Page:True religion a source of happiness.pdf/6

6 of which Solomon says elsewhere, "In much wisdom is much grief, and he that encreaseth knowledge encreaseth sorrow," Eccles. i, 18 for the reverse of this is affirmed of true wisdom," She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is every one that retaineth her," Prov. iii. 18.

But the wisdom here intended is that which has the FEAR OF THE LORD for its beginning, or chief part, ch. i. 7. and ix. 10. which imports the true KNOWLEDGE and supreme LOVE of his character, with an ESTEEM of his favour as our chief happiness. So he that findeth this wisdom is said to "understand the fear of the Lord," and to find "the knowledge of God," ch. fi. 5. Now as we know nothing of God but as he has been pleased to reveal himself, so the most perfect display which God hath given of himself is in and by his Son, who is made unto us wisdom, and hath declared his Father's name, his grace, and his salvation, to the children of men, John i. 18.-xvii.-6. 1 Cor. i. 30. To know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, is to be wise unto salvation, for it is life eternal, and with this is connected the true fear and love of God.

Further, the wisdom in our text is such as influenceth us to conform to the will of