A77832:27
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.
1. Because men count it enough to be professors of the truth, without seeking to be possessors of the same. Now because men are but only professors of the truth, not having it in their hearts in reality, they are carried away with an error, if it come in never so little power more then the truth they profess. And this is the reason why so many are carried away with the errors that are broached in these days; because they have not indeed received the Lord Jesus by the Revelation of the Spirit, and with power, but by the relation of others only: and so having no other witness to set them down withal, but the history of the Word, and the relation of others concerning the truths contained therein, (though the knowledge of the truth this way shall abundantly aggravate their damnation) yet they having not had the Spirit of the Lord to confirm these things effectually unto them, they are carried away with delusions.
1. Because men count it enough to be professors of the truth, without seeking to be possessors of the same. Now because men are but onely professors of the truth, not having it in their hearts in reality, they are carryed away with an errour, if it come in never so little power more then the truth they professe. And this is the reason why so many are carried away with the errours that are broached in these daies; because they have not indeed received the Lord Jesus by the Revelation of the Spirit, and with power, but by the relation of others only: and so having no other witnesse to set them down withall, but the history of the Word, and the relation of others concerning the truthes conteyned therein, (though the knowledge of the truth this way shall abundantly aggravate their damnation) yet they having not had the Spirit of the Lord to confirme these things effectually unto them, they are carried away with delusions.
2. Another reason why so many are carried away with delusions, is, those differences that are among the Children of God about smaller matters. O friends! how is the hand of the enemy strengthened by our carnality; while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollo; many a poor soul is carried away with delusion. And why so? They are not satisfied that this is the truth, because the Children are at difference among themselves, about some outward things. And again, it makes those that are not so desperately possessed with a spirit of delusion, as are others, but are mere moral men, I say it makes them to say within themselves, and one to another; There are so many sects and judgments in the World, that we cannot tell which way to take. And therefore you that have the spirit, pray that these things may cease, least you blush for your folly, at the appearing of Jesus our Lord.