Elisha Bates

The Doctrines of Friends, Or, the Principles of the Christian Religion Elisha Bates

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1849. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII. OF THE SCRIPTURES. In giving our belief of the Scriptures, we adopt the language of the apostles themselves; that they "are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus"--that they were "given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."--2 Tim. iii. 15-17"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."--2 Peter i. 21. But though we give a full and unequivocal testimony to their Divine origin, and the just estimation in which we hold them; yet we are not willing to fall into the error of ascribing to them a character or an efficacy, which belongs only to that Divine Source from which they came. Thus we do not call them "the Word of God." And our practice in this respect, has sometimes been misunderstood by other religious denominations. But I would ask the calm and patient reflection of such, that they may clearly understand our views before they pass censure upon us. What idea, I would inquire, do they themselves intend to convey by the terms, "the Word of God V If they mean, that the Divine Spirit dictated them--so do we. If they mean, that God spoke through his servants, as recorded in the Scriptures--so do we. Wherein, then, it may be asked, do we differ 1 It is in this. The Scriptures themselves appropriate the epithet in question to Christ, and to the Holy Spirit. The Evangelist says; "In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made."...