A04472:402
An expositio[n] upon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…An expositio[n] vpon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…
An expositio[n] upon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians by the reverend Father John Jewel ... ; whereunto is adjoined a very necessary table of the principal matters contained in this exposition.An expositio[n] vpon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians by the reuerend Father Iohn Ievvel ... ; vvhereunto is adioined a very necessarie table of the principal matters contained in this exposition.
London: printed by Ralfe Newberie, 1584
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
V. 20 Despise not prophesying.
V. 20 Despise not prophecying.
Prophecy, is the preaching, and expounding of the word of God: and he is called a Prophet and doth prophesy, that openeth unto us the will of God. This is not meant of fond, and vain, and lying prophecies, as were those of Merlin, and such like which tell you tales of lions, and bears, and goats, of the sun, of the moon, and many strange devises. Such prophecies must be despised: they are works of darkness: and forged by the Devil to make uproars, and to beguile the people.
Prophecie, is the preaching, and expounding of the word of God: and he is called a Prophet and doth prophecie, that openeth vnto vs the wil of God. This is not meant of fond, and vain, and lying prophecies, as were those of Merline, and such like which tell you tales of lions, and beares, and goates, of the sunne, of the moone, and manie strange deuises. Such prophecies must be despised: they are workes of darkenesse: and forged by the Diuell to make vproares, and to beguile the people.
But, despise not prophesying. That is, despise not to hear the word of GOD: turns not away thine ear from understanding. God giveth power to his word, that it may work according to his good pleasure. It will let thee see the weakness of thine error, and settle thee in the way wherein thou shouldest walk. If it had been dangerous for the people to hear the preaching of the Gospel, he would not have sent his Apostles into all the world. If Lidia should not have liked to hear Paul prophesy, how might she have known GOD? If those great numbers, which heard Peter, and were converted, had despised prophesying, and would not have heard him open the G•pell unto them, they had never considered the great mercy of GOD, nor sought to be instructed in their salvation. Faith cometh by hearing. This hath been the means by which Christ hath given knowledge to Kings, & Princes, and all nations. It hath pleased God, saith Saint Paul,