An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

Hence thirdly, Seeing the Scripture is thus inspired by God, and the Pen-men ¹were moved by him in the composing of it, this should teach us to rest satisfied in the style and method of it. For the style, because it hath not the florid, and Rhetorical Ornaments, that humane Authors have, therefore some have disdained it. Yea, how many had rather read some quaint English Books, or Poets, or Orators, rather than that? Oh be ashamed of ⟨p. 13⟩that curiosity and vanity of thine, if thou art not ashamed to believe in a crucified God, in Christ, though born in a manger! Why of such a Scripture that doth in a plain, but majestical manner relate these things? They say, where mines of Gold are, there groweth little Grass, and few Flowers. Thus where divine and holy matter is, affectation of words, and humane eloquence would be a disparagement to it. The Scripture is in a style full of Efficacy and Majesty suitable to God, who speaks it; and therefore the very Heathen could say, That Moses wrote his History like one that was of God. And for the Method also, that some are Historical, some Prophetical, some Moral; all this is from the Wisdom of God. Therefore it's profane arguing on Bellarmin's part, who saith, That if God had intended the Bible to be Rule of Matters in Faith, it would have been put into some other mould, like a Catechism, or some Body of Divinity. But what arrogancy is this, to prescribe to the Spirit of God? And this may satisfy us in that Question made by some, Why Paul did write thus in an Epistolary way? Why, it was by way of Epistles that he wrote, rather than in another manner? For although some give Reasons, as, Because it was the way of the greatest, and most learned to answer to questions propounded by others. Hence we have the rescripta, and responsa prudentium. Or, because it's a more familiar way, and apter to beget love. Hence Gregory called the whole Bible, An Epistle sent from the Omnipotent God to Mankind. Though (I say) these Reasons be given, yet it's best to acquiesce in the Wisdom of God.

Hence thirdly, Seeing the Scripture is thus inspired by God, and the Pen-men ¹were moved by him in the composing of it, this should teach us to rest satisfied in the style and method of it. For the style, because it hath not the florid, and Rhetorical Ornaments, that humane Authours have, therefore some have disdained it. Yea, how many had rather read some quaint English Books, or Poets, or Oratours, rather than that? Oh be ashamed of