what so profitable as to talk of the things of God? What things so pleasant?—that is, if a man hath any delight in things that are wonderful. For instance: if a man doth delight to talk of the history or the mystery of things; of if a man doth love to, talk of miracles, wonders, or signs; where shall he find thinnest-recorded delightful, and so sweetlyipenned, as in the Holy Scriptures?
Faith. That's true; but to be profited by such things in our talk, should be our chief design.
Talk. That's it that I said; for to talk of such things is most profitable: for by so doing a man may get knowledge of many things; as, of the vanity of earthly things, and the benefit of things above. Thus in general: but more particularly, by this a man may learn the necessity of the new birth, the insufficiency of our works, the need of Christ's righteousness etc. Besides, by this a man may learn what it is to repent, to believe, to pray, to suffer, or the like; by this also a man may learn What are the great promises and consolations of the gospel, to his own comfort. Further, by this a man may learn to refute false opinions, to vindicate the truth, and also to instruct the ignorant.
Faith. All this is true; and glad am I to hear these things from you.
Talk. Alas! the want-of this is the cause that so few understand the need of faith, and the necessity of a work of grace in their soul, in order to eternal life; but ignorantly live in the works of the law, by which a man can by no means obtain the kingdom of heaven.
Faith. But, by you? leave, heavenly knowledge of these is the: gift of God; no man attaineth to them by human industry, or only by the talk of them.
Talk. All that I know-every Well; for a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven: all is of grace, not of works. I could give you a hundred scriptures for the confirmation of this.
