Sixthly. There should be a constant, diligent, serious, and single using of the means of knowledge, with a faithful dependence on Christ by faith, gripping to him in his relations, offices, engagements, and promises, and waiting upon his breathing in hope and patience, Psal. xxv. 5.
Seventhly. There should be a guarding against every thing that may obstruct this work, and grieve him in it; and therefore we would beware,
1. To undervalue and have a little esteem of knowledge; for this will grieve him; and (to speak so) put him from work.
2. To misimprove any measure of knowledge he giveth.
3. To weary of the means and ordinances whereby he useth to convey knowledge into the soul.
4. To limit the holy One of Israel to this or that mean, to this or that time, or to this or that measure, who should have a latitude as to all these.
5. To despise the day of small things, because we get not more.
6. To be too curious in seeking after the knowledge of hidden mysteries, the knowledge whereof is not so necessary.
7. To lean too much unto, and to depend too much upon the ordinances, or instruments, as if all, or any thing, could come from them.
Eighthly. There should be a right improving of any measure of knowledge we get to his glory, and to the edification of others, with humility and thankfulness, and so a putting of that talent in use, to gain more to his glory. Whatever measure of knowledge we get, we should in all haste, put it into practice, and set it to work; so shall it increase, and engage him to give more.