Beddome's Sermons Vol.1

SERMON 1
IMPORTANCE OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE
Luke 1:4
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things
wherein thou hast been instructed.
THREE observations naturally arise from these words: that
there are some things in which all real converts have been
instructed; that the certain knowledge of these things may yet
be wanting, and is to be obtained; and that this certainty of
knowledge is very desirable.
OBS. I.—That there are things in which all real converts are
instructed by reading, meditation, the teachings of men, but
especially by the Spirit of God; and they are such things as
these:—
l. The nature of God, and his infinite adorable perfections;
his excellent majesty, inflexible justice, unspotted purity,
boundless mercy, inviolable faithfulness, and truth; what he is
in himself, and what he is to his people. “He hath given us,”
saith the Apostle, “an understanding to know him that is true”
(1 John v. 20); by which is meant, not a speculative knowledge,
which the devils have in a much greater degree of perfection
than we, but that which lies in the practical judgment, and
directs and governs the will and affections: thus, (Jer. xxiv. 7,)
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and
they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall
return unto me with their whole heart.”
2. The original corruption depravity of mankind. Of this the
heathens had obscure notions: it is expressly revealed in the
word, and every real penitent has been convinced of it by his
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