A77832:88
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.
Thou art also offended with the second deceit which I lay down in my Epistle, which is, (say I) for the Devil to bid souls follow that light which ⟨p. 9⟩they brought into the world wi•h them, telling them, that that will lead them to the Kingdom. Now thou seemest gravelled, because I said, Which they brought into the World with them. If thou art offended at that, show me when, and at what time every soul receives a light from Christ after it comes into the world. Now this I say, That every man hath not the spirit of Christ within him. J•d. 17. And that there is nothing that can show the soul the things of Christ savingly, but the spirit of Christ. 1. Cor. 2.11. Then will not you your self confess, that he is deluded, that is persuaded to follow that light that cannot reveal Christ unto him? But I must mind you of one filthy error also which thou layest down in page 10. Corrupting the Scripture to make it good, but in vain; where thou sayest, That light which every man is lightened withal, will lead unto the kingdom of peace and righteousness. And then thou addest, for saith Christ, I am the light of the World, he that followeth me shall not abide in darkness, or walk in darkness. Pray mark. First, thou callest it the light of Christ, wherewith he hath lightened every one; And here thou comest a step higher, and callest it, Christ himself; and then corruptest that Scripture, where the Son of Mary saith, I am the light of the World, &c. Here thou wouldest very willingly have room to broach thy folly, but it may not be; for though Christ be the light of the world, yet he is not in every one in the world. But secondly, I pray where was Christ when he spake those words? was he I say, within his Disciples, or without them, when he said, I am the light of the World? He was without them, and walked up and down in the world with them from place to place, a very man. Therefore, he did not mean at that time, any light within, but himself, who was without. And indeed, they who will follow Christ aright, must follow him without, to the Cross without, for justification, on mount Calvary without, (that is, they must seek for Justification by his obedience without.) To the grave without, and to his ascension and intercession in heaven without;
Thou art also offended with the second deceit which I lay down in my Epistle, which is, (say I) for the Devill to bid soules follow that light which