2.  They make not use of him, in all cases as they ought.  His offices lie by and are not improved; nor is he gone to as the truth, in cases requiring his help, as the truth; that is, in cases of darkness, doubtings, confusion, ignorance of their case and condition, and the like.

3.  They do not approach to him, nor to God through him, heartily and cordially, as the very truth, and true way.

4.  Nor do they rest with confidence upon him in all difficulties, as being the truth that will not fail them, nor disappoint them.

5.  Nor do they rejoice in him, as satisfied with him, who is the truth, in the want of all other things.

Fifthly. The right consideration of this truth should keep us in mind of several great duties; such as those,

1.  Of pitying those places where this truth is not heard of, as among Turks and heathens; or where it is darkened with superstition and men’s inventions, as among papists; or where it hath been clearly shining, but now is darkened, as in some churches now under the prevailing power of corruption; or, lastly, where it is not received in its power and lustre, as, alas! it is too little received in the best and purest churches.

2.  Of being thankful to him for making this truth known in the world, and particularly in the place where we were born, or had our abode; and yet more for that he hath determined our hearts to a believing of this truth, in some weak measure; to an embracing of it, and to a giving of ourselves up to be led, ruled, and guided thereby.

3.  Of esteeming highly of every piece of truth for his sake who is the truth; studying it for his sake—­loving it for his sake—­holding it fast for his sake—­witnessing to it, as we are called, for his sake.  We should buy the truth, and not sell it, Prov. xxiii. 23; and we should plead for it, and be valiant for it, Isa. lix. 4, 14.  Jer. vii. 28; ix. 3.

4.  Of taking part with him and his cause, in all hazards, for truth is always on his side; and truth shall prevail at length.

5.  Of giving him employment in our doubts and difficulties, whether,

(1.) They be about some controverted points of truth, which come to be debated, or to trouble the church.  Or,

(2.) About our own estate and condition, quarrelled at by Satan, or questioned by the false heart.  Or,

(3.) About our carriage in our daily walk.  In all these, and the like, we should be employing truth, that we may be led in truth, and taught by truth, to walk in sure paths.

6.  Of carrying in all things before him as true; for he is truth, and the truth, and so cannot be deceived; and therefore we should walk before him in sincerity and singleness of heart, without guile, hypocrisy, or falsehood, that we may look like children of the truth; and of the day, and of light, and children that will not lie or dissemble, Isaiah lxiii. 8; not like these that lied unto him, Psalm lxxviii. 38.  Isaiah lix. 13.