d in the house, in the midst of
the night, when it was stock dark. Then it were a matter of necessity
that one should kindle a light, till the day came when he could see.
Eminently such is the Gospel in the midst of the night and darkness,
for all human reason is mere error and blindness, while the world is
even nothing else but a kingdom of darkness. In this darkness has God
now kindled a light, even the Gospel, whereby we may see and walk,
while we are on the earth, till the morning dawn comes and the day
breaks.

Thus this text is also strongly against all human doctrine; for since
the word of God is the light in a dark and gloomy place, it follows
that all besides is darkness. For if there were another light besides
the word, St. Peter would not have spoken as he has. Therefore look
not to this, how gifted those men are with reason who teach any other
doctrine, however grandly they put it forth; if you cannot trace
God's word in it, then be in no doubt as to its being mere darkness.
And let it not disturb you at all that they say they have the Holy
Spirit. How can they have God's Spirit if they do not have His word?
Wherefore they do nothing else but call darkness light and make the
light darkness, as Isaiah says, chap. v.

This is God's word--even the Gospel--that we are ransomed by Christ
from death, sin and hell: whoever hears that, he has this light and
has kindled this lamp in his heart, even that by which we may see the
one that enlightens us, and teaches us whatever we should know. But
where this is not, there we rush on, and by matters and works of our
own device would find out the way to heaven. Whereof, by your light,
you can judge and see that it is darkness. Wherefore since they have
not the light, neither would receive it, they must remain in darkness
and blindness. For the light teaches us all that which we ought to
know and what is necessary to salvation--a thing which the world by
wisdom and reason knows not. And this light we must still have and
depend upon, even to the last day. Then shall we have no more need of
the word, just as we put out the lamp when the day breaks.

V. 20, 21. _And this ye should know first of all, that no prophecy of
the Scripture is of any private interpretation; for prophecy came not
aforetime by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were
moved by the Holy Spirit._ Here Peter falls upon the matter of false
doctrine: since ye know this, he says, that we ha