[147]. By the wisdom of God seems here to be meant the wisdom of God essentially considered. But see Matt. xxiii. 34.
[148]. See Dr. Clarke’s Scripture Doctrine, page 63.
[149]. See page [344], [345], ante.
[150]. Dr. Waterland, Serm. III. in defence of Christ, page 106.
[151]. “That Christ was not a mere instrument which God used in the work of creation, as the Arians pretend, is plain from this, that the Scriptures not only teach, that Christ was the very supreme God himself that created all things; Psal. cii. 25. Heb. i. 10. but also that no instrument was used in that work. It was wrought immediately by God himself. As it is written, ‘God himself formed the earth and made it.’ Isa. xlv. 18. (This, all grant, was the supreme God: And this God was Jesus Christ.) ‘He alone spread out the heavens.’ Job ix. 8. Not by an instrument, but by himself alone, Isa. xliv. 24. with his own hands. Isa. xlv. 12.”
Bellamy.
[152]. δια Ιησου Χριστου are omitted by Griesbach.
[153]. Vid. Bez. in loc. Unus Deus omnes populos condidit, sic etiam nunc omnes ad se vocat; condidit autem per Christum, sic per Christum instaurat.
[154]. See Matt. xii. 32. 1 Cor. x. 11. Eph. i. 21. and chap. ii. 7. Heb. vi. 5. and chap. ix. 26. the apostle speaking of the foundation of the world, meaning the first creation, uses the word Κοσμος; but when, in the following words, he speaks of Christ’s appearing in the end of the world, to put away sin, &c. he uses the words των αιωνων.