Doctrine 6. We must give heed unto the Scriptures, untill a greater light be communicated unto us, then we can have out of the Scriptures, that is, untill the last end of this life.
This is gathered from these words, untill the day dawne. Although they were very strongly confirmed, verse 12. Yet they must still give heed unto the Scriptures. Daniel himselfe, though a Prophet, gave heed unto the Prophesies of Ieremy, Daniel 9.2. Peter himselfe gave heed unto the Epistles of Paul, chapter 3. verse 15. Paul himselfe had great care of the Parchments, that is, of the volumes and books of Scripture, 2 Timothy 4.13.
Vse 1. This may serve to refute the Anabaptists, who say that the Scriptures are only profitable for novices and young beginners, and not for the stronger.
2. To reprove those, that rest in that knowledge of the Scriptures, which they have, and seeke no farther.
Doctrine 7. Very great knowledge, light and cleerenesse shall be communicated unto us in the life to come.
This is gathered from the comparison that is made betwixt the life present and the life to come: In the present we have a light as it were in a darke place, but in that to come we shall have full noone as it were, 1 Corinthians 13.12.
Vse. This may serve to exhort us earnestly to desire to come unto that perfection, and in the meane time to exercise our selves in those things that lead thereunto.
Doctrine 8. The light of the Scripture profiteth none but the faithfull.
This is gathered from these words: Knowing this first, that is, beleeving, Hebrews 4.2. No great or noble effect is produced, unlesse the matter, or the object wherein it should be produced, be prepared before: the seed it selfe that is cast into the ground, doth not grow, unlesse the ground be plowed and harrowed. Besides, whereas the Scripture is a testimony, and the strength of the testimony depends upon the authority of him that witnesseth, the Scripture can be of no force, if the authority of God be not acknowledged in it.
Vse. This may serve to direct us, when we come to the reading or hearing of the Scriptures, alwayes to lift up our mindes unto God, and stirre up true faith in our hearts.