A Golden Chain

First they allege 2. Thess. 2.15. where the Apostle bids that Church keep the ordinances which he taught them either by word or letter. Hence they gather, that beside the written word, there be unwritten traditions, that are indeed necessary to be kept and obeyed. Ans. It is very likely, that this Epistle to the Thessalonians was the first that ever Paul writ to any Church, though in order it have not the first place; and therefore at that time when this Epistle was penned, it might well fall out, that some things needful to salvation were delivered by word of mouth, not being as yet written by any Apostle. Yet the same things were afterward set down in writing, either in the second epistle or in the epistles of Paul.

First they alleadge 2. Thess. 2.15. where the Apostle biddes that Church keepe the ordinances which he taught them either by word or letter. Hence they gather, that beside the written word, there be vnwritten traditions, that are indeede necessarie to be kept and obeyed. Ans. It is very likely, that this Epistle to the Thessalonians was the first that euer Paul writ to any Church, though in order it haue not the first place; and therfore at that time when this Epistle was penned, it might well fall out, that some things needfull to saluation were deliuered by word of mouth, not being as yet written by any Apostle. Yet the same things were afterward set downe in writing, either in the second epistle or in the epistles of Paul.

Object. II. That Scripture is Scripture, is a point to be believed: but that is a tradition unwritten: and therefore one tradition there is not written, that we are to believe. Ans. That the books of the old and new Testament are Scripture, it is to be gathered and believed not upon bare tradition, but from the very books themselves, on this manner. Let a man that is endued with the spirit of discerning, read the several books, withal let him consider the professed author thereof which is God himself, and the matter therein contained, which is a most divine and absolute truth full of piety; the manner and form of speech, which is full of majesty in the simplicity of words: the end whereat they wholly aim, which is the honour and glory of God alone, &c. & he shall be resolved that Scripture is Scripture, even by the Scripture it self. Yea, and by this means he may discern any part of Scripture, from the writings of men whatsoever. Thus then scripture proves it self to be scripture: & yet we despise not the universal consent or tradition of the Church in this case; which though it do not persuade the conscience, yet is it a notable inducement to move us to reverence, & regard the writings of the Prophets and Apostles. It will be said, where is it written that scripture is scripture? I answer, not in any one particular place or book of scripture, but in every line and page of the whole Bible to him that can read with the spirit of discerning, and can discern the voice of the true pastor, as the sheep of Christ can do.