Part 109

Again, (page _ibid._) you bring a fresh accusation against me. “Sometimes, and indeed very frequently, he (in a most enthusiastic manner) applies even the historical parts of scripture particularly to himself, and his own affairs; and this manner he endeavours particularly to vindicate, _Sermon on Searching the Scriptures_, page 246. of his Sermons: ‘It is this application of the historical parts of scripture, when we are reading, that must render them profitable to us;’ and appeals to the experience of the christian, that if he hath so consulted the word of GOD, he has not been plainly directed how to act, as though he had consulted the _Urim_ and the _Thummim_. For in this plain and full manner he says, page 38. of his life; ‘The Holy Spirit hath from time to time let him into the knowledge of divine things, and hath directed him in the minutest circumstances.’ And, no doubt, hence it is, that he says, forementioned sermon, page 247, ‘That GOD, at all times, circumstances, and places, though never so minute, never so particular, will, if we diligently seek the assistance of his Holy Spirit, apply general things to our hearts.’ Which, though it may be true in some measure as to the doctrinal and preceptive parts of scripture, yet it is evidently enthusiastic to say so as to the historical parts of it.” But, however the saying so may appear evidently enthusiastical to you, Gentlemen, after maturely weighing the case, it does not appear in that light to me: for does not the Apostle tell _Timothy_, _2 Timothy_ iii. 16, 17. “That all scripture (therein, undoubtedly, including the historical as well as doctrinal and preceptive parts) is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness, to make the man of GOD perfect, thoroughly furnished to every good work.” And does not the same Apostle, speaking of scripture histories, say, _1 Corinthians_ x. 11. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” And if it be evidently enthusiastical thus to apply the historical parts of scripture to our own cases in private, is it not equally enthusiastical to preach upon and apply the historical parts of scripture to particular cases or persons in public? And further, if it is evidently enthusiastical to apply the historical parts of scripture to ourselves and to our affairs, then supposing such words as these, “Go in peace, Be whole of thy plague, Son be of good chear;” or that historical passage in _John_ vii. 37. should be applied to a particular soul in deep distress, (as no doubt they have often been) must not that soul reject them entirely for delusions? And if so, how many that are real believers, must be brought into unspeakable bondage?