Tractatus hierographicus

Front matter

yhelf...

i

0*^

Preface

labours of this excellent man, may be effectual to the wiping off that dust of obloquy which hath been undeservedly cast upon the Quakers, as con- i

temners of the Holy Scriptures ; to the informa^ ^Hl tion of seeking souls in general, in the right way of attaining a true and saving knowledge of those Sacred Records ; and to thine own spiritual benefit and improvement, in particular, is the desire of,

Reader, Thy Well-wisher,

J. B.

H

THE CONTENTS,

THE IKTRODUCTIOK

PAGE

Wherein the Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures IS asserted xix

SECTION I. An Exhortation, to the Diligent Reading of the Holy Scriptures 1

Examples, of such as were eminently conversant therein. . . 8-16

The great zeal for the Holy Scriptures, in the beginning of the Reformation in this kingdom 16

Some gave a load of hay, for a few chapters of James or Paul, in English 17

Some persecuted for having some books of Holy Scripture in English, some for reading them, and others for being present when they were read 17

One persecuted for learning the ten Commandments ; another for teaching them ; a third for having the New Testament of Tyndale's Translation, and certain books of the Old Testament in English 18

The chapters of Moses called Genesis, &c., forbidden as heretical books by Henry YIIL, his Proclamation Anno 1529 19

Tonstal, Bishop of London, gave money to buy up Tyndale's New Testaments in English, to burn them 19

Tyndale hastens another impression at Antwerp 19

The Lord Cromweirs great love to the Scriptures in getting them translated and pj'inted in English, when the bloody

XU CONTENTS.

PAGE

Act of the Six Articles, called the Whip with Six Strings, came forth, in the reign of Henry VIII., Anno 1540 19

Two Bibles printed in English, one at Hamburgh, Anno 1532, anothei at Paris, Anno 1540 20

The Impression at Paris, seized and burnt, except some books that we^e saved and bought again, by the English Protestants 20

The lovers of the Scriptures called in contempt Gospellers, Wickliffists, and Lollards 21

Tertullian and Augustine converted, by the grace of God, in reading the Scriptures 21

The manner of Augustine's conversion, set down at large, for the example of others 2J

SECTION IT.

A Declaration of the True Way, whereby men may come

TO KNOW A PROFITING, IN THE READING OF THE HOLY SCRIP- TURES 27

A distinction between a speculative or historical, and a practical or experimental knowledge, of the Holy Scriptures 27

A right disposition and preparation of the mind, necessary to a profiting in reading the Holy Scriptures 30

The true qualifications, for the Ministry, and dispensation of the Gospel , 36

True Scripture knowledge proceeds not from mere human study, but from Divine illumination 40

The means for men to come to a thorough sight, of their wretched and sinful state ; and of that blessed way, which, as it is diligently minded, will effectually lead them out of it 40

Sin clouds the understanding, and deadens the senses of the soul 40

The impure of heart cannot see God 40

The friends of Christ, are they who live in conformity to his precepts 42

CONTENTS. Xlll

PAGE

An excellent passage of John Smith of Cambridge, in his Select Discourses 43

Section III

That it is by the testimony of the Holy Spirit of God, in the hearts of the faithful, that they do certainly and savingly know, that the holy scriptures are given BY Inspiration of God 45

The argument drawn from the testimony of the Holy Scriptures themselves, the miracles therein recorded, fulfilling of prophecies, their holy doctrine, the excellency of the style, the faithfulness and integrity of the penmen, and their miraculous preservation, are secondary and subservient ways of proof, and produce an historical knowledge. But the testimony of the Spirit, in the hearts of the faithful, is the primary and principal argument whereby they certainly and savingly know that the Holy Scriptures were given by Inspiration of God 46

Human learning, or natural reason, insufficient to acquaint men with the things of God 51

Calvin's testimony to that purpose 53

That the Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures is primarily and principally known, by the testimony of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, proved by the Scriptures themselves 55

By the testimony of several Protestant writers and churches. 55

SECTION IV. Several Protestant Writers and Churches asserting

that it is only by the TESTIMONY OP THE HoLY SpIRIT IN the HEARTS OF THE FAITHFUL, THAT THEY COME CERTAINLY AND SAVINGLY TO KNOW, THAT THE HOLY SCRIPTURES WERE

Calvin, Professor of Divinity at Geneva 56

Zanchius, Professor of Divinity at Heidelberg 58

XIV CONTEXTS.

PAGB

Plscator. Professor of DivinitT at Herborn 60

Ursin, at Heidelberg 60

Dr. Whitaker, Regius Professor at Cambridge 61

Maccovius, Professor of Divinity at Frankfort 61

Bucanus, Professor of DiyinitY at Lausanna 62

Amesius. Professor of Divinity at Fraueker 62

Trelcatius. at Leyden 63

Beza. at Geneva 64

Wollebius. at Bazil 6-i

Dr. Tnlley, of Oxford 65

TTilliam Tyndale, Martyr 65

John Bradford, Martyr 6Q

Richard Hooker, ditto GQ

Dr. Richard Field, Dean of Gloucester 68

Archbishop Usher 69

Bishop Stillingfleet 70

French Confession 75

Dutch Confession 75

Westminster Confession 76

Confession of Faith, put forth by the Elders and Brethren of many congregations of Christians (baptized upon profession of their faith.) in London and the country; printed

in the vear 1677 77

SECTIOX V.

That the Holy Spirit of God. is the principal and only certain and infallible expositor or interpreter, of the Holy Scriptfres 79

The sense or meaning of Scripture, is either literal or spiritual 79

The means of understanding the literal sense thereof 79

The means of understanding the spiritual sense thereof. ... 80 The difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge 80

All mere interpretations or expositions of Scripture, are at best, but only secondary, ministerial, or subservient; but

CONTENTS. XV

PAGE

the interpretation- or exposition of the Holy Spirit, is chief or principal. They are doubtful and uncertain, but this only is certain and infallible 81

Proved by Scripture 81

Testimonies of those called Fathers, proving that the Holy Spirit is the chief, and only certain and Infallible Interpreter, of Holy Scripture 82

Testimonies of some writers of the Koman Catholic Communion, witnessing the same 88

Testimonies of Protestant Writers and Churches, confirming the same 94

The means of a right understanding of the Scriptures afforded to all, to whom they are communicated 141

SECTION YL

That we may certainly know, whether we have the Holy Spirit of God, and that our Doctrine is of him 143

A two-fold evidence of such knowledge 144

1. How men may certainly know by an inward evidence,

that they believe on the Son of God unfeignedly. . . 145 That they love the Lord above all, and their neighbour

as themselves 146

That Christ lives in them, and consequently that they

have his Holy Spirit 146

That a man may certainly know his Sanctification 149

Regeneration 150

Adoption 150

Justification 151

Growth in Grace 151

And Perseverance 153

And consequently, that he is a member of the mystical

Body of Christ 154

The demonstration of such internal evidence 154

2. An outward evidence, by which we may know and

demonstrate to others, that we have the Spirit of Christ 155

XVI CONTENTS.

PAGB

An agreement betwixt the Old and New Covenant 157

Justification and Sanctification, how far they agree in

one 160

Justification not merely imputative 167

Redemption by Christ, not only outward, but also inward and spiiitual 168

TABLE

OF

AUTHOES, BOOKS, AND PEESONS,

QUOTED, MENTIONED, OR REFERRED TO, IN TfflS TREATISE.

Alcocke John, Confessor 103

Alypius 22

Ambrosius Mediolanensis 86

Amesius 62, 121

Andradius 93

Aquinas 88

Barclay Robert 2

Basilius 4

Baxter Richard 72, 135

Blesilla 15

Brabant John, Confessor 17

Bradford John, Martyr 66

Bucanus 62

Chauncy Isaac 75

Chrysostom 88

Clemens Romanus 82

Clemens Alexandrinus 16, 83

Collins Richard, Confessor. ... 17

Collins Joan, Confessor 18

Collins Alice, Confessor 18

Collier Thomas 128

PAGE

Common Prayer Book 107, 114

Confession French 75

— Dutch 75

— Westminster 76, 139

— Independent and Baptists . . 77

— Helvetian 138

— Wirtemberg 139

Coverdale Miles 20

Cromwell Lord 19

Curson Thomas, Confessor. ... 18

Cyprian 16

Cyril, Patriarch of Constantinople 104

Dickson David 119

Dell WilHam 125

Edmunds Agnes, Confessor. . 18

Edwards Dr 137

Erasmus 92

Everard Dr 122

Eusebius Ca^sariensis 15, 85

Featly Dr 3

Ferus Johannes 93

Field Dr 68, 120

XV 111 TABLE OF AUTHORS, BOOKS, AND PERSONS.

PAGE

Fox's Acts and Monuments, 17, 18, 20, 102

Gerson John 91

Grafton Richard 20

Gell Dr 161 I

Hakker John, Confessor 17

Hall Bishop 162

Hammond 41, 185

He wet Edward, Confessor. ... 18

Hieronymus Stridonensis, 7, 18, 15,

16, 32, 86

Hieronymus Savonarola 91

Hilarion 16

Hildersham Arthur 69

Hooker Richard QQ

Hooper Bishop, Martyr 100

Ignatius Antiochenus 82

Jewel Bishop 115

Justinus Martyr 83

John the Egyptian 15

Kempis Thomas a 89

Kiry Walter, Confessor 18

Lactantius 85

Latimer Bishop, Martyr 29, 100

Leigh Edward 69

Longland John, popish Bishop

of Lincoln 17

Luther Martin 94

Maccovius 61

Medwel John, Confessor 18

Mel John, Confessor 18

Monica 23

Nazianzen Gregory 41, 86

Nepotian , 15

Owen Dr 73, 184

Origan. 14, 84

PAGE

Pamphilus, Martyr 14

Paula 16

Philpot John, Martyr 102

Poor Woman, Martyr 103

Piscator 60

Polhill Edward. 185

Rayanellus 68

Rainolds Dr 118

Richardus de sancto Victore. . 90

Ridley Bishop, Martyr 101

Rogers John 20

Rous Francis 85, 121

Sandys Archbibhop 116

Smith John, of Cambridge, 48,

181, 162

Staple Laurence, Confessor. . . 18

Stillingtleet Bishop 70

Stokesley, popish Bishop of

London 18

Synod of Dort 189

Tertullian 84

Theophylact 88

Theodosius the younger 16

Tonstal Cuthbert, popish Bishop of London 19

Trelcatius 63^ 97

Tully Dr..... 85

Tyndale William, Martyr 65, 99

Ursinus 60

Usher Archbishop 69, 133

Yalens, Martyr 15

Walker Obadiah 93

Webster John 126

Weemse 119

Whitaker Dr 61

Whitchurch Edward 20

WilletDr 68

Wollebius 64

Zanchius 58, 96

Zuinglius 95

THE INTEODUCTIOK

WEEREI]^ THE DIVIIN^E AUTHOEITY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES IS ASSERTED.

FOEASMUCH as we the people called Quakers, have been greatly misrepresented, as contemners of the Holy Scriptures ; I have thought meet by way of introduction to the following Treatise, to premise a few things for the satisfaction of sober and moderate persons of other communions on the one hand ; and for the silencing of cavilling and calumniating adversaries on the other; concerning our sincere and orthodox belief of those Sacrecl Writings.

We sincerely and unfeignedly believe the following propositions :

1. That the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, were not of any men's ^ '' private setting forth," but were given by Inspiration of God.

2. That they contain a clear and sufficient

' 'Idias €m\C(r€(os, 2 Pet. i. 20.

XX IlSTTKODUCTIOlSr.

declaration of all doctrines, in common to be believed, in order to Eternal life and salvation.^

3. That the Holy Scriptures are the best outward Rule and Standard of Doctrine and Practice.

4. That whatsoever either Doctrine or Practice, though under pretensions to the immediate dictates and teachings of the Spirit, is contrary to the Holy Scriptures, ought to be rejected and disowned as false and erroneous. For, '^ Whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an Article of Faith." See Art. VI. of the Church of England.

5. That the Holy Scriptures contain the sayings or Words of God, are Divine Writings, which claim ^ the precedency of all others ; and we do esteem them as such ourselves, and under this character recommend them to others.

^ Quod sine Scripturd asseritur^ aut revelatione 'probata, opinari licet, credi non est necesse. Whatsoever is asserted without the Scripture or approved Revelation, may pass for an opinion, but is not necessary to be believed. Luther, Tom. 2, 227, a.

^ Historim sacrorum Bihliorum antecellunt omnium aliarum gentium Historiis. The Histories of the H. Bible excel the Histories of all other Kations. Luther in Gen. 35.

Scriptura summce dispositione fromdentios super omnes omnium Gentium liter as omnia sihi genera ingeniorum huraanorum, divina excellens Auctoritate suhjecit. The Scripture by the Disposition of sovereign Providence excelling all the Learning of all Nations, in its divine Authority hath prevailed upon Men of all sorts. Aug, 11, de Civit. Dei. c. 11.

INTRODUCTION. XXI

6. That there ever was, and is, a most sweet concord and harmony between the teachings of the Spirit, and the testimony of the Holy Scriptures ; and that there is no inconsistency or contradiction between the one and the other, notwithstanding the great diversity of men's opinions and sentiments, under the profession of Christianity. For we believe, that if pride, prejudice, and selfinterest were laid aside, and men would in humility of mind, sincerity of heart, and abasement of self, wait upon the Lord for the teachings of His Spirit, they would be taught by Him the very truth, as it is in Jesus, and come to know that blessed and heavenly Unity in the things of God, from which they are now so divided and subdivided both among themselves, and in opposition to one another.

7. That, though the manifestation of the Spirit, is given to every man both Jew and Gentile to profit withal, and the Grace of God which bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men, so that all have means sufficient afforded them for their present and eternal welfare, if they neglect not the means, nor slight the day of God's gracious visitation ; yet, it is a great mercy to us, and all those that make a right use of it, that it liath pleased God to aiford unto us the Holy Scriptures, which he hath withheld from many others. And we believe, that having the advantage of the

XXU IXTRODUCTIOX.

Holy Script ares, more is required of us, tlian of those to whom they are not communicated ; for to whom much is given, fi'om them much is required.

8. That as the Holy Scriptures have God alone for their Author, so the Spirit of God alone is their certain and infallible Interpreter.^ For except the Spirit which he hath promised, and we ought to wait for, expound them to us : we can never spiritually or savingly understand or apply them. The certain knowledge therefore, and understanding of them, must be waited for, of the same Spirit, by which they were dictated, and committed to writing.

These things thus premised, I proceed to Sect. 1.

1 ScripturcB non nisi eo Spiritu intelligeiidce sunt quo scriptce sunt. The Scriptures are not to be understood, but by the same Spirit by which they were written. Luther, Tom. 2, 309, a.

Spiritus 7'equiritur ad totam Scripturam et ad quamlibet ejus partem intelligend.am. The Spirit is required to the understanding of the whole Scripture and of every part thereof. Ihid. Tom. 3, 169, a.

TEACTATUS HIEEOGEAPHIOUS;

OR,

A TREATISE

CONCERNING THE

HOLY SCRIPTURES.

Section I

CONTAINING AN EXHORTATION TO THE DILIGENT READING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

THE Holy Scriptures are the most excellent of all writings whatsoever, whether we consider the Holy Author of them, the great God of heaven and earth ; or, the inspired penmen of them, the holy Prophets and Apostles, who spake and wrote as they were moved and guided by the Holy Ghost; or, the Divine Truths therein declared and testified of, concerning the wonderful love of God for the reconciliation and salvation of lost mankind, through repentance towards God, and faith in, and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, " Who gave Himself for us, that he miglit redeem us from all inicj[uity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Tit. ii. 14. Upon which considerations thus summarily laid down, we esteem them worthy of preference to all other Books in the world. For they are the Words, sayings, and testimonies of God, Scrij)tures of Truth, Divinely inspired writings, containing the judgments and statutes of the Lord, and the Magna Charta of his Church.

And '^ ^ AVe do look upon them, as the only fit outward judge of controversies among Christians; and that whatsoever doctrine is contrary to their testimony, may therefore be justly rejected as false. And for our parts we are very willing, that all our Doctrines and Practices be tried by them ; w^hich Ave never refused, nor ever shall, in all controversies with our adversaries, as the judge and test. We shall also be very willing to admit it, as a positive certain maxim, that Avhatsoever any do pretending to the Spirit, which is contrary to the Scriptures, be accounted and reckoned a Delusion of the Devil."

But notwithstanding the Divine Authority and excellent contents of the Holy Scriptures, which God hath preserved against all the rage and malice of Satan, and his wicked instruments, and which ought to be prized above all books and writings;

yet may we not take up a lamentation, and say, how are they slighted and neglected by many in our days ! Do not some converse with plays and romances, others with heathen authors, and a third sort with schoolmen, commentators, expositors, &c., more than with these Sacred Records ? Are not some better read in Aristotle than Moses ; in Horace and Pindar's Odes than the Psalms of David and Lamentations of Jeremiah ; in modern pamphlets, than the ancient Prophets ; and gazettes and newspapers, than the blessed Evangelists and Apostles? And therefore considering and lamenting the Avoful neglect of the Holy Scriptures, among many Professors of Christianity, I do beseech and exhort all negligent and careless ones, to i*epent of their misspent time, and to apply themselves henceforward to the diligent reading, and meditating of the Holy Scriptures ; '' which," as the Apostle saith, ^'are able to make wdse unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Chi'ist Jesus," 2 Tim. iii. 15; "being profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," ver. 16.

" ^ The Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, as one saith, ai^e exact maps of the heavenly Canaan, drawn by the pencil of the Holy Ghost, the authentical records of the church, the deeds of

* Dr. Featly in his Advertisement before Ncwmaiis Concordance.

i A TREATISE CONCERNING

AlmigMy God, and evidences (in their kind) of man's salvation."

'' ^ The Divinely inspired Scripture, saith Basil, is the common Treasury of good Doctrines."

^' ^ For this cause, saith Augustine, was it written by the Holy Ghost, that we may all, as it were out of a common fountain of health, take remedies out of it for our particular maladies."

Here all sorts of men and women, that are under no natural or moral incapacity, may read their duties to God and to one another in their several stations and relations, wherein the Divine Providence hath placed them. For the Holy Scriptures testify, that we ought to love God above all, and our neighbours as ourselves. They show us what we are to believe concerning God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, how to order our thoughts, words and actions, and so to live here, that we may be happy for ever hereafter.

They testify, that ^' all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," Eom. iii. 23. That ^' the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," Rom. vi. 23. '' Whom God hath set forth to be a pro-

pitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God ; that he might be just, and the justifier of him that belie veth in Jesus," Eom. iii. 25, 26. That Christ '' tasted death for every man," Heb. ii. 6. '^ Was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification," Rom. iv. 25. '' Made higher than the heavens," Heb. vii. 26. ''Is set down at the right hand of the throne of God," Heb. xii. 2. And " ever liveth to make intercession for us," Heb. vii. 25. "That he is the light of the world, and he that foUoweth him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life," John viii. 12. That ''the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal," 1 Cor. xii. 7. That " except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," John iii. 3. That his Disciples should " be perfect, even as their Father which is in heaven is perfect," Matth. v. 48. That denying self, taking up the cross and following him, are the proper characteristics of his disciples, see Matth, xvi. 24. That " God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth," John iv. 24. That Christ is the substance of all the types and figures under the Levitical Priesthood, being " the End of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth," Rom. x. 4. We learn from the Holy Scriptures, that the Christian Religion is a religion not of Shadows, but of Substance ; not of external Rites and Ceremonies, but of Righteousness and true Holiness. That Christ's Baptism is that of the Holy Ghost, and his Supper of a Spiritual and Heavenly Nature. That he is not only a Sacrifice for sin, but a Saviour from sin, being himself without sin ; that none can be saved by His Merit, who are not sanctified by His Spirit. That the Form of Godliness will avail nothino^ without the Power, and the Name of Christian will be ineffectual without the Nature. That without the grace of Christ we can do nothing acceptable in the sight of God, and by the help and assistance of his grace we may work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. These and multitudes more of the like heavenly truths are discoursed of in the Holy Scriptures, which tend to the glory of God and of his son Christ Jesus, to the purifying, guiding and perfecting mankind, and to the fitting and preparing us for the kingdom of God ; and therefore they call for our most diligent Reading, fervent application, and most exact Conformity of Heart and Life to the Truths therein testified of; and for the exciting of the supine and negligent to the diligent reading and meditation of them. Because examples are often times very instructive I will present the reader with some instances of such as have been eminently conversant in these Sacred Writings.

Our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, thougli his most innocent life, most holy doctrine, and undeniable miracles were sufficient enough to prove he was the Messiah, the prophet which Moses said should come into the world ; yet he was pleased to confirm his divine Mission by testimonies out of the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms, namely, the books of the Old Testament. Thus we find him reproving the Jews for their unbelief, by the writings of Moses : '' There is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for Moses wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words ? " John v. 45, 46, 47. When Satan assaulted him with temptations in the wilderness, he answered him with testimonies out of the writings of Moses ; see Matth. iv. And when '' A certain Lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying what shall I do to inherit eternal life ? He said unto him, what is written in the law? How readest thou?" Luke x. 25, 26. ^' Think not," said he to his Disciples, " that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets : I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil," ^ Matth. v. 1 7.

^ Omni studio legendoe nobis Scripturoe sunt et in lege domini meditandum die ac nocte, ut probati trapezita^ sciamus, quis nuninius probus sit, quis adulter. Jller. in Eph. iv. We ought to read the Scriptui'es with all Diligence^ and meditate in the Law of the Lard Day and Night ; that as good Exchangers^ toe may know, what Coin is good and what is counterfeit.

8 A TREATISE CONCERNWa

For "The Scripture cannot be broken," John x. 35. '' The Scriptures must be fulfilled," Mark xiv. 49. " It is written in the Prophets, and they shall be all taught of God," John vi. 45. " He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water," John vii. 38. His quotations are frequent out of the Old Testament. When the two Disciples were going to Emmaus, and had some fears and doubts upon their minds concerning his Resurrection, he appeared to them, and beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, " He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself," Luke xxiv. 27. And when the eleven were gathered together at Jerusalem, and those two Disciples came and told them, saying, '' The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared unto Simon," ver. 34., with an account of ''What things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread," ver. 35. "As they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them," ver. 36. "And he said unto them, These are the words which I said unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me," ver. 44, which shows how conversant Christ, as Man, was in the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament.

And as he gave his Disciples this excellent Copy,

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

SO were tliey very diligent in writing after it. His conception, birth, name, coming out of Egypt, dwelling at Nazareth, at Capernaum, and riding into Jerusalem, are particularly noted by the Evangelists, who say, ''These things were done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets." See Matth. i. 18-25; ii. 1, 5, 28, and iv. 13, 14, and xxi. 1, 4, 5. The like is observed touching the circumstances of his sufferings, as Judas's treason, the flight of the disciples, the parting of his garments and casting lots upon his vesture, the giving of him vinegar to drink, the not breaking of his bones, and the piercing of his side, with several other circumstances. See Matth. xxvi. 56, and xxvii. 35; John xix. 28, 29, 33, 34, 36, 37.

The Apostles were eminent for quoting the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament in proof of their doctrine ; the Apostle Paul proves that the " Gospel of God " was '' promised by his Prophets in the Holy Scriptures," Rom. i. 1, 2, that "Jesus Christ was made of the seed of David according to the flesh," ver. 3. That ^' He died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures," 1 Cor. xv. 3, 4. That " He ascended up on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men," Eph. iv. 8, referring to Psal. Ixviii. 18. That "He said none other things tlian those wliich the Prophets and Moses did say sliould come, that

Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first 1* that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles," Acts xxvi. 22, 33. " For so hath the Lord commanded us " [viz., himself and Barnabas] " saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldst be for salvation unto the ends of the earth," Acts xiii. 47. Declaring that the ministry which he had received of Christ, was to open blind eyes, " And to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they might receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by Faith that is in Christ Jesus," Acts xxvi. 18. When he was a prisoner at Rome, "' He expounded and testified the kingdom of God" unto the Jews, '' Persuading them concerning Jesus ; both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets." And when some believed not, he added : '' Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet, unto our fathers, saying. Go unto this people and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand ; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them," Acts xxviii. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27.

The Apostle Peter refutes those mockers at the wonderful works of God, that appeared in tlie hundred and twenty on the day of Pentecost, when " They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance/' certifying them that " They were not drunken, as they supposed, but this was that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel, And it shall come to pass in the last days" (saith God) " I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh ; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants, and on my hand-maidens, I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy," &c. Acts ii. 15, 16, 17, 18, <fec., proving that the Patriarch David did speak of the ^'Resurrection of Christ," whom '' God raised up; " and that ''being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he had shed forth that which they now saw and heard," ver. 29-33.