were kept from error of every kind : so that all which they have spoken must be regarded as the word of God, no less than if their very words had been dictated from above : for though, I say again, they were left to record every thing in their own language, yet, in all that they stated, and in all that they revealed, they were kept from error of every kind and every degree. If, on some occasions, they delivered any thing from their own minds, as matters of opinion, and not as divine authority, they failed not to inform the reader in what light he was to regard that particular sentiment which was so delivered11: but in all other matters they claimed the authority of God himself, as sanctioning and confirming all that they uttered in his name1.]
This will yet more fully appear, whilst we consider,
II. The authority committed to them —
The words in which this authority was conveyed have been grievously misinterpreted and perverted — [The ministers of the Church of Rome found on this, and other similar passages of Holy Writ, a claim to the power of forgiving sins. When, indeed, they are accused of this, they will deny it, and will endeavour to explain away their arrogant assertions. But it is a fact, that they teach their people to conceive of them as possessing this power : and their people do entertain this opinion, and do look to them to exercise this power ; and do submit to their unscriptural impositions, under this fallacious hope; aye, and do pay them, too, for admini- stering to them this indulgence. This power, say they, was given to St. Peter"1; and therefore the Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, possesses it. This power too, say they, was given to the Church ; and therefore they, as constituting the Church, possess it". And again: this power was given to all the Apostles ; and therefore they, as descendants of the Apostles, possess it0. But when did Peter ever exercise this power? Did he, when he first preached to the Jews? When, under great agony of mind, they cried, " Men and brethren, what shall we do?" did he say, "I, I Peter, forgive you?" No : he assumed no such power to himself; but said, " Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins p." Did he arrogate to himself any such power, when he opened the kingdom of heaven to the Gentiles? No : when they would have been ready enough to yield him even divine honours, he forbad them'1; and, in-
k 1 Cor. v.ii. G, 10, 2."), 10. i 1 Thess. ii. 13. and iv. 8.
1,1 Matt. xvi. 1!). n Matt, xviii. IS.
0 The text. P Ads ii. 37, 38. n Acts x. 25, 26.