18.  In such a time, it is not unsafe to look to such as have been eminent in the ways of God, and lie near to him; for it is probable they may know much of the mind of God in those questioned matters.  Hence we find the apostle putting Timothy and others to this duty in a time when false teachers were going abroad, saying, 2 Tim. iii. 10, “but thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life;” and 1 Cor. iv. 16, “wherefore I beseech you to be followers of me;” and 1 Cor. xi. 1; and again, Phil. iii. 17, “brethren, be followers together of me.”  All which say, that though we should call no man Rabbi, as hanging our faith absolutely on him, yet in such a time of prevailing error and of false teachers going abroad, some respect should be had to such as have found grace of the Lord to be faithful in times of trial, and have maintained truth, and stood for it, in times of persecution, and have with singleness of heart followed the Lord; it not being ordinary with God to leave such as in sincerity seek him, and desire to follow his way in truth and uprightness, and to give the revelation of his mind and the manifestation of his Spirit to others, who have not gone through such trials.

19.  They should also at such a time be much in the sincere practice of uncontroverted duties, and in putting uncontroverted and unquestionable and unquestioned truths into practice; and this may prove a notable mean to keep them right:  for then are they in God’s way, and so the devil hath not that advantage of them that he hath of others who are out of the way of duty.  David understood more than the ancients, because he kept God’s precepts, Psal. cxix. 100.

20.  It were good and suitable at such a time, to be much in the fear of God, remembering what an one he is, and how hazardous it is to sin against him, by drinking in the least point of error.  The promise is made to such, Psalm xxv. 12, “What man is he that feareth the Lord, him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.”

21.  Finally, at such a time they should be much in communion with Jesus, lying near him; much in prayer to him, studying his relations, offices, furniture, readiness to help with light and counsel; and they should draw near to him with humility, boldness, faith, confidence, love, tenderness, and sincerity; and then they shall not find that he shall fail them, or disappoint them.

Enough of this.  I proceed therefore to another case, which is: 

CHAPTER XVII.

HOW TO MAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE TRUTH, THAT WE MAY GET OUR CASE AND CONDITION CLEARED UP TO US.

The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case and condition, so as he cannot tell what to say of himself, or what judgment to pass on himself, and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition.  Now, it is truth alone, and the Truth, that can satisfy them as to this.  The question then is, how they shall make use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them.  But first let us see what this case may be.  Consider, then,