Sighs from Hell, Commentary · Verse 29
Ver. 29.
Abraham said unto him, they have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them.
IN the Verses foregoing, you see there is a discovery of the lamentable state of the poor soul that dyes out of Christ, and the special favour of God. And also how little the glorious God of Heaven doth regard and take notice of their most miserable condition.
Now in this verse, he doth magnify the word which was spoken to the People by the Prophets and Apostles, They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them. As if he should say, thou askest me that I should send Lazarus back again into the World, to Preach to them that live there, that they might escape that doleful place that thou art in: what needs that? have they not Moses and the Prophets? have they not had my Ministers and Servants sent unto them, and coming as from me? I sent Enoch, and Noah, Moses, and Samuel. I sent David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, and the rest of the Prophets, together with Peter, Paul, John, Matthew, James, Jude, with the rest; Let them hear them. What they have spoken by Divine inspiration, I will own, whether it be for the damnation of those that reject, or the saving of them that receive their Doctrine: And therefore what need have they that one should be sent unto them in another way? They have Moses, and the Prophets, Let them hear them; let them receive their word, close in with the Doctrine declared by them. I shall not at this time speak any thing to that word (Abraham) having touched upon it already; but shall tell you what is to be understood by these words, They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them. The things that I shall observe from hence, are these, 1. That the Scriptures spoken by the Holy Men of God, are a sufficient rule to instruct to Salvation, them that do assuredly believe and close in with what they hold forth. They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them. That is, if they would escape that doleful place, and be saved indeed from the intollerable pains of Hell fire, as they desire, they have that which is sufficient to counsel them, They have Moses and the Prophets, let them be instructed by them, Let them hear them, 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17. For all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in Righteousness; why, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished to every good work.
Do but mark the words, All Scripture is profitable: All, take it where you will, and in what place you will; All is profitable, for what? That the man of God, or he that is bound for Heaven, and would instruct others in their progress thither.
It is profitable to instruct him, in case he be ignorant; to reprove him, in case he transgress; to correct him, if he hath need of it; to confirm him, if he be wavering. It is profitable for doctrine, and all this in a very righteous way, that the poor soul may not only be helped, but throughly furnished, nor only to some, but to all good works. And when Paul would counsel Timothy, to stick close to the things that are sound and sure, presently he puts him upon the Scriptures, saving, Thou hast from a Child known the Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ Jesus. The Scripture holds forth Gods mind and will of his love and mercy towards man, and also the creatures carriage towards him from first to last: so if thou wouldest know the love of God in Christ to sinners, Then search the Scriptures, for they are they that testify of him.
Wouldst thou know what thou art, and what is in thy heart, then search the Scriptures, and see what's written in them, Rom. 3. from 9. 10 18. Rom. 1. 19. 30, 31, 32. Jer. 17. 9. Gen. 6. 5. chap. 8. 21. Eph 4. 18. with many others. The Scriptures I say, they are able to give a man perfect instruction into any of the things of God necessary to Faith and Godliness, if he have but an honest heart, seriously to weigh and ponder the several things contained in them. As to instance in things more particular for the further clearing up of this; And first, if we come to the Creation of the World.
Wouldest thou know somewhat concerning that, then read Gen. 1, and 2. chapters, and compare them with Psal. 33. at the 6. Also Isaiah, 66. 2. Prov. 8. towards the end.
Wouldest thou know whether he made them of something or nothing, read Heb. 11. 3.
Wouldest thou know whether he put forth any labour in making them, as we do in making things, read Psal. 33. 9.
If thou wouldest know whether man was made by God, corrupt or upright, read Eccles. 7. 26. Gen. 1. 10, 18, 25, 31.
Wouldest thou know where God did place man after he had made him, read Gen. 2. 15.
Wouldest thou know whether that man did live there all his time or not, then read Gen. 3. 23, 24.
If thou wouldest know whether man be still in that state by nature, that God did place him in, then read Eccl. 7. 26. and compare it with Rom. 5. 16. and Eph. 2. 1, 2, 3. God made man upright, but he hath sought out many inventions.
If thou wouldest know whether the man were first beguiled, or the woman that God made an help meet for him, read Gen. 3. 6. and compare it with 1 Tim. 2. 14.
Wouldest thou know whether God looked upon Adams eating of the forbidden Tree, to be sin, or no, read Rom. 5. 12, 13, 14, 15. and compare it with Gen. 3. 17.
Wouldest thou know whether it were the Devil who beguiled them, or whether it was a natural Serpent, such as do haunt the desolate places, read Gen. 3. 12. with Rev. 20. 1, 2, 3.
Wouldest thou know whether that sin be imputed to us, read Rom. 5. 12, 13, 14, 15. and compare it with Eph. 2. 2.
Wouldest thou know whether man was cursed for his sin, read Gal. 3. 10. Rom. 5. 15.
Wouldest thou know whether the curse did fall on man, or on the whole creation with him, compare Gen. 3. 17. with Rom. 8. 20, 21, 22.
Wouldest thou know whether man be defiled in every part of him by the sin he hath committed, then read Isa. 1. 6.
Wouldest thou know mans inclination so soon as he is born, read Psal. 58. 3. The wicked are estranged from the Womb, they go astray so soon as they be born.
Wouldest thou know whether man once fallen from God by transgression, can recover himself by all he can do, then read Rom. 3. 20, 23.
Wouldest thou know whether it be the desire of the heart of man by nature, to follow God in his own way, or no…-compare Gen. 6. 5. and Gen. 8. 21 with Hos. 11. 7.
Wouldest thou know how Gods heart stood affected towards man before the World began, compare Eph. 1. 4. with 2 Tim. 1. 9.
Wouldest thou know whether sin were sufficient to draw Gods love from his Creatures, compare Jer…m. 3. 7. and Micah. 7. 18. with Rom. 5. 6, 7, 8.
Wouldest thou know whether Gods love did still abide towards his Creatures for any thing they could do to make him amends, then read Deut. 11. 5, 6, 7, 8.
Wouldest thou know how God could still love his Creature, and do his Justice no wrong, read Rom. 3. 24, 25, 26. Being justified freely by his Grace▪ through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation for sin, through Faith in his bloud, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this tim… his righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. That is, God having his Justice satisfied, in the bloud, and righteousness, and death of his own Son Jesus Christ, for the sins of poor sinners, he can now save them that come to him, though never so great sinners, and do his Justice no wrong, because it hath had a full and compleat satisfaction given it by that bloud, 1 Joh. 1. 7, 8.
Wouldest thou know who he was, and what he was, that did out of his love die for sinners, then compare Joh. 3. 16, 17. Rom. 5. 8. with Isa. 9. 6.
Wouldest thou know whether this Saviour had a body of flesh and bones, before the World was, or took it from the Virgin Mary, then read Gal. 4. 4.
Wouldest thou know, whether he did in that body bear all our sins, and where, then read 1 Pet. 2. 24. Who bare our sins in his own body on the tree.
Wouldest thou know, whether he did rise again after he was crucified with the very same body, then read Luke 24. at ver. 38, 39. 40, 41.
Wouldest thou know whether he did eat or drink with his Disciples after he arose out of the Grave, then read Luke 24. 42. and Acts 10. 41.
If thou wouldest be perswaded of the truth of this, that that very body is now above the Clouds and Stars, read Acts 1. 9, 10, 11, and Luke 24. toward the end.
If thou wouldest know, that the Quakers hold an errour, that say the body of Christ is within them; consider the same Scripture.
Wouldest thou know what that Christ that died for sinners, is doing in that place whether he is gone, then read Heb. 7. 24.
Wouldest thou know, who shall have life by him, read 1 Tim. 1. 14. 15. and Rom. 5. 6, 7, 8. which say, Christ died for sinners, for the ungodly.
Wouldest thou know, whether they that live and die in their sins, shall go to Heaven, or not, then read 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. Rev. 21. 8, 27. which saith, They shall have their part in the like, that burns with fire and Brimstone.
Wouldest thou know whether mans obedience will obtain that Christ should die for them, or save them, then read Mark 2. 17. Rom. 5. 7.
Wouldst thou know whether Righteousness, Justification, and Sanctification, doth come through the vertue of Christs blood, compare Rom. 5. 9. with Heb. 12. 12.
Wouldest thou know whether natural man can abstain from the outward act of sin against the Law, meerly by a principal of nature, then compare well Rom. 2. 14. with Phil. 3. 6.
Wouldest thou know whether a man by nature may know something of the invisible things of God, compare seriously, Rom. 1. 20. 21. with Rom. 2. 14. 5.
Wouldest thou know how far a man may go on in a profession of the Gospel, and yet fall away, then read, Heb. 6. 4▪ 5, 6. They may taste the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. They may taste the Heavenly gift, and be partakers of the Holy Ghost, and yet so fall as never to be recovered, or renewed again unto repentance: see also Luke 13.
Wouldest thou know how hard it is to go to Heaven, read Mat. 7. 13, 14. Luke 13. 24.
Wouldest thou know, whether a man by nature be a friend to God, or an enemy, then read Rom. 5. 11. Col. 1. 21.
Wouldest thou know what, or who they are that shall go to Heaven; then read John 3. 3. 5. 7. and 2 Cor. 5. 17. Also wouldest thou know what a sad thing it is for any to turn their backs upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then read Heb. 10. 28, 29. and Mark 16▪ 16.
Wouldest thou know what is the wages of sin, then read, Rom. 6. 23.
Wouldest thou know whither those do go, that die unconverted to the faith of Christ, then read Psal. 9. 17. and Isa. 14. 9.
Reader, here might I spend many sheets of paper, yea, I might upon this subject, write a very great Book, but I shall now forhear, desiring thee to be very conversant in the Scriptures, for they are they that will testifie of Jesus Christ, Joh. 5. 39. The Bereans were counted noble upon this account; These were more noble then those of Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, &c. Acts 17. 11. But here let me give thee one caution, that is, have a care that thou do not satisfie thy self with a bare search of them, without a real application of him whom they testifie of, to thy soul, lest instead of faring the better for thy doing this work, thou dost fare a great deal the worse & thy condemnation be very much heightned, in that, though thou didst read so often the sad state of those that die in sin, and the glorious estate of them that close in with Christ, yet thou thy self shouldst be such a fool as to lose Jesus Christ, notwithstanding thy hearing, and reading so plentifully of him.
They have Moses and the Prophets, let them … them.]
As if he should say, What need have they that one should be sent to them from the dead? Have they not Moses and the Prophets? hath not Moses told them the danger of living in sin. Deut. 27. from ver. 15. to ver. 26. And chap. 28. 15. 16, 17, 18, 19. 20. &c. to the end of the Chapter: also chap. 29. 18, 19, 20, 21. hath he not there told them, what a sad state these persons are in, that deceive themselves with the deceit of their hearts, saying, They shall have peace, though they follow their sins in these words. And when he heareth the words of this curse, he bless himself in his heart saying I shall have peace, though I go on or walk in the imagination of my heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. The Lord will not spare that man, but then the anger of the Lord, and his jealousie shall smoak against him, and all the curses that are written in this Book, shall lie upon him: and the Lord shall blot out his name from under Heaven.
Again, did not Moses write of the Saviour that was to come afterwards into the World. Deut. 18. 18. Nay, have not all the Prophets from Samuel, with all those that follow after, prophesied, and foretold these things: therefore what need have they that I should work such a miracle, as to send one from the dead unto them? They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them.
From whence observe again, That God doth honour the writings of Moses and the Prophets, as much, nay more, than if one should rise from the dead: Should not a People seek unto their God? what, seek for the living among the dead? To the Law, and to the Testimonies, (saith God) if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isa. 8. 19 20. And let me tell you plainly, I do believe that the Devil knows this full well, which makes him labour to beget in the hearts of his Disciples and followers, light thoughts of them; and doth perswade them, that even a motion from their own beguiled conscience, or from his own wicked Spirit, is to be observed, and obeyed before them: when the very Apostle of Jesus Christ, though he heard a voice from the excellent glory, saying, This is my beloved Son, &c.
Yet writing to the Churches, he commends the writings of the Prophets before it, saying, We have also a more sure word of the Prophets, unto which ye do well to take heed, &c. 2 Pet. 1. 17, 18, 19. Now if thou doubtest, whether that place be meant the Scriptures, the words of the Prophets, or no, read but the next Verse, where he addeth for a certain confirmation there of these words. Knowing this first, that there is no Prophecy of the Scriptures, of any private interpretation▪ for Prophecy came not in old time…y the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
And therefore, what a sad thing is it with those that go about to disown the Scriptures. I tell you, however they may slight them n…w, yet when they come into h…ll, they will see their folly, They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them.]
Further, who are they that are so tossed to and fro, with the several winds of doctrine, that have been bro…ched in these dayes, but such, for the most part, as have had a light esteem of the Scriptures; for the ground of errour (as Christ saith) is because they know not them, Mark 12. 24. And indeed, it is just with God, to give them over to follow their own dark blinded consciences, to be led into errours, that they might be damned into hell, who did not believe that the things contained in the Scripture were the truth, that they might be saved and go to Heaven. It cannot well tell how to have done speaking for, and on the Scriptures side, only this I consider, A word is enough to the wise; and therefore I shall commit these things into the hands of them that are of God: and as for the rest, I shall say to them, rather than God will save them from h…ll with the breach of his holy word, if they had a thousand souls a piece, God would destroy them all; for the Scriptures cannot be broken. John 10▪ 35.