2. Try what you hear by the touchstone of God's word —
[The Scriptures are the only proper rule of our faith and practice : to them we must refer every thing as to an unerring standard1, nor must any human authority supersede the exercise of our own judgment11. If an angel from heaven were to preach, we ought to try his word by this test. This was approved in the Bereans of old1; and it is expressly enjoined on usm.]
3. Seek the instruction and guidance of the Holy Spirit —
[However plainly man may preach, God alone can enable you to profit n. Of yourselves you will be far more ready to
f The whole of this subject requires to be treated with peculiar tenderness, lest we appear to be bringing only a railing accusation against our brethren, when we should be seeking rather the edifica- tion of our flock. We must not indeed shrink from expounding any portion of God's word ; but we must always be careful to " speak the truth in love."
s Hos. iv. 6. Isai. xxvii. 11. Eph. v. 6.
h Cant. i. 8. Matt. vii. 13, 14. { Isai. vhi. 20.
k Matt, xxiii. 8—10. * Acts xvii. 11. m 1 Thess. v. 21.
11 Isai. xlviii. 17.
embrace the self-exalting tenets of deceivers, than the humi- liating doctrines of the Gospel. But the Holy Ghost shall be given to those who seek his influence0, and shall guide into all truth those who submit to his teaching p. Let all then, what- ever be their capacity or attainments, implore his help : then, though babes in human science, they shall be taught the things that are hid from the wise and prudent*1.]
0 Luke xi. 13. P John xvi. 13. 1 John ii. 20.
'i Matt. xi. '25, 26.