A77832:95
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.
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, wou•dst 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.
Then again, thou saist, I do ask my selfe a question, and do also answer it my selfe deceitfully. The question is, Do not the Scriptures make mention of a Christ within? And thou saist, I answer it deceitfully my selfe. But I answer again, that I am not ashamed of that answer I then gave, because I know it is truth; and whereas thou saiest it is deceitfull, and yet canst not find fault with any point thereof, it confirmes me, that had there been falsity in it, such an enemy to the truth, as thou art, wou•dst 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 selfe concerning it, and shall give thee an answer to thy question, which is, Doth not the Scripture (say or) witnesse, 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 confesse. 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 withall, is, because I say, the Devill deceives poore soules by perswad ng them to follow the light within (which all men have) Answer. Friend, I say again, and again, That there is nothing lesse then the Spirit of Christ, that can give a soule a sight of justification by the blood of the man Christ Jesus without, by following of it. Now as thou saiest thy selfe, some are reprobates, and have not the spirit of Christ.