Directions for profitable Reading the Holy Scriptures. Direct. 5
‘Remember that it is a universal law and doctrine, written for the most ignorant as well as for the curious; and therefore must be suited in plainness to the capacity of the simple, and yet have matter to exercise the most subtle wits; and that God would have the style, to savour more of the innocent weakness of the instruments, than the matter.’ Therefore be not offended or troubled when the style doth seem less polite than you might think beseemed the Holy Ghost; nor at the plainness of some parts, or the mysteriousness of others : but adore the wisdom and tender condescension of God to his poor creatures.
(…to be continued)
Richard Baxter (Click on Mr. Baxter’s name to learn more about him.)
From A Body of Practical Divinity, or A Christian Directory, Vol. 3.
“As a writer, few men have written more, or to better purpose. His books, for number and variety of matter, might form a library. They contain a treasure of controversial, casuistical, positive, and practical divinity. Such at least was the opinion of the judicious Dr. Bates; nor was he alone of this sentiment. The excellent bishop Wilkins did not hesitate to assert, ‘That he had cultivated every subject he had handled.'”
Thanks for the quote from Baxter, Chris! Yes, the Bible is an amazing book that speaks (through the illumination of the Holy Spirit) to both the high school student and the PhD.