let us here remember that on the whole subject of religion one rule
of modesty and soberness is to be observed, and it is this: in obscure
matters not to speak or think, or even long to know, more than the Word
of God has delivered. A second rule is, that in reading the Scriptures
we should constantly direct our inquiries and meditations to those
things which tend to edification, not indulge in curiosity, or in
studying things of no use. And since the Lord has been pleased to
instruct us, not in frivolous questions, but in solid piety, in the fear
of his name, in true faith, and the duties of holiness, let us rest
satisfied with such knowledge. Wherefore, if we would be duly wise, we
must renounce those vain babblings of idle men, concerning the nature,
ranks, and number of angels, without any authority from the Word of God.
I know that many fasten on these topics more eagerly, and take greater
pleasure in them than in those relating to daily practice. But if we
decline not to be the disciples of Christ, let us not decline to follow
the method which he has prescribed. In this way, being contented with
him for our master, we will not only refrain from, but even feel averse
to, superfluous speculations which he discourages.
None can deny that Dionysus (whoever he may have been) has many shrewd and subtle disquisitions in his Celestial Hierarchy,
but on looking at them more closely, every one must see that they are
merely idle talk. The duty of a Theologian, however, is not to tickle
the ear, but confirm the conscience, by teaching what is true, certain,
and useful. When you read the work of Dionysus, you would think that the
man had come down from heaven, and was relating, not what he had
learned, but what he had actually seen. Paul, however, though he was
carried to the third heaven, so far from delivering any thing of the
kind, positively declares, that it was not lawful for man to speak the
secrets which he had seen.
- John Calvin (Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.14.4)
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