Wesley Corpus

8. Let us make our appeal on all doctrines and duties to the Bible to the prophets and the apostles ; ver. 20. On them and their doctrine we can build. On them the church is reared. It is not on the opinion of philosophers and lawgivers; not on creeds, symbols, traditions, and the decisions of councils ; it jis on the authority of the inspired book of God. The church is in its most healthy state when it appeals for its doctrines most directly to the Bible. Individual Christians grow most in grace wnen they appeal most to this "book of books." The church is in great danger of error when it goes off from this pure 'standard'? and wakes its appeal to other standards to creeds and symbols of doctrine. '" The Bible is the religion of Protestants ;" and the church will be kept pure from error, and will advance in holiness, just as this is made the great principle which shall always govern and control it. Ifa doctrine is not found in the "apostles and prophets'' in some part of the Bible, it is not to be imposed on the conscience. It may, or may not be true; it may, or may not be fitted to edify a people; but itis not to be an article of faith, or imposed on the consciences of men. 9. Let us evince always special regard for the Lord Jesus; ver. 20. Ile is the precious corner-stone on which the whole spiritual temple is reared. On him the church rests. How important, then, that the church should have correct views of the Redeemer! How important that the true doctrine respecting his divine nature ; his atonement ; his incarnation; his resurrection, should be maintained. It is not a matter of inditference whether he be God or man; whether he died as an atoning sacrifice or as a martyr; whether he be the equal of God, or whether he be an archangel. Every thing depends on the view which is held of that Redeemer and as men entertain different opinions about him, they go off into different systems as wide from each other as the poles. Every thing in the welfare of the church, and in the individual peace of its members, depends on proper views of the Lord Jesus.