Richard Allestree on the necessity of revelation for salvation and worship

[Reformed Covenanter]

It is impossible for lapsed men, so far as they are left to themselves, and have no other guide to follow but their reason, to find out what they are to believe of God, and how to serve him, and save themselves. The Fathers and Philosophers too conclude that we can learn from none but God, what we must understand of God; who must be known only as he himself is pleased to reveal himself. His worship also, how he will be served, and what observances he does require, or will admit, since it depends on his own good pleasure, therefore without his directions ’tis in vain to hope to please him with our Religious service whatever it be, and by consequence impossible without his guidance and assistance to acquire the end of all our Service and Religion, the salvation of our souls.

So that how wise soever he be who does propose this blessed end to himself, if yet withal he be not some way from the Lord instructed by what means he must pursue that end, and do not make choice of, and use those means, it is impossible he can be wise unto salvation. Now for this St. Paul assures us most expressly, here we may be furnished: For he says, The Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

For the reference, see:

Richard Allestree on the necessity of revelation for salvation and worship

[I]t is impossible for lapsed men, so far as they are left to themselves, and have no other guide to follow but their reason, to find out what they are to believe of God, and how to serve him, and …

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