_Reason_ 1. Because they affect those vices whereunto this knowledge is repugnant. Therefore they eschew knowledge as a thing that is evill unto them, and makes against them; and affect ignorance as a thing that is good for them and very well agreeing with them. For he that hath resolved with himselfe to give his mind unto sin, and to continue therein, seekes to have peace and quietnesse in that condition, and therefore abhorres that truth which convinceth his conscience of sin, and suffers him not to sleep in it. 2. Because he is given unto those lusts that stop up the way unto saving knowledge, and hold him ensnared and intangled so that he cannot freely endeavour and labour for true knowledge: therefore he affects ignorance in this respect, not so much in it selfe, as in the cause of it. _Vse_ 1. This may serve to convince those, that please themselves in the ignorance of holy things, because this is the property of a wicked man. 2. To admonish us, never to shut our eyes against the light of the truth. 3. To exhort us, on the contrary to use all our endeavour and give all diligence to gaine knowledge, especially in those things that pertaine to our own practise and life. Doctrine 2. _It makes verie much for the taking away or lessening of our ignorance, to look upon the works of God that are past, that from them we may gather the works that are to come._ This is gathered from the comparison that is here made, verse 5,6,7. _Reason._ Because the works of God are as looking-glasses, wherein Gods sufficiency and efficiency are proposed unto us to behold. _Vse._ This may serve to admonish us, not to look slightly upon the works of God, nor to read the histories of them as we read humane histories, but so, that we may alwayes behold God in them. Doctrine 3. _Those publick works of God, the creation, preservation, and destruction of the world, first by water, secondly by fire, are often to be meditated upon, and compared one with the other._ This is gathered from the same comparison. _Reason._ Because God hath proposed those, as very remarkable arguments, to worke some sense at least of religion in mens minds. _Vse._ This may serve to exhort us, to exercise our selves in these meditations, which God hath commended unto all sorts of men. Doctrine 4. _In all such works of God, that is especially to be considered, that they are by the word of God, and do depend thereupon._ This is gathered from verse 5,7. _Reason._ Because we can receive no benefit by meditating upon Gods works, unlesse we do behold the perfection of God in them. Now the perfection of God in his works doth very much appeare therein, that all things are done by his word and according to his will.