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Satan often apes God, that he may by a fallacious resemblance the better insinuate himself into the minds of the simple,
piety, that it may stand with a firm step, confines itself within due bounds.
The Law, with its manifold uses and objects, I will consider in its own place; at present I only advert to this one, that it is designed as a bridle to curb men, and prevent them from turning aside to spurious worship.
unless everything peculiar to divinity is confined to God alone, he is robbed of his honour, and his worship is violated.
But in regard to those parts of Scripture which, to our capacities, are dark and intricate, what forbids us to explain them in clearer terms—terms, however, kept in reverent and faithful subordination to Scripture truth, used sparingly and modestly, and not without occasion?
Who dare charge those ancient writers as men of strife and contention, for having debated so warmly, and disturbed the quiet of the Church for a single word?
The modesty of these holy men should be an admonition to us not instantly to dip our pen in gall, and sternly denounce those who may be unwilling to swear to the terms which we have devised, provided they do not in this betray pride, or petulance, or unbecoming heat, but are willing to ponder the necessity which compels us so to speak, and may thus become gradually accustomed to a useful form of expression.
it is more expedient to provoke them purposely, than to court their favour by speaking obscurely.
