A Body of Practical Divinity

3. If the Scripture is of Divine Inspiration, Believe the Word. The Romans, that ⟨p. 19⟩they might gain Credit to their Laws, reported that they were inspired by the Gods at Rome. O give credence to the Word! it is breathed from God's own Mouth. Hence ariseth all the profaneness of Men, they do not believe Scripture. Isa. 53.1. Who hath believed our Report? Did you believe the glorious Rewards the Scripture speaks of, would you not give diligence to make your Elections sure? Did you believe the Infernal Torments the Scripture speaks of, would not this put you into a cold sweat, and cause a trembling at heart for sin? But People are in part Atheists, they give but little credit to the Word, therefore they are so impious, and draw such dark shadows in their Lives. Learn to realize Scripture, get your hearts wrought to a firm belief of it. Some think, if God should send an Angel from Heaven, and declare his Mind, then they should rather believe him; or if he should send one from the damned, and preach the Torments of Hell all in Flames, then they would believe. But Luke 16.31. If they believe not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one arose from the dead. God is wise, and he thinks this way fittest to make his Mind known to us by writing; and such as will not be Convinced by the Word, shall be Judged by the Word. The belief of the Scripture is of high importance: It is the belief of Scripture that will enable us to resist Temptation: 1 John 2.14. The Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Tis the belief of Scripture conduceth much to our Sanctification; therefore these two are put together, Sanctification of the Spirit, and Belief of the Truth. • Thess. •.13. If the Word written be not believed, it is like writing on the Water, which takes no impression.

3. If the Scripture is of Divine Inspiration, Believe the Word. The Romans, that ⟨p. 19⟩