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It was not without a grave and weighty consideration that our Lord and Saviour said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the prudent and wise in the world, and revealed them to babes.” And at another time he said to his disciples, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; but unto others it is not given.” For surely if we in this nation would cast our eyes through the rest of the world, we may say that in this respect we live in a happy nation, wherein the Lord has given us to know these things that are hid to the prudent and wise in the world. And even in this same nation also, he hides these things from them who are most prudent and wise in their own eyes, and reveals them unto these who are simple and ignorant ones; for there be many, even amongst ourselves, who are living into the sink of idolatry and papistry, and are popishly affected. And yet the Lord, he not only reveals these things to us, but he is also so good that he is pleased to enter in a covenant with us. The excellency of this would not be so well known, if all were in such a case; but it is hid from many who are otherwise wise and prudent. And when we look to that part of it, what can be the cause of it? We can see no other cause for it, but only because it is God’s good will and pleasure: for it is the prudent and wise who should know things best, and yet the Lord passes by them, and gives the knowledge of things necessary to salvation to these that are simple and ignorant, in regard of them. And therefore let us be thankful to the Lord for revealing these things unto us; and let us crave the increase of them from himi. And for this end, let us now pray unto the Lord, that he would be pleased to give us further matter of praise and glory to his name, and of comfort to our own souls, in the name, and for the merits of Jesus Christ. As it shall please, etc.