I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Though God may thus speak to some of his Servants, yet if I ⟨p. 18⟩have an itching desire after Visions, and Revelations, it's ill: The Lord may work a Miracle, and being wrought, I am bound to receive it; but I may not put God upon the working of a Miracle. So here; if God will speak in this way to me, he may; but I may not put him on it without Tempting of him; yea, I am to be so far from desiring God to speak in this way of a Vision, as I am bound rather to be backward to it.¹ For as Alvarez observes well, If a Master be abroad in the night, and the Servant be backward to open the door unto him, and to let him in, lest some Thief should counterfeit his Voice; the Master will not take it il at the Servants hands, that he made him stay so long before he did open the door, but will rather commend that Servant. So saith he; Though a man be backward to receive these Revelations; yet knowing what Deceit there is abroad in the World,² God will not take it ill at his hands, but will commend him for it. An itching desire after Visions, argues that a man is not content with the Scripture; and is it not enough for us to see Christ in Heaven? Gersom tells us of an Ancient Father, who (when the Devil did appear to him in the shape and Image of Christ, saying, I am come in person to visit thee, for thou art worthy) did with both his hands, shut his Eyes, saying, Nolo hic Christum videre, I will not see Christ here, 'tis enough for me that I may see him in Heaven.

Though God may thus speak to some of his Servants, yet if I ⟨p. 18⟩have an itching desire after Visions, and Revelations, it's ill: The Lord may work a Miracle, and being wrought, I am bound to receive it; but I may not put God upon the working of a Miracle. So here; if God wil speak in this way to me, he may; but I may not put him on it without Tempting of him; yea, I am to be so far from desiring God to speak in this way of a Vision, as I am bound rather to be backward to it.¹ For as Alvarez observes wel, If a Master be abroad in the night, and the Servant be backward to open the door unto him, and to let him in, lest some Thief should counterfeit his Voyce; the Master wil not take it il at the Servants hands, that he made him stay so long before he did open the door, but will rather commend that Servant. So saith he; Though a man be backward to receive these Revelations; yet knowing what Deceit there is abroad in the World,