify the things of this world, that we might love them, and set our hearts upon them, and for the sake thereof neglect, and despise this Wisdom and to take us of from admiring, and being bewitched with Mystery Babylon, or her merchandise, Revel. 18. and to help us to cease from our own Wisdom, Prov. 23. 4. for all the gold and silver, and precious stones of this world will not make us happy; and if we should get never so much of this world, yet what will be our hope, though we have gained, when God taketh away aur soul? Job 27. 8. Mark 8. 36, 37, 38.  
2. And seeing there is such a pearl of great price prepared for us, and proposed to us, and which may be enjoyed by us in seeking for it, even a treasure to be desired, Prov. 21. 20. O! let us incline our ear, and come unto Christ, let us hear that our souls may live, Isay. 55. this is a treasure will make us happy in the enjoyment; the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof then fine gold; she is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her: let us then seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasure; and redeem the time, and watch for and in all opportunities, that we may get Wisdom, and with all our get get understanding, considering above all, that this gain is everlasting. Hence the Wisdom of God calls upon us to seek for her: Riches and honour are with me, yea durable riches, ad righteousness I was set up from everlasting now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children (ye sons and daughters of men) for blessed are they that keep my ways: hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors; for whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord: But whoso sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul; all they that hate me love death, Prov. 8. 18, 36. O Lord, open our eyes to see, and make us willing to behold the excellency of Wisdom, that we may cry after her, and sell all we have for the excellency of her, that we may win her, and retain her, that at last we may know & completely enjoy the happy gain thereof, in being delivered for ever from sorrow, and sadness, and having everlasting joy upon our heads.  
Amen. Amen. February 25. 1669/ 70. Copied out June 25. 1670.  
FIN.