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some sin, that you may use the same another time. If you thus diligently observe the passages and conflicts of your Christian race and warfare, your knowledge will be an experimental knowledge; which, because it is a knowledge arising from the frequent proof of that whereof you were taught in the word; it becomes a more fixed, perfect, and fruitful knowledge than that of mere contemplation.

It is only this experimental knowledge that will make you skilful in the duties and trials of the Christian life. Take a man that hath only read much of husbandry, physic, merchandise, policy, &c., who hath gotten into his head the notions of all these, and makes himself believe that he hath great skill in them; yet one that hath not read half so much, but hath been of long practice, and of great experience in these, as far excells him in husbandry, physic, trading, &c. as he excells one that is a mere novice in them. Such difference there is between one that hath only a superficial knowledge of Christianity, without experimental observation; and him that is often looking into the records of his own conscience, carefully observing the workings of his own heart, and God's dispensations towards him.

The experience which by this means you will obtain, of God's love, truth, and power; of your enemies' falsehood, wiles, and methods; of your own weakness without God, and of your strength by God to withstand the greatest lusts, and strongest temptations; yea, of an ability to do all things through Christ that strengthens you, will beget in you, faith and confidence in God, and love to him, watchfulness and circumspection, lest you be overtaken with sin; with such degrees of humility, wisdom, and Christian courage, that no opposition shall daunt you, nor shake your confidence in Christ Jesus.

Where do you read of two such champions as David and Paul? 1 Sam. xvii. 36. 2 Tim. i. 12. iv. 7, 17, 18. And where do you find two that recorded, and made use of their experiences of God's truth and goodness, like these?