From Reformation to Reformation

[ If you are being blessed by the translation work, please consider supporting the work and speeding it on its way.   Click here to watch a brief video on the project. ] THESIS VIII:  Hitherto the words of the commandment .  They are the words of promise, which make known and disclose the thing signified in sacramental expression, even concerning the external symbols:  as concerning the bread, this is my body ; concerning the cup, or [the wine] in the cup, this is my blood of

These two Books called Of the Kings , because they treat of the kings of Judah and Israel, were written by the prophets, or holy men of God, living in or near their several times, and by some one of them digested into this order.  But whoever was the penman, that these are a part of those Holy Scriptures which were Divinely inspired is sufficiently evident first, From the concurring testimony of the whole Jewish church in all ages, to whom were committed the oracles of God , 

Finally, it remains to respond in a few words to the seventh  Question mentioned in § 1, How does the Apostle, in citing this prophecy, reach the goal that he intends? tying verse  14 with what precedes by the logical conjunction διό/ wherefore .  In context, Paul addresses believing Ephesians, who were sometimes darkness, but now were made Light in the Lord , verse  8.  He had instruct these, in verse  11, καὶ μὴ συγκοινωνεῖτε τοῖς ἔργοις τοῖς ἀκάρποις τοῦ σκότους, μᾶλλον δ

But now, when the text applies this promise to those awaking from sleep and rising from the dead , from this it is not gathered that supernatural Grace is only going to follow upon the right use of natural gifts and strength; as if by virtue of these the natural man could be awakened from spiritual torpor and arise from the death of sin.  The contrary is taught by the whole Scripture; our National Synod of Dort, closely following the Scripture in this matter, is to be revered

We proceed to the sixth Question moved in § 1, What is the meaning of the promise subjoined to the admonition,  and Christ shall dawn upon thee ?   And whether supernatural grace is only going to follow upon the right use of natural gifts?   With respect to the first member of the Question, we do not entertain here one and another variant reading, less suitable, or even inept, which already of old CHRYSOSTOM rejected and JEROME exploded, and concerning which Interpreters eve