Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/194

 pretation in this place is not meant the interpretation of Scripture, that was before revealed, but the revelation it self, as it appears by the 21 vers. where this interpretation is made to consist therein, that the Prophets spake their prophesies as they were moved by the holy Ghost. 3 Peter himselfe, who in the opinion of the Papists was at that time head of the Church, bids the faithfull here, search the Scriptures, he doth not bid them depend upon him, and alwayes look for interpretation. 4 He attributes more and greater strength unto the Scripture, then to his own testimony. 5 He cals the Scripture a light, and the condition of the Church a dark place: the Papists on the contrary attribute darknesse unto the Scripture, and light and clearnesse unto the Church. 6 He commends the vulgar sort of the faithfull, that they did take heed unto the Scriptures, in these words, Ye do well. But the Papists by this interpretaion debarre the faithfull from the reading of the Scripture. Use 1. This may serve to refute the Papists, that put the Church before the Scripture, and say that the first thing to be believed is, that the Church cannot erre. 2. To exhort us, to lay this foundation firme and sure in our hearts. Doct. 10. The holy Ghost moved those men that were authors of the Scriptures.

This is gathered from these words: As they were moved by the holy Ghost.

Use. This may serve to instruct us, by continuall prayer to seek for the aid of the Spirit, for the understanding of the Scriptures. The Scripture must be understood by the help of the same Spirit, by whom it was dictated, as ''Hier. Eodem spiritu debet intelligi Scriptura, quo fuit dictata.''

Doct. 11. The men which the holy Ghost made use of, to deliver the Scriptures, were holy men of God.

Holy, because they were sanctified inwardly, & also set apart to this most holy work. Men of God they were, because they were called by God to this office, and they did declare the will of God, and they did labour also to bring men unto God.

Vse. This may serve to exhort us, to labour to be like unto them, according to our ability, both in holinesse, and in zeale of the Lord.