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…

The Scribes and Pharisees seemed so grave and wise, that the people thought nothing good but what they allowed. They were altogether appliable to believe, to do, to speak, ⟨p. 212⟩and to think, whatsoever the Pharisees willed them. Christ saith unto them, Beware of ¹false Prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. S. John therefore saith, Dearly beloved, ²believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: for many false prophets are gone out into the world. And further directeth us, how we should try them, hereby shall ye know the spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. Again, hereby may you try them, Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth ³not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that continueth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the father and the Son. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not to house, neither bid him God speed. Hereby S. Paul required the Galatians to try between him, and the false Apostles. If any man preach unto you otherwise ⁴than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For now do I preach mans doctrine or Gods? the Sadducees erred touching the resurrection, because they searched not the scriptures. God teacheth us by the prophet Isaiah, to make trial of teachers and doctrines. When ⁵they shall say unto you, enquire of them that have a spirit of divination, and at the soothsayers, ⟨p. 213⟩which whisper and murmur, should not a people enquire at their God? from the living to the dead? to the law, and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Paul putteth Timothy in mind wherefore he left him at Ephesus, ⁶