A77832:171
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.
I do pass by many of thy raging expressions, which I might justly charge with much unrighteousness; but I know the time is but short, and then whatsoever thou hast done in secret, shall be laid open upon the house tops, therefore I forbear them.
Again, thou art offended because I said, now Satan makes the soul believe he is its friend, and that he is a Gospel Minister, 2 Cor. 11.14. and if the soul will be led by what shall be made known to it, from the light or conscience within, it shall not need to fear, but it shall do well, page 76. of my book. I said it then, and I say it now; and I know that he that doth think to be born again by following his conscience, or any other light that is in an unregenerate man, will be deceived, and shall one day know, that there is a difference between conscience and Christ; between the light of nature, and the Spirit of God. But you may say, how can you prove that conscience is not of the same nature, of the Spirit of Christ. Answ. They that are unbelieving, even their conscience is defiled, Titus 1.15. But so cannot be the Spirit of Christ.
Again, thou art offended because I said, now Satan makes the soul believe he is its friend, and that he is a Gospel Minister, 2 Cor. 11.14. and if the soul will be led by what shall be made known to it, from the light or conscience within, it shall not need to fear, but it shall do well, page 76. of my book. I said it then, and I say it now; and I know that he that doth think to be born again by following his conscience, or any other light that is in an unregenerate man, wil be deceived, and shal one day know, that there is a difference between conscience and Christ; between the light of nature, and the Spirit of God. But you may say, how can you prove that conscience is not of the same nature, of the Spirit of Christ. Answ. They that are unbelieving, even their conscience is defiled,