If we take knowledge in the latter notion, viz: for the knowledge of edification; then the interpretation proceeds comparatively, thus: comparing the Gospel-Israel, having the law written in their hearts, being also under a clearer dispensation, & under the promise of an efficacious, & copious influence of the Spirit: with the ⟨p. 16⟩National-Israel, finally impenitent under the Law, the teachers of the one, as to a great part of the labour of their ministry, in respect of the consolatory success thereof, especially in the glorious times; shall not look upon it as labour, compared with the fruitless labours of the other, so as the forementioned Gospel-hearers, in respect of the premises, might seem rather, comparatively to have been taught by some immediate irradiation, then by means of ordinary instruction. 1 John 2.27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you: and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is no lie. Hence it is inferred, that believers have no need of being taught by man. Answ. The Objector mistakes the question. The Apostle speaks of heterodox doctrine taught by man. The objection proceeds concerning teaching by man. The sense of the words alleged is, you believers, who through grace, are anointed with the in dwelling, saving operations & efficacious influence of the Spirit, which is the only Teacher: have so learned Christ, i.e. the Lords Christ, that you need not be troubled with, nor ought you to hearken to, the doctrine of Cerinthius, Ebton, or the Gnostics, who though they pretend themselves to be teachers of Christ, are indeed Antichrists, 1 John 2.18. So teaching Christ, as that they un-Christ Christ: nor have you need of any other doctrine whatsoever from any other man, not agreeable unto the doctrine of the true Christ which, you who are anointed, have received.
If we take knowledg in the latter notion, viz: for the knowledg of edification; then the interpretation proceeds comparatively, thus: comparing the Gospel-Israel, having the law written in their hearts, being also under a clearer dispensation, & under the promise of an efficacious, & copious influence of the Spirit: with the ⟨p. 16⟩National-Israel, finally impenitent under the Law, the teachers of the one, as to a great part of the labour of their ministry, in respect of the consolatory success thereof, especially in the glorious times; shall not look upon it as labour, compared with the fruitless labours of the other, so as the forementioned Gospel-hearers, in respect of the premises, might seem rather, comparatively to have been taught by some immediate irradiation, then by meanes of ordinary instruction. 1 John 2.27. But the annointing which ye have received of him abideth in you: and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same annointing teacheth you of all things, and is no ly. Hence it is inferred, that believers have no need of being taught by man. Answ. The Objector mistakes the question. The Apostle speakes of heterodox doctrine taught by man. The objection proceeeds concerning teaching by man. The sense of the words alledged is, you believers, who through grace, are an̄ointed with the in dwelling, saving operatiōs & efficatious influence of the Spirit, which is the only Teacher: have so learned Christ, i.e. the Lords Christ, that you need not be troubled with, nor ought you to harken to, the doctrine of Cerinthius, Ebton, or the Gnosticks, who though they pretend themselves to be teachers of Christ, are indeed Antichrists, 1 John 2.18. So teaching Christ, as that they un-Christ Christ: nor have you need of any other doctrine whatsoever from any other man, not agreeable unto the doctrine of the true Christ which, you who are annointed, have received.
