John 14:5

Followeth to ver. 8. A further clearing of this argument of consolation, in answer to Thomas objection. His doubt is propounded in this verse, wherein being rash, incredulous, and timorous (as was usual to him. See Chap. 11. 16. and 20. 25.) and supposing that Christ would retire some whither and leave them, he objects, in name of all the rest, that they knew not whither he went, and consequently, could not know the way. This being a contradiction to Christs assertion, ver. 4. The reconciliation thereof is not to be taken from this, that Christ only speaks of sufficient information given, whereby they might have known; and that Thomas objects that, for all this, they did not actually know. For Christ afterward asserts, that that they actually knew in some measure. But the true rise of the difference betwixt Christ and Thomas, is, 1. Christ asserts they did know, which holds true, though they did but know confusedly and in some measure; Thomas finding no such distinct knowledge as he desired, objects, that he knew not at all. 2. Christ knew that in this matter his disciples did know more, then Thomas understood that he and they did know, and therefore he thus objects: For they know Christ in some measure, which was in substance the knowledge of the Father to whom he went, and of the way to him, as is after cleared; Yet he knew not these things under the notions and tearmes of place and way, and therefore objects his ignorance. Whence learn, 1. The knowledge that Saints attain unto, is very little, in respect of what they might have in the use of means afforded them; for, in respect of measure, it is true which Thomas said, and yet contradicts not Christs assertion; we know not. 2. None will ever study to know, nor can they rightly know the way to heaven, till first they attain to some knowledge of heaven it selfe, to set them on work to enquire after the way; for, upon this, we know not whither thou goest, Thomas inferreth strongly, how then can we know the way? 3. Such as are convinced and humbled under the sense of their ignorance, will not stand to acknowledge it, that they may abase themselves before the Lord; for, so doth Thomas acknowledge it here? 4. Such as are convinced of their own ignorance and infirmities, will thereby become more sensible of the weaknesse of others also; for, upon this ground it is that he speaks in all their names, Lord, we know not. 5. It is an usual weaknesse in beleevers, that their conviction of short coming doth drive them to think they have no good at all; for, in this respect Thomas his confession comes short, and contradicts Christ, in saying simply, we know not. 6. Saints may have true good and knowledge of Christ, which he knoweth and alloweth them to be encouraged in, whereof yet they may be ignorant, and will not take with it; for, Christ hath told them, ye know, ver. 4. and yet saith he, we know not. Sometime, Saints are under tentation and in a feaver, and so cannot discerne their grace; Sometime, they do so conceive of grace in its highest perfection, that they cannot discerne the small beginnings they have; And, sometime, they know truths in substance, yet they cannot give a name to what they know, nor understand it under the notions and tearmes by which it may be expressed, as Thomas knew Christ, but not distinctly under the notion of the way, or as he in whom the Father is to be known. This may teach men condescendence in their expressions to others, and to beware of making their own conceptions of grace and truth’s, a rule whereby to judge of all others; but they must vary expressions and notions, till it be seen whither they know the thing it selfe or not.