A77832:94
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.
And further, thou sayest, that the Pope can speak as much of Christ without, as I. Answer, Friend, doest thou put no difference betwixt the speaking of Christ without, and believing in Christ without. I tell thee, though there may be many that can speak of the Christ of God without, yet there are but very few that can, or do believe indeed in him without, by the mighty operation of his holy spirit within. Nay, you your selves do testify this, who deny that the salvation of sinners was completely wrought out by that one offering of Jesus Christ without upon the Cross on mount Calvary, and that he is ascended from his Disciples above the clouds, touching his bodily presence, as in. 1 Cor. 5.6. compared with Acts. 1.9, 10, 11.
And further, thou sayest, that the Pope can speak as much of Christ without, as I. Answer, Friend, doest thou put no difference betwixt the speaking of Christ without, and believing in Christ without. I tell thee, though there may be many that can speak of the Christ of God without, yet there are but very few that can, or do believe indeed in him without, by the mighty operation of his holy spirit within. Nay, you your selves do testify this, who deny that the salvation of sinners was compleatly wrought out by that one offering of Jesus Christ without upon the Crosse on mount Calvary, and that he is ascended from his Disciples above the clouds, touching his bodily presence, as in. 1 Cor. 5.6. compared with Acts. 1.9, 10, 11.
Then again, thou sayest, I do ask my self a question, and do also answer it my self deceitfully. The question is, Do not the Scriptures make mention of a Christ within? And thou sayest, I answer it deceitfully my self. But I answer again, that I am not ashamed of that answer I then gave, because I know it is truth; and whereas thou sayest it is deceitful, and yet canst not find fault with any point thereof, it confirms me, that had there been falsity in it, such an enemy to the truth, as thou art, woudst have taken that advantage, as to have discovered it, that thereby thou mightest have rendered the truth the more odious. The answer I shall leave to the Christian Reader, which is so indeed; yet am confirmed my self concerning it, and shall give thee an answer to thy question, which is, Doth not the Scripture (say or) witness, that all that have not Christ within are Reprobates? Answer: Yes, the Scripture saith so, and it is true, they that have not the spirit of Christ in them, are reprobates. But there are some that are reprobates, that you will confess. Then by your own argument you must grant, that some have not the Spirit of Christ in them. Pray take notice, they that have not the spirit of Christ in them are reprobates There are some who are reprobates; therefore there are some who are sensual, having not the spirit of Christ in them. (see thy folly how it is made manifest) Jud. v. 19. The next thing thou art offended withal, is, because I say, the Devil deceives poor souls by persuade ng them to follow the light within (which all men have) Answer. Friend, I say again, and again, That there is nothing less then the Spirit of Christ, that can give a soul a sight of justification by the blood of the man Christ Jesus without, by following of it. Now as thou sayest thy self, some are reprobates, and have not the spirit of Christ.