4. Lets be exhorted to mind Moses and the Prophets. Lets labour in the light of the Scriptures to see the Author of them3, that we may thereby as the most successful means, be brought to repentance of our sins, avoid the torments of Hell, and enjoy the pleasures of Heaven. And if any of us under temptation, as looking for somewhat more sensible and lively; fall into doubting concerning the Divine Writ, or Word of God, as written; which yet I have showed is more credible, for that it shows it self in a Diviner way being written; as Water in the Fountain, or Light in the Sun: which while it is strained, passing through the Pipes and Instruments of Mortals, in a traditionary way, is defiled or obscured. Lets then take off our Eyes from curiosities, and not think to delight our senses with novelties, and Preter-Evangelical Doctrines, knowing the great Apostle, hath Anathematized, or cursed all them, who bring another Gospel, or Doctrines besides the Gospel, in the beginning of his Epistle to the Galatians4. Christ here in my Text represents Abraham as preferring the Sacred Scriptures, to be more worthy of credit, and beneficial to Conversion, than the Reports of those raised from the Dead: and Paul (by whom Christ himself speaks) not writing rashly and unadvisedly, (when moved by the Holy Ghost) but upon mature deliberation, with a great deal of gravity repeats, [As we said before, so say I now again] (confirming what he and others for substance had de-deliver'd) for greater certainty. [If any man preach any other Gospel unto you] he doth not say (as some of the Ancients have observed*) any contrary, but any the least thing besides that we have preached and ye have received, tho' he be an Angel from Heaven, let him be accursed. He ⟨image 84⟩prefers the Divine Writ to the Angels coming down with a message from Heaven. Evangelical Doctrines to Angelical, could it be supposed, and that deservedly. Because, the Angels tho' great, yet are Servants and Ministers5, whereas all the Holy Scriptures are not commanded and sent of Servants to be written; but of God himself the Lord of all, as hath been showed6. Lets then depend solely, upon the sure Word, which is most effectual to convert and comfort us.
4. Lets be exhorted to mind Moses and the Prophets. Lets labour in the light of the Scriptures to see the Author of them3, that we may thereby as the most successful means, be brought to repentance of our sins, avoid the torments of Hell, and enjoy the pleasures of Heaven. And if any of us under temptation, as looking for somewhat more sensible and lively; fall into doubting concerning the Divine Writ, or Word of God, as written; which yet I have shew'd is more credible, for that it shews it self in a Diviner way being written; as Water in the Fountain, or Light in the Sun: which while it is strained, passing thorow the Pipes and Instruments of Mortals, in a traditionary way, is defiled or obscured. Lets then take off our Eyes from curiosities, and not think to delight our senses with novelties, and Preter-Evangelical Doctrins, knowing the great Apostle, hath Anathematized, or cursed all them, who bring another Gospel, or Doctrins besides the Gospel, in the beginning of his Epistle to the Galathians4. Christ here in my Text represents Abraham as preferring the Sacred Scriptures, to be more worthy of credit, and beneficial to Conversion, than the Reports of those raised from the Dead: and Paul (by whom Christ himself speaks) not writing rashly and unadvisedly, (when moved by the Holy Ghost) but upon mature deliberation, with a great deal of gravity repeats, [As we said before, so say I now again] (confirming what he and others for substance had de-deliver'd) for greater certainty. [If any man preach any other Gospel unto you] he doth not say (as some of the Ancients have observed*) any contrary, but any the least thing besides that we have preached and ye have received, tho' he be an Angel from Heaven, let him be accursed. He ⟨image 84⟩prefers the Divine Writ to the Angels coming down with a message from Heaven. Evangelical Doctrins to Angelical, could it be supposed, and that deservedly. Because, the Angels tho' great, yet are Servants and Ministers5, whereas all the Holy Scriptures are not commanded and sent of Servants to be written; but of God himself the Lord of all, as hath been shewd6. Lets then depend solely, upon the sure Word, which is most effectual to convert and comfort us.
- 3Psal. 36.9. — 84.11.
- 4Gal. 1.6, 7, 8, 9.
- *Chrysostom Theophylact. [Greek or Hebrew].Chrysostom Theophylact. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
- 5Heb. 1.14.
- 62 Tim. 3.16. 1 Pet 1.11, 12. 2 Pet. 1.20, 21. John 20.31.