Directions how to use the sword of the word against heretics 1/2

           Now the second enemy that comes forth against the Christian is the heretic or seducer, who is so much more to be feared than the former by how much it is worse to part with God's truth than our own life; to be corrupted in our minds than to be tortured in our members; in a word, to have our souls damned by God than our bodies killed by man.  If the martyrs had feared death more than heresy, they would not have leaped into the persecutors’ flames rather than consent to their doctrine.  Now, that thou mayest be able to lift up this sword of the Spirit—the only weapon to defend thee—with victory against this dan­gerous enemy, apply thyself in the use of the best means with thy utmost care to find out the true sense and meaning of the Spirit in his word.  This sword in another’s hand will defend thee not.  No, it must be in thy own, or else thou canst not have the benefit of it.  The phrase and outward expression are but the shell, the sense and meaning is the pearl, which thou, like a wise merchant, shouldst seek for.  To tumble over a chapter and not reach the mind of God therein held forth, and to tumble over a prayer in an un­known tongue, are both alike, ‘He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; Rev. 2:7.  We are to listen what the Spirit saith in the word as we hear or read it.  And he that hath an ear for the Spirit will not have an ear for the seducer.

           Now to help thee in thy search for the sense and meaning of the word, these directions, I hope, may stand thee in some stead.  First. Take heed thou comest not to the Scriptures with an unholy heart.  Second. Make not thy own reason the rule by which thou measurest Scripture truths.  Third. Take heed thou comest not with a judgment preengaged to any party or opinion.  Fourth. Go to God by prayer for a key to unlock the mysteries of his word.  Fifth. Compare scripture with scripture.  Sixth. Consult with thy faithful guides which God hath set over thee in his church.

           Direction First.  Take heed thou comest not to the Scriptures with an unholy heart.  If ever you know the mind of God in his word, the Spirit must impart it to you.  And will he that is so holy take thee by thy foul hand, thinkest thou, to lead thee into truth?  No, thy doom is set: ‘None of the wicked shall understand,’ Dan. 12:10.  The angel who took Lot’s daughters into the house smote the Sodomites with blindness, that they might grope for the door and not find it.  And so are those like to be served that come with unclean hearts to the word.  ‘Without are dogs:’ not only without heaven at last, but without the true knowledge of God on earth.  The wicked have the word of God, but the holy soul hath ‘the mind of Christ,’ I Cor. 2:16.  Therefore the same apostle ex­horts us that we ‘be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,’ Rom. 12:2.  And what amounts this to, but if we will have truth for our guest, and be acquainted with the mind and will of God, we must prepare a holy heart for its lodging?  They commonly are taken captive by seducers who were before prisoners of their lusts, ‘and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,’ II Tim. 3:6, 7.  When David would beg understanding in the word, he makes his purpose for a holy life the argument with which he urgeth God: ‘Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart,’ Ps. 119:33, 34.