Let us also remember that this message appertains to Zion; that is to say, to the church. For what have the profane and ignorant sort to do with it? The Apostle Saint Paul allegeth this place, Rom. 10.15. to prove that the preaching of the Gospel is of God, and not of men; and that it is he who sends the Ministers, which bring the glad tidings of §1salvation. Now he useth this gradation; Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be §2saved: but we cannot call upon him whom we know not? 1For what gives prayer entrance but faith, by which, having embraced God for our father, we may familiarly discharge all our cares into his bosom? But whereupon is this faith grounded? Upon the doctrine of the §3Gospel, whereby the Lord manifests his love unto us: and for this end useth the labours §4and ministry of men. In conclusion therefore, the Apostle adds, that none is fit to preach this word, unless he be sent of God. But it seems as if Saint Paul wrested these words of the Prophet, Object. to serve his own turn: for he speaks not here of Gods sending forth of Ministers, but rather how welcome their coming ought to be unto us. Ans. I answer, that the Apostle hath held this resolved principle; namely, that we must desire none, but such as are sent of God. But from whom comes this salvation? Comes it from men? No such matter: for a benefit so excellent, can come to us from none but God himself. He rightly concludes then, that this salvation proceeds from God, and not from man.
Let vs also remember that this message appertaines to Zion; that is to say, to the church. For what haue the prophane and ignorant sort to doe with it? The Apostle Saint Paul alleageth this place, Rom. 10.15. to prooue that the preaching of the Gospell is of God, and not of men; and that it is hee who sends the Ministers, which bring the glad tidings of §1saluation. Now he vseth this gradation; Whosoeuer shall call on the name of the Lord, shall bee §2saued: but vve cannot call vpon him vvhom vve know not? 1For what giues praier entrance but faith, by which, hauing imbraced God for our father, we may familiarly discharge all our cares into his bosome? But whereupon is this faith grounded? Vpon the doctrine of the §3Gospell, whereby the Lord manifests his loue vnto vs: and for this end vseth the labours §4and ministry of men. In conclusion therefore, the Apostle addes, that none is fit to preach this word, vnlesse he be sent of God. But it seemes as if Saint Paul wrested these words of the Prophet, Obiect. to serue his owne turne: for hee speakes not heere of Gods sending forth of Ministers, but rather how welcome their comming ought to be vnto vs. Ans. I answere, that the Apostle hath held this resolued principle; namely, that we must desire none, but such as are sent of God. But from whom comes this saluation? Comes it from men? No such matter: for a benefit so excellent, can come to vs from none but God himselfe. He rightly concludes then, that this saluation proceeds from God, and not from man.
- 1Faith gives prayer entrance.Faith giues praier entrance.
