Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n
Text snippets containing the quad
|
ID |
Title |
Author |
Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) |
STC |
Words |
Pages |
|
A42138
|
Gospel truths scripturally asserted in answer to Joseph Hallett's twenty seven queries by John Gannacliff and Joseph Nott.
|
Gannacliff, John.; Nott, Joseph, d. 1699.
|
1692
(1692)
|
Wing G199; ESTC R30399
|
24,916
|
51
|
really believe that the Scriptures the Old and New Testament were written by the Holy Men of God as they were moved thereunto by the Holy Ghost And we do believe whatsoever things were written afore-time were written for our Learning that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15. 4. And we do believe That the Scriptures are able to make wise unto Salvation through Faith which is in Christ Jesus mark through Faith which is in Christ Jesus And in this the Scripture is profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all Good Works 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. Now here we may see that it is through Faith in Christ Jesus that the Scriptures are profitable unto us But we do not remember that the Scriptures in any place do say they are the Written Word Will and Mind of God or the Only Rule of Faith Worship and Manners and therefore we do desire Joseph Hallett or any other man to prove it by Scripture if they can But this we do find that Jesus Christ is called the Word of God in several places in the holy Scriptures for John saith In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God the same was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made John 1. 1 2 3. Now here it is plain that the Apostle called Christ the Word of God for it cannot be reasonably supposed or said that the Scriptures were in the beginning with God or that the Scripture was God or that all things were made by them for what we understand Moses did write the first five Books which was many hundred Years after the beginning So that it is plain that Christ is the Word of God by whom the Worlds were framed Heb. 11. 3. So now we would not have any to be ignorant of this That by the Word of God the Heavens were of Old and the Earth standing out of the Water and in the Water 2 Pet. 3. 5. And John hath written in the Revelations of this Word of God for he saith I saw Heaven opened and behold a White Horse and he that sate upon him was called Faithful and True and in Righteousness he doth Judge and make War his Eyes were as a Flame of Fire and on his Head were many Crowns and he had a Name written that no man knew but he himself and he was cloathed with a Vesture dâ—pt in Blood and his Name is called the Word of God Rev. 19. 11 12 13. And this is The Word of God which is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged Sword piercing even to the dividing assunder of Soul and Spirit and of the Joynts and Marrow and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart Heb. 4. 12. Now this Word of God is nigh unto People even in the Mouth and in the Heart Rom. 10. 8. And this Word of God to wit Christ Jesus doth declare the Mind and Will of God and is the only Rule of Faith Worship and Manners For if we say that these afore-mentioned things are things of God then the Apostle saith The things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God And he farther saith Now we have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God 1 Cor. 2. 11 12. Now if any would know the Will and Mind of God they must turn in their Minds unto the gift of God's Spirit in their own Hearts For that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed unto them Rom. 1. 19. And again the Apostle saith It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Phil. 2. 13. Now concerning Faith Christ saith When the Son of Man cometh shall he find Faith on Earth Luk. 18. 8 Now it is written that Faith cometh by hearing and heariâ—g by the Word of God Rom. 10. 17. Christ is the Word of God and he is the Author and Finisher of our Faith it is undeniable for the Apostle saith Looking unto Jesus thâ— Author and Finisher of our Faith Heb. 12. 2. And concerning Worship Christ saith The Hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to worship him And he further saith God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4. 23 24. We desire the Reader to take notice of this for it is a weighty thing to be a Worshipper of God and it must be performed by the assistance of God's Spirit for Christ saith in plain words Without me ye can do nothing John 15. 5. And the Apostle Paul saith As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 14. And we say if Sons then true Worshippers The Apostles were come unto the Spiritual Worship for the Apostle Paul saith We are the Circumcision which worship God in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the Flesh Phil. 3. 3. Now concerning Manners we find it thus written that Evil Communications corrupt good Manners 1 Cor. 15. 33. Therefore if any be willing to know good Manners then let them take the Apostle's advice in the next Verse where he saith Awake to Righteousness and sin not Now it is the holy Ghost that teacheth People Good Manners for Christ saith He shall teach them all things and bring all things to your Remembrance John 14. 26. And now concerning the Light within it doth manifest unto the Sons and Daughters of men their States and Conditions and by it Thoughts Words and Actions are tryed and by the Light of Jesus we come to understand these things which are written in the holy Scriptures of Truth and therefore it is a higher and superiour Rule unto which we ought more especially to attend it being according to Scripture for Christ saith While ye have the Light believe in the Light that ye may be the Children of the Light These things spake Jesus John 12. 36. And it is written That every one that doth Evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reproved But he that doth Truth cometh to the Light that his Deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God John 3. 20 21. Mark it is the Light that discovereth and maketh manifest as it is walked in it is an undeniable Truth for it is evidently set forth by the Apostle Paul for he saith All things that are reproved are made manifest by the Light for whatsoever doth make manifest is Light Ephes 5. 13. And observe John's Testimony of the Light and the
Pure then Peaceable Gentle and Easie to be Intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie James 3. 17. And now whereas thou dost Intreat those that shall Answer these or the former Questions to prove their Opinions as they deliver them so Accordingly it is done And by these foregoing Answers thou mayst know what Ground and Foundation we have for what we hold If thou canst but see with the Spiritual Eye that God is the opener of And whereas thou sayest The great God by his Holy Spirit lead you into all Truth and deliver you from all Error We say this is that which our Souls desire and we should be glad if thou wast but as mindful of the Leadings of God's Spirit in thy own Heart as thou hast been in putting of us in Remembrance of it for then thou wouldest not be such a great Stranger unto the Right Way of the Lord as now thou appearest to be And therefore we do desire all that may Read or hear these Lines to be mindful of the Leadings of Gods Spirit in your own Hearts to wit the Spirit of Truth which Guideth into all Truth John 16. 13. Exon the 8th Month 1691. John Gannacliff Joseph Nott. Now having Answered Joseph Hallett's Twenty Seven Queries we shall propound some Queries for him or any of the Preachers among the Presbyterians to Answer Query 1. WHat was that Labour in the Gospel that them Women laboured with the Apostle Paul in Phil. 4. 3. if not preaching the Gospel And if Preaching the Gospel why then are we blamed for suffering Women to preach amongst us Qu. 2. What is that one Baptism that the Apostle Paul spoke of Ephs 4. 5. if not a Spiritual Baptism seeing he saith By one Spirit are we all baptized 1 Cor. 12. 13. Is not this the Baptism that is only essential to Salvation Qu. 3 What is that true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the World John 1. 9. if not the Divine Life and Light of Christ And if it be the Light of Christ why then do so many call it a natural Light diabolical c Qu. 4. Whether the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation which hath appeared to all men Tit. 2. 11. be not saving And if it be saving why then do so many say That the saving Grace hath not appeared unto all men Qu. 5. Whether Christ be not the Word of God and the holy Scriptures a true Testimony of him seeing Christ saith They are they which testifie of me John 5. 39. And the Scripture calls Christ the Word of God John 1. 1. Rev. 19. 13. And if so why then do any blame us for saying Christ is the Word of God and not the Scriptures Qu. 6. Whether People ought not first to seek the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness seeing that Christ bids us do so Mat. 6. 33. And where must People seek it if not in their own Hearts seeing Christ saith The Kingdom of God is within you Luk. 17. 21. And whether Christ ought not to rule and reign in his Kingdom and to have the Government of the Hearts Minds and Affections of the Sons and Daughters of men And if it be granted that he ought why then are we blamed for Preaching of Christ within the Hope of our Glory Col. 1. 27. Qu. 7. Whether the Spirit of Truth be not the Spirit of Christ seeing he saith I am the Truth John 14. 6. And whether every Man and Woman ought not to be led and guided by the Spirit of Truth in their own Hearts seeing it guideth into all Truth chap. 16. 13. And that as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 14. Qu. 8. Whether People may not attain to the Knowledge of God by the Immediate Revelation of Jesus Christ now in our day seeing it is written They shall all know the Lord Jer. 31. 34. Heb. 8. 11. And if people may then where if not in their own Hearts seeing that which may be known of God is manifest within Rom. 1. 19. Qu. 9. Whether People ought not to wait to be set free from Sin by Jesus Christ seeing it is said He shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1. 21. And Christ saith No man can serve two Masters chap. 6. 24. Qu. 10. Whether every true Worshiper ought not to worship God in Spirit and in Truth seeing Christ saith The true Worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth And whether there be any other true Way of Worship beside this seeing Christ farther saith God is a Spirit and they that Worship him must Worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4. 23 24. Qu. 11. Whether the Apostles did not direct People unto this Inward Teacher See 2 Cor. 4. 6 7. Col. 1. 27. 2 Pet. 1. 19. 1 John 2. 27. And if they did why then do not many now in our day that profess themselves Ministers of Christ direct people unto this inward Teacher Qu. 12. Whether this inward Teacher the Spirit and Grace of God be not sufficient to teach People as they turn in their minds unto it and wait in silence for the Teachings of it although there may be no outward Teacher seeing the Apostles were taught by the Grace of God Tit. 2. 12. And John saith The 〈…〉 the same Ancinting teacheth you of all things 1 John 2. 27. And if it be sufficient why then are we blamed for waiting in silence for the teachings of it Qu. 13. Whether People must not walk in the Light of Jesus Christ wherewith they are lighted if they will have benefit by his Death seeing it is written If we walk in the Light the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all Sin 1. John 1. 7. Qu. 14. Where have you any Example from the holy Scriptures for the putting off the Hat to Man and to use the word Tou to one Qu. 15. Whether you have the Spirit of Christ or not seeing it s written If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom. 8. 9. And whether you are fitted and prepared authorized and sent forth to preach the Gospel by the Spirit of the Lord And if not why then do you Preach seeing that â—hey which run and the Lord never sent them shall not profit the People at all Jer. 23. 24. So nâ—w we desire of Joseph Hallett or some of the before-mentioned People to give their Judgment of these things in their Answers John Gannacliff Joseph Nott. A few more Questions propounded according to Scripture for the said Joseph Hallett or any of the Preachers aforesaid to answer which are added by another Hand Query 1. WHâ—ther Joseph Hallett or you do believe that them Presbyterians in New-England were not guilty of Murther in Hanging them Innocent Persons called Quakers in the year 1658 and 1659 if not by what Law of God or the King did they it Qu. 2. Whether in those Acts of Cruelty to wit of Imprisoning Whipping Burning Cuting off Ears and Hanging they acted like Christ and according to his Doctrine or like the Devil who was a Murtherer from the bâ—ginning John 8. 44. Qu. 3. Whether the learned Jews were not Blind Leaders of the Blind and wit out a right understanding and who notwithstanding they had Scriptures and did they not so err that they killed the Prophets and Murthered the Son or God Mat 22 29. and 23 27. Acts 7. 52. Qu. 4. Whether the Scriptures are Rightly understood by the Spirit of God or by Humane Learning to wit Latine Greek and Hebrew Or whether by Humane Learning any man can or did ever attain to the Knowledge of the things of God seeing the Apostle says The World by Wisdom knew not God 1 Cor. 1. 21. Qu. 5. Whether Joseph Hallett or any of the rest of the Teachers of the Presbyterians do perform any act or part of Worship towards God without the assistance of the Spirit of God If they do are they not like the false Prophets Jer. 29. 9. And Will-Worshipers and found offering strange Fire Levit. 10. 1 2 3. THE END