John 4:22

In the second assertion, Christ speaks to her question more distinctly; and left from what he had said of the abolishing of both for the time to come, and of their giving place to that spiritual worship, she should gather that they were both in themselves (at least) equal; Therefore he here speaks of both these wayes, being compared each with other, and in respect of their use till that fulnesse of time should come; and in this respect he condemnes the Samaritan worship, as being an ignorant way, and wanting warrant of the word, and preferreth the Jewes, as having clear ground for their worship, and it being pointed out in the Scriptures as the way to heaven and salvation; The Saviour also being to come of them, and the doctrine of salvation, which was among them, being to go out from them into all the world; according to the Prophecie, Isa. 2.3. Whence learn, 1. No good intentions, no zeale, or pretence whatsoever, can justifie any thing in Gods worship which hath not sure warrant of the Word, and is not gone about in the knowledge and faith thereof; So much is included in this reproof of the Samaritans, and commendation of the Jewes, Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship. To transgresse this rule, and to take in any device of men in Gods worship, doth in so farre make the true God an Idol, as to imagine him to be such a one as will accept of such false worship. 2. Christ, as he took on the forme of a servant, is content to rank himself with the true Church as a member, to teach all to esteeme highly of such a society; We, saith he, know what we worship. 3. Not onely is worship devised by men not warrantable, but it is not the way to heaven, seeing there can be no salvation but in Gods institute way; And the case of these who follow devised worship, is so much the more dangerous if they want also the doctrine of salvation, in matters of faith and manners; Both these are included in this reason, for, salvation is of the Jewes, that salvation was to be found in that Church, their way of worship being appointed and approven of God, and the saving doctrine and oracles of God concerning faith, worship and manners being also committed to them, and among them. 4. It was the special priviledge of the Jewes, and a testimony of Gods approving of them as his Church, that the Saviour of sinners was to come of them, and the doctrine of salvation pointing him out, to sound from among them in all the earth; so much also doth this reasoning import, as hath beene explained.