Expos. 12. By the style of Scripture, we understand not the external superficies of words, but the whole order, character, frame, and comprehension, which fitly agreeth to the dignity of the speaker, & nature of the argument, and is tempered according to the capacity and condition of them for whose sakes it was written. Indeed every Prophet and Apostle almost, had a peculiar style; Isaiah is eloquent, sweet, and more adorned; Solomon accurate, Jeremiah vehement, and more rough; Amos simple, but all are divine. These things declare the majesty of the style: 1. The titles that the author of holy Scripture doth justly challenge unto himself, which import independence of nature, Exod. 3. 14. supereminencie of power and sovereignty, Psal. 50. 1. 2. excellency both of properties & works, Gen. 17. 1. Esa. 42. 5. and 40 12▪ 26. 2. The manner used in teaching, commanding, promising, and threatening. Things above reason, hidden mysteries, such as exceed all humane capacity, are unfolded, without all argumentation or furniture of persuasion, 1. Cor. 2. 7. and we are required to understand and believe ⟨p. 17⟩them, relying upon the truth and credit of the revealer. In giving the law, no proem is used, but, Thus saith the Lord; no conclusion, but, The Lord hath spoken. Exod. 20. 1. 2. Commandments of which no reason can be rendered, are enjoined. Gen. 2. 17. and that which a natural man would account foolishness, is peremptorily and with great security required, Joh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. 24. no argument being brought to persuade, or confirm the equity of those commands, but only the will of the Commander. Promises above likelihood are made, to assure of performance; no reason is alleged, but, I the Lord have spoken, Esa. 51. 22. and 52. 3. 4. and to encourage against difficulties and dangers present, divine assistance is promised both as necessary and sufficient. Ex. 4. 12. Jos. 1. 9. Jer. 1. 8. Esa. 43. 5. In the manner of threatening also, the like notes of the divinity of the style may be observed. 3. That without respect of persons, he doth prescribe laws to all men, private persons, and public Magistrates, whole Kingdoms, and several estates, commanding what is distasteful to their nature, ⟨p. 18⟩and forbidding what they approve, promising not terrene honour, but life everlasting if they be obedient;
Expos. 12. By the style of Scripture, we vnderstand not the externall superficies of words, but the whole order, character, frame, and comprehension, which fitly agreeth to the dignitie of the speaker, & nature of the argument, and is tempered according to the capacity and condition of them for whose sakes it was written. Indeed euery Prophet and Apostle almost, had a peculiar style; Esay is eloquent, sweet, and more adorned; Salomon accurate, Ieremie vehement, and more rough; Amos simple, but all are diuine. These things declare the maiestie of the style: 1. The titles that the author of holy Scripture doth iustly challenge vnto himselfe, which import independance of nature, Exod. 3. 14. supereminencie of power and soueraigntie, Psal. 50. 1. 2. excellencie both of properties & workes, Gen. 17. 1. Esa. 42. 5. and 40 12▪ 26. 2. The manner vsed in teaching, commaunding, promising, and threatning. Things aboue reason, hidden mysteries, such as exceed all humane capacitie, are vnfolded, without all argumentation or furniture of perswasion, 1. Cor. 2. 7. and wee are required to vnderstand and beleeue ⟨p. 17⟩them, relying vpon the truth and credit of the reuealer. In giuing the law, no proeme is vsed, but, Thus saith the Lord; no conclusion, but, The Lord hath spoken. Exod. 20. 1. 2. Commandements of which no reason can be rendered, are enioyned. Gen. 2. 17. and that which a naturall man would account foolishnes, is peremptorily and with great securitie required, Ioh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. 24. no argument beeing brought to perswade, or confirme the equitie of those commaunds, but onely the will of the Commander. Promises aboue likelihood are made, to assure of performance; no reason is alledged, but, I the Lord haue spoken, Esa. 51. 22
