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teaching and writings now, as dictated by immediate inspiration, and consequently infallible, like the New Testament. How then are they Successors of the Apostles?
Dr.—You are bringing me to a large subject, John; which we will discuss some other time, not on a Sunday evening, when you have your young ones at home, waiting to say their verses to you; and I had rather rest than argue after the Services of the day. We will have some further talk, when occasion offers; meanwhile, in answer to your enquiry, I will but bid you compare John xx. with Acts ii. The miraculous gifts were sent down upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost; but the commission to preach, teach, and ordain, were given, quite independently of all such extraordinary endowments, before our Saviour ascended into heaven. One word at parting.—You have had a good education; your mind has been opened to enter into arguments, to see objections, and answer questions; your understanding has been sharpened. This is a talent which may be used rightly, or abused; to the unwary all gifts are temptations. As riches betray men into selfishness and an evil security; so does a sharp wit tend to make them self-confident, arrogant, and irreverent. Look at the advantages which God has given you, not as a cause of boasting and self-gratification, but seriously and anxiously, as a treasure of which you are steward for God, and concerning which you must one day give account to Him.
OXFORD.
The Feast of the Annunciation.
These Tracts may be had at Turrill's, No. 250, Regent Street, at 3d. per sheet, 1½d. the half sheet, & 1d. per quarter sheet.
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