A77832:140
A vindication of the book called, Some Gospel-truths opened; according to the Scriptures, and…
A vindication of the book called, Some Gospel-truths opened; according to the Scriptures, and the opposition made against it by Edward Borough, a professed Quaker, (but proved an enemy to the truth) examined and confuted by the word of God. And also, the things that were then laid down, and declared to the world by me, are a second-time born witness to, according to truth: with the answer of Edward Borough to the queries then laid down in my book reproved. And also, a plain answer to his queries, given in simplicity of soul; and is now also presented to the world, or who else may read, or hear them; to the end (if God will) that truth may be discovered thereby. / by John Bunyan ...A vindication of the book called, Some Gospel-truths opened; according to the Scriptures, and the opposition made against it by Edward Borrough, a professed Quaker, (but proved an enemie to the truth) examined and confuted by the word of God. And also, the things that were then laid down, and declared to the world by me, are a second-time born witness to, according to truth: with the answer of Edward Burrough to the quæries then laid down in my book reproved. And also, a plain answer to his quæries, given in simplicitie of soul; and is now also presented to the world, or who else may read, or hear them; to the end (if God will) that truth may be discovered thereby. / by John Bunyan ...
London: printed by Matthias Cowley, 1657
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Answ. The Scriptures say not so word for word, but thus; Because that which might be known of God, was manifested in them. But how? For he hath showed it unto them. But how? Why the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (which words in thy charge against me thou didst leave out) But mark: The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. But how then doth it say, that the knowledge of God is manifest in them? Why, because God hath showed it unto them by the things that are made, even by the creation of the world. So that this Scripture holdeth forth thus much; that the invisible things of God, as his Power, Holiness, and common goodness to the sons of men are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. But how feeble an argument is this, to prove such a doctrine as this: That every one hath the Spirit, when this light discovers God only by his works in the world. Friend; if they that know God, because he doth show himself to them by his works i• the world, have the Spirit of Christ, then the same argument will serve to speak thus much; that the Devils themselves have the Spirit of Christ, which would be wonderful blasphemy once to affirm. And Friend, the very Devils, both for the knowledge of sin, and also for the knowledge of God's eternal power and Godhead, have more experience, then all the unregenerate men in the world; and yet have not the least spark of the Spirit of Christ in them.
Answ. The Scriptures say not so word for word, but thus; Because that which might be known of God, was manifested in them. But how? For hee hath shewed it unto them. But how? Why the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (which words in thy charge against me thou didst leave out) But mark: The invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. But how then doth it say, that the knowledge of God is manifest in them? Why, because God hath shewed it unto them by the things that are made, even by the creation of the world. So that this Scripture holdeth forth thus much; that the invisible things of God, as his Power, Holinesse, and common goodnesse to the sons of men are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. But how feeble an argument is this, to prove such a doctrine as this: That every one hath the Spirit, when this light discovers God onely by his works in the world. Friend; if they that know God, because he doth shew himself to them by his works i the world, have the Spirit of Christ, then the same argument will serv to speak thus much; that the Divels themselvs have the Spirit of Christ, which would be wonderfull blasphemie once to affirm. And Friend, the very Divels, both for the knowledge of sin, and also for the knowledge of God's eternal power and Godhead, have more experience, then all the unregenerate men in the world; and yet have not the least spark of the Spirit of Christ in them.