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1/ Just started reading "Vindiciae Veritatis or A Confrontation of The Heresies and Gross Errors Asserted by Thomas Collier In His Additional Word To His Body of Divinity" by Nehemiah Coxe, A Particular Baptist Minister published in 1677.
(These guys and their titles
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(These guys and their titles
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2/There are a few things I've observed which I think may be helpful for us on the topic of confronting false teachers.
Appended to the work as a prefix, is an epistle signed by a group of elders who anticipated readers may overlook Coxe's critique due to his ...
Appended to the work as a prefix, is an epistle signed by a group of elders who anticipated readers may overlook Coxe's critique due to his ...
3/"inferiority in years" in comparison to his contemporaries. Some may have regarded Coxe's work as a result of his forwardness or youthful zealousness and dismissed it all together. The elders however were quick to say, "we judge [Coxe] meet and of ability for the work" ...
4/ also adding, "principles of Gospel-truths subverted, the name of God blasphemed ... and any be thought over-forward to oppose the Adversary?". Not only did they affirm Coxe's suitability for the work, they also showed deep grief for Colliers persistence in heresy.
5/ It was said, "we had hoped the snares ... Colliers had been many years entangled ... might have been a caution to him to avoid these dangerous rocks; but to our grief we find it otherwise". After numerous pleas Colliers had not come to repentance, making this work a necessity.
6/ The elders made it clear what they hoped this work would achieve, saying, " it may prove a good Antidote against the Poison", "we pray the venter may be delivered", "that thou may be preserved", "that [God] may direct thy heart into the love of Truth".
7/ Finally they made it clear "it is Verity, not Victory, that is here contended for".
These are my takeaways:
1. One should not shy away from confronting clear heresy to avoid controversy but should do so soberly.
2. Don't despise correction from those younger than you.
These are my takeaways:
1. One should not shy away from confronting clear heresy to avoid controversy but should do so soberly.
2. Don't despise correction from those younger than you.
8/
3. Confront heresy for truth's sake, not just to win an argument.
4. Don't be a lone ranger, we are part of the body for a reason. Seek counsel on how best to address heresy.
5. False teachers should make us grieved and should be addressed with the hope of restoration.
3. Confront heresy for truth's sake, not just to win an argument.
4. Don't be a lone ranger, we are part of the body for a reason. Seek counsel on how best to address heresy.
5. False teachers should make us grieved and should be addressed with the hope of restoration.
6. Pray for false teachers as it is only God that grants repentance, caring not only for the safety of the flock but also the salvation of the false teacher.
N.b Coxe was elected by the elders to undertake this work.
The epistle can be read below.
(The End)
N.b Coxe was elected by the elders to undertake this work.
The epistle can be read below.
(The End)
