Do not make light of the Old Testament
It should be observed that this is spoken primarily and directly of the scriptures which Timothy had known from a child. Those must have been the scriptures of the Old Testament, for the New Testament was not then written.
How far, then, was Saint Paul from making light of the Old Testament? He was not a whit behind the very chief of the apostles, nor therefore, I presume, behind any man now upon the earth. Behold this, lest you one day wonder and perish, you who make so small account of one half of the oracles of God.
Yes, and that half of which the Holy Ghost expressly declares that it is profitable, as a means ordained by God, for this very thing, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, to the end that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.
1771 text
9. It should be observed, that this is spoken primarily and directly, of the scriptures which Timothy had known from a child; which must have been those of the Old Testament, for the New was not then wrote. How far then was St. Paul (though he was not a whit behind the very chief of the apostles, nor therefore, I presume, behind any man now upon earth) from making light of the Old Testament! Behold this, lest ye one day wonder and perish, ye who make so small account of one half of the oracles of God! Yea, and that half of which the Holy Ghost expresly declares, that it is profitable, as a means ordained of God, for this very thing, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: to the end the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.
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