Quaker Bible Index

John 1:1-9

IP4:393 (1679): John 1:1 and 3. "The Word was in the beginning, which created all things;" and this Word is also the beginning of the creation of God in the heart. "In this Word was life, and the life was the light of men; and this light, which is life in the Word, shines in men's darkness [John 1:4f]," which enlighteneth them [John 1:9] that believe in it, and the life thereof quickeneth and giveth life to them that hear its voice, and believe in it; and both the light and life, or the Word by its light and life, circumciseth and baptizeth. Doth not the pure light cut off, chase away, wash away darkness (wherein all sin and uncleanness is comprehended) from the heart? Doth not the pure Word of life [1 Jn 1:1], received in the faith, purify the heart [Acts 15:9]?

(John 1:1-4)

[Other texts citing John 1:1-4: WPR 333 (under Mat 11:27)]

GF8: 180 (1679): For unbelievers in the light are grafted into old Adam, in transgression. And the believers in the light [John 12:36], (which is the life in Christ [John 1:4],) are grafted into Christ the word, by which all things were made [John 1:1,3] and created. So here is perfect, true freedom and liberty.

(John 1:1-3)

[Other texts citing John 1:1-3: GF3: 355 (Rev 3:20), GF6:389 (under Rev 13:7), GF7:76 ( Rev 4:10)]

(John 1:1)

[Other texts citing John 1:1: GF3:60 (John 10:35) GF3:211 ( Mat 4:1-11) , GF4:73 (John 4:29), GF4:236 (1 Pet 1:23, Rev 17:1), GF6:231 (confl 1 Jn 1:1), GF7:13 (John 12:6), GF7:33 (1 Jn 5:19), GF7:234 (1 Pet 2:2), GF7:290 (Gen 11:1-9), GF8:215 (Rev 2:10), GF8:236 (Mat 27:46), GF8:277 (Rev 3:10), JN2:57 (Rev 19:13), IP3:10f (Mat 11:3), IP3:160f (John 14:6), IP3:337 (Rev 2:23), HPS 351 (Heb 11:3), JSS 13 ((John 1:4), JSS 22 (John 10:8), JSS 49 (Gen 1:7-11)]

GF3:171 (1659): You say, "The scriptures are the word of God." The scripture itself saith, "The word is God [John 1:1]." Christ's "name is called the word of God [Rev 19:13]," and the scriptures are words, the words of God, the words of Christ, the declaration which the ministers of the word set forth [Luk 1:1]; which words end in Christ the word [John 1:1], who fulfils them. And they are called the scriptures of truth [Dan 10:21] which cannot be broken [John 10:15]; and so ye do not speak as the church did that gave forth scripture. And the spirit of God was the rule in speaking forth the scriptures [2 Pet 1:21], which brings to know the right use of them again.

JN1:161f (1653): In the beginning was the word [John 1:1], and none knows this word but who are come into the beginning. [quotes 1 Jn 1:1,3] .... Who knows this word is pure and are made clean through the word, are washed by it, are sanctified by it [Eph 5:26], are cut in pieces by it, and are divided asunder by it [Heb 4:12]. This word is a hammer beating down everything [Jer 23:29], that the seed of God may rise up, and all who know this word may come to the beginning. It is a fire burning up all corruptions [Jer 23:29], and this is the word that is nigh thee, in thy heart [Deut 30:14]. And this is the word which all the prophets spoke from; and this is the word that became flesh and dwelt amongst us [John 1:14], saith the saints; and this is the word of life that the apostles preached [Phil 2:16, 1 Jn 1:1], the substance of all figures, types and shadows [Heb 10:34]. And this is the word which makes all the saints one, that reconciles their hearts together to the Lord [2 Cor 5:19]; this is the word by which all things stands and remains, and are upheld, by his word and power [Heb 1:3].

IP3:95 (1668): Do the Quakers think to find eternal life in the Scriptures? did they ever teach men so? Have they not very often faithfully testified otherwise? Not in words concerning the thing, but in the thing itself [Luk 1:35?], in the Word which is the beginning and from the beginning [John 1:1], do they look to find eternal ife. Yea and there they have found it, and do live in the life which is eternal, and the life which is eternal lives in them.

RBA 120f (1678, V/VI.13): ...we do not at all intend either to equal ourselves to that holy man the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born of the virgin Mary, in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily (Col 2:9), nor to destroy the reality of his present existence.... For, though we affirm that Chirst dwells in us, yet not immediately, but mediately, as he is in that seed, which is in us; whereas he, to wit, the Eternal Word, which was with God, and was God [John 1:1], dwelt immediately in that holy man. He then is as the head, and we as the members; he the vine, and we the branches [John 15:5].

(John 1:3)

[Other texts citing John 1:3: GFJN 38 (under Rev 22:16), GF3:68f (Gen 1:16), GF4:73 (John 4:29), GF4:109 (Luke 19:14), GF4:219 (Heb 1:2f), GF5:36 (Mat 10:29), GF5:279f (Mat 16:5-12), GF7:130 (Rev 3:1-3), GF7:133 (Rev 1:5), GF7:177 (John 15:15), GF8:56 (Rev 13:2f), GF8:134 (Heb 11:3), GFT 33 (Mar 2:27f), MFU 388 (Rev 19:13)]

GF4: 307 (1662): ...our love and tenderness is, that all magistrates and people would live in God's fear, and receive his wisdom, by which all things were made and created [Wis 7:22/John 1:3], that by that they might be ordered to God's glory [Wis 8:1/1 Cor 10:31], and order that which God hath given them under their hands, to his honour, that to God they may be a blessing in their generation.

GF7:186f (1660): And see, that ye keep the bit in the wild horse's mouth [Psa 32:9, James 3:3], whereby his head may be held down: and howsoever, see that he be bridled, then with the power he will be ordered; though he snuffs [Jer 2:24] and snores [Jer 8:16?], the bridle being kept in his mouth, he is held down by it: though he cries aha, aha [Psa 35:21]; that is above the witness. And when this is done, being kept in the power, ye will know him, that rides meekly upon the foal of the ass [Zech 9:9, Mat 21:6-9], (the colt, the foal of the ass,) to Jerusalem, the highest place of worship; who brings the prisoner out of the pit, where there is no water [Zech 9:11]. Christ, the same to-day as yesterday, and for ever [Heb 13:8]. And the Lamb gets the victory [Rev 17:14], he that sits meekly upon the colt, the foal of the ass, he it is that gets the victory, he by whom the world was made [John 1:3], who is not of the world [John 8:23], that treads upon the highest worship in the world.

JN2:170 (1655): Sayest thou, man's reason is the eye, and the gospel is external, and the Spirit closeth these two together and so breedeth a spiritual illumination, which the word alone could not procure, whereas the Scriptures witness the word by which alone all externals were made [John 1:3], and the word for reconciling again [2 Cor 5:19] and making new [Rev 21:5]. But sayest thou, the word without reason and externals cannot produce; and this is thy word thou preaches, and so it seems by what it produces.

JWJM 251 (17–): What we equitably possess is a gift from God to us; but by the Son all things were created [John 1:3].

(John 1:3f)

[Other texts citing John 1:3f: GF6:485 (under Heb 9:11)]

(John 1:4-12)

JN2: 224f (1655): I say this is the light of Christ given into the world, that whosoever believes and follows shall not abide in darkness [add John 12:46] but have the light of life [John 8:12/12:36]. Now read all the Scriptures and see if there be any other covenant but this covenant of light, and this is the life which is the light of men [John 1:4], which darkness comprehends not [John 1:5], nor the world knows not [John 1:10], in which alone the power is placed, which whoever receives becomes the sons of God [John 1:12], as the Father hath appointed, which he will not alter, the covenant, for all the world [Psa 89:34]; therefore all that are out of the light are out of the covenant where God hath placed his power.

(John 1:4-9)

[Other texts citing John 1:4-9: GF5:232 (under Luk 2:32)]

GF3:63 (1659): He saith, "that infants and fools, and such as are born blind, were never enlightened with the Light of Christ,: which he calls, "the light of nature," &c. Which is contrary to John's words, "who came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world [Jn 1:7-9], which light is above nature; and contrary to Isaiah, who said, Fools shall not err in the way [Isa 35:8]." And blind men and infants are enlightened with the light of Christ, for that is the light in the blind man that reproves his thoughts and words that are evil; which believing in, he shall not be condemned [John 3:19f], but hath the light of life [John 8:12], and becomes a child of light [John 12:36]. And in Christ is light, and that is the life of men [John 1:4]; and where there is life in an infant, there is light.

(John 1:4)

[Other texts citing John 1:4: GFJN 175 (1 Pet 2:8), GF3:46f (under Luk 17:21), GF5:208f (John 8:49), GF5:272 (John 12:9-11), GF7:179 (Rom 2:14), GF7:246 (Gen 49:10), GF8:167 (Rev 17:2)], MFU 133 (John 10:11), MFU 258 (John 15:1f), WTG 64 (Mat 23:25f), DFR 20f (John 8:12). See also under John 1:1-4, John 1:3f

GF7:119 (1656): My Friends, Be faithful and keep your meetings; and in that light wait, which comes from the head, Christ, in whom are all your lives; from whence ye have your light, which is the life [John 1:4] in the son.

John 1:4 often associated with John 1:9, e.g. MFU 277 (1660): There is a measure of this pure eternal god of life in thee, whose immortality dwells in the light. And who looks for the life & immortality to be brought to light [2 Tim 1:10] through the gospel, must look unto Jesus Christ who is the true light that lighteth everyone that cometh into the world [John 1:9], in whom is life, & this life is the light of men [John 1:4], which light dwells in the heart of every man & woman; & here must everyone look for their teacher....

JN2: 301 (1655): the light and life are one [John 1:4], and being brought into the world by the life, so soon as the creature is capable to be tempted to sin, from the life the light ariseth a witness against sin, if it be but minded; but not being taken heed to, but disobeyed, the eye is blinded by the god of this world [2 Cor 4:4], and through the continuance of sin is the conscience seared and the heart hardened against the light, till they know no gospel but the letter; receive it if thou canst.

IP3:273f (1672): ... the covenant of light and life [is] universal, and nigh all mankind, by which the darkest parts and corners of the earth are at some times enlightened, and feel somewhat of the quickening life. For the life is the light of men [John 1:4], and the light comes from the life, and is a quick, piercing, quickening light, conveying warmth and life, yea, living virtue into the darkest hearts, as it moves and finds entertainment in them.

SBD 66f (1750): And whether it be little or much that we have to say, be thankful that we are favoured with his presence and life in our ministry, not so much regarding what others may say or judge concerning us, as the peace and satisfaction that we inwardly enjoy by the Word of Life [1 Jn 1:1], that life which is the light of men [John 1:4].

SIW 46 (Lydia Rawlinson Lancaster, 1755): But as we steadily walk, in pure and perfect obedience with the light of life in ourselves [John 1:4], we shall see and know our places and times....

JSS 13 (17– ): The word that was in the beginning with God, and truly was God [John 1:1], is now, and ever was the light of all men, and the life of those in whom it obtains [John 1:4], in all things, the pre-eminence. These live by it; or, as Paul expresses himself, it is Christ that liveth in them [Gal 2:20].

(John 1:5-9)

[Other texts citing John 1:5-9: GF5:232 (Luk 2:32)]

(John 1:5)

[Other texts citing John 1:5: GF3:37 (under John 1:12), GF8:8 (Mat 22:29), MFU 198 (John 1:11f), JN2:211 (Mat 13:31f), WPR 302 (Heb 5:9), WPR 605 (Luk 15:8), JSS 22 (John 10:9)]

DGA 80 (1986): By comprehended, Fox means here to be overcome as well as understood, as the King James Bible translates John 1:5....

GFJN 543f (16–): And so, when I was in the power of God over all, at night the priest sent to the bailiff to know why he did not bring me, and the bailiff said there was no such person as was prescribed in the warrant, for he had looked over all the meeting. And then the justice-priest came to the Friend's house and asked him whether George Fox was not there, and the Friends said that he was there, and spake thereto. Then the priest and the bailiff fell a-knocking, and a-jangling. Thus the Devil was foiled and with his darkness could not comprehend the light [John 1:5].

GF7:24 (1652): to you all I say, wait upon God in that which is pure. Though you see little, and know little, and have little, and see your emptiness, and see your nakedness, and barrenness, and unfruitfulness, and see the hardness of your hearts, and your own unworthiness; it is the light, that discovers all this, and the love of God to you, and it is that which is immediate, but the dark understanding cannot comprehend it [John 1:5]. So, wait upon God in that which is pure, in your measure, and stand still in it every one, to see your saviour, to make you free from that which the light doth discover to you to be evil [John 3:20].

MFU 108 (1654): And thou who should be a judge upon the evil, art found to be a judge upon the good [Mal 2:17] (the Light). Let the light in all consciences bear witness against thee ... , who here hast manifested thyself, that thou art darkness, & doth not comprehend light [John 1:5], but at it stumbles [Isa 59:10]....

JN2:311 (1655): ...thou art without faith, now at his coming, who canst not believe in the light of the world [John 8:12] unless thou canst comprehend it, which darkness never could [John 1:5], who art preaching thy unbelief, who art an unbeliever yet art set up for a teacher, but out of the light wherein the faith is received, which believes in the invisible teacher.

IP4: 181f (1671): For that which maketh manifest is light [Eph 5:13]; and that which may be known of God in the Gentiles is made manifest to them by the light of God in them [Rom 1:19]; which shineth in their darkness, but their darkness cannot comprehend it [John 1:5]; but it fathometh and comprehendeth the darkness, and is able to gather the mind out of it, being subjected to it, in the will which it creates and begets, through the eternal power which visits by it, and is present with it, to work the mind out of, and deliver it from, the darkness. And as this light comes from Christ [quotes John 1:9], so it discovers and maketh manifest Christ, in is nature and spirit, and leadeth and guideth towards him...

TEM 18 (16–): The light, which before had shone in my darkness, and the darkness could not comprehend it [John 1:5], began now to shine out of darkness, and in some measure discovered to me what it was that had before clouded me and brought that sadness and trouble upon me. And now I saw that although I had been in a great degree preserved from the common immoralities and gross pollutions of the world [2 Pet 2:20], yet the spirit of the world [1 Cor 2:12] had hitherto ruled in me....

WPR 570, WPT 346 (1694): Now the Spirit, that was more sparingly coummincated in former dispensations, began to be poured fourth upon all flesh [Joel 2:28]...; and the Light that shined in Darkness [John 1:5], or but dimly before, the most gracious God caused to shine out of darkness [2 Cor 4:6], and the day-star began to arise in the hearts of believers [2 Pet 1:19], giving unto them the knowledge of God in the face (or appearance) of his son Christ Jesus [2 Cor 4:6].

(John 1:6)

[Other texts citing John 1:6: GFJN 32 (under Luk 3:4f)]

(John 1:6f)

HPS 325 (Rebecca Travers, 1669): I would thou wert so honest as to speak true words, and then thou wouldst confess, that though for years thou hast watched for evil [Jer 44:27] against us, thou never heardst any amongst the Children of Light, but declare, what is spoken in the first of John was spoke of Christ, and that by his own Light and Spirit was he to be learned, he says the Scripture, A man sent of God to bear testimony to the Light [John 1:6f]; did he bear testimony to another than Christ? No, all that have been, or are sent of him testify of the Light; but they that run and are not sent [Jer 23:21], strive against it, as thou dost....

(John 1:7-9)

[Other texts citing John 1:7-9: GF3:253 (under Mat 21:44) ]

GF4:242 (1660): ... the Lamb's power [is] known in this day of the Lamb, Christ Jesus who is come to reighn, who doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world [John 1:9], that all through the light might believe [John 1:7], ... and enter into the covenant with God, Christ Jesus, the covenant of God, given for a leader to the people [Isa 55:4], which saith to the prisoners, shew yourselves forth [Isa 49:9]; which now hath thousands, and ten thousands [Psa 144:13] shewed themselves forth, which has received the leader....

JN2:257 (1655): doth Christ enlighten every man that comes into the world [John 1:9], or no? If not, who is it that is not enlightened, and what shall be his condemnation, or his guide? And was that light John came to witness (John 1:7f) a natural light, or the light of Christ? And was John an idolater in preaching that light, that through him all might believe in it [John 1:7]?

(John 1:7)

[Other texts citing John 1:7: JN2:547 (under Mar 16:12)]

RBA 147, RBAF 106 (1678, V/VI.23): [Context: exposition of Heb 4:12f] And as this Word beareth witness for God, so it is not placed in men only to condemn them; for as he is given for a witness, so, saith the prophet, "he is given for a leader and a commander [Isa 55:4]." The Light is given that all through it may believe (John 1:7), "for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God [Rom 10:17]," which is placed in man's heart, both to be a witness for God, and to be a means to bring man to God, through faith and repentance: it is therefore powerful, that it may divide betwixt the soul and the spirit [Heb 4:12].

(John 1:7f)

[Other texts citing John 1:7f: GFT 104 (under Mat 11:18)]

(John 1:8f)

MFU 100f (1654): Now all people, try and see your teachers, whether all your priests of England are not witness contrary to John: He bears witness to the Light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world [John 1:8f]; and they bear witness against the Light, and saith, He doth not lighten every one that cometh into the world; and tell people, that they must look afer them for means and ordinances, and so blind poor people, and keep them in darkness and ignorance.

(John 1:9)

[Other texts citing John 1:9: GFJN 33 (under John 3:19- 21), GFJN 175 (under 1 Pet 2:8), GF3:72 (Gen 19:1-11), GF3: 130 (John 11:9f), GF3:131 (Mat 23:13), GF3:166 (Gen 25:34), GF3:228 (John 3:14), GF3:236 (Luk 11:52), GF3:251 (Rom 3:23), GF3:262(John 1:19), GF3:265 (Mat 24:24), GF3:309 (John 14:20), GF3:375 (Heb 2:3), GF4:126 (Heb 10:20), GF5:202 (John 19:15), GF5:227 (John 18:38), GF5:325 (Rev 3:20), GF6:97 (Heb 2:9), GF6:479 (John 16:15), GF6:485 (Heb 9:11), GF7:33 (Mat 26:24), GF7:68 (1 Pet 3:1f), GF7:124 (John 5:41), GF8:193 (Mat 18:20), MFU 58 (Rom 5:12-14), MFU 258 (John 15:1f), JN1:370 (Heb 4:12), JN2:401 (John 15:22), WDS 106 (John 17:3), IP3:254 (John 12:50), IP4:181 (John 1:5), WTG 372 (Luk 2:32)]

GFJN 12 ([1647]): When I was in the deep, under all shut up, I could not believe that I should ever overcome; my troubles, my sorrows, and my temptations were so great, that I often thought I should have despaired, I was so tempted. But when Christ opened to me how he was tempted by the same devil, and had overcome him [Mat 4:1-11], and had bruised his head [Gen 3:15]; and that through him and his power, light, grace, and spirit, I should overcome also, I had confidence in him. So he it was that opened to me, when I was shut up, and had neither hope nor faith. Christ, who had enlightened me [John 1:9], gave me his light to believe in, and gave me hope, which is himself, revealed himself in me [Gal 1:16], and gave me his spirit and grace, which I found sufficient [2 Cor 12:9] in the deeps and in weakness. Thus in the deepest miseries, and in the greatest sorrows and temptations that beset me, the Lord in his mercy did keep me.

GF8:235 (1683): Christ hath enlightened every man that comes into the world [John 1:9], he hath enlightened the Turks, Jews, and Moors, with the light, (which is the life in him the word [John 1:4],) that all in the light might know God and Christ; and ''the grace of God which brings salvation hath appeared unto all men [Tit 2:11];'' so to the Turks, Jews, and Moors, yea, to all nations; so that with the grace of God they may be taught to deny ungodliness and unrighteousness, and live righteously and godly [Tit 2:12]; and therefore all must come to this grace of God in their hearts, which brings their salvation, (if they have salvation,) and come to the throne of grace [Heb 4:16]; and this is the covenant of grace, in which is the election; and God, who made all, pours out of his spirit upon all men and women in the world [Joel 2:28], in the days of his new covenant, yea, upon whites and blacks, Moors, and Turks, and Indians, Christians, Jews, and Gentiles, that all with the spirit of God, might know God and the things of God [1 Cor 2:12], and serve and worship him in his spirit and truth [John 4:23f], that he hath given them.

MFU 57 (1654): To the light of Christ Jesus who is the light of the world [John 8:12], and enlightens every one that comes into the world [John 1:9], to the measure of which light in thee, I speak: which bears testimony for God, against sin & uncleanness, and against pride & covetousness: and against the deeds of darkness, and all unrighteousness. Something in thee testifies against all these things and checks, when any of these are acted; or any sin committed. If thou hearken to it it will let thee see how thou hast spent thy time...; let that of God now search thee, & try thee what thou knows of the true, & living God.....

JN1:277 (1654): Saith antichrist, Christ is not the light of the world [John 8:12], nor doth he enlighten every one that cometh into the world [John 1:9], for that light ... is not the light of Christ but is a natural light, and is not sufficient to lead out of darkness into the light of life.

JN2:5 (1655): The light of Christ which hath enlightened everyone that comes into the world [John 1:9] is our light, and to that light is everyone bound to look for direction to attain salvation, according to his own words (John 8:12), and this light is spiritual and within, as is plain (2 Cor 4:6f; Luk 11:34-36), and the law of the Spirit of life [Rom 8:2] is written in the heart [Jer 31:33], which is the new covenant of light [Isa 42:6]; and thou that denies this light art manifest to be one of those builders that refuse the cornerstone [Psa 18:22], which is Christ the light, and knows not the mystery of godliness [1 Tim 3:11], which is Christ in us, the hope of glory [Col 1:27], and way to attain salvation, nor that Spirit of truth in thee that leads into all truths [John 16:13], but art manifest in thy words and practices a child of darkness ..., because thou hast denied the light in thee (Isa 8:20)....

IP2:455 (1666): "The law of the Lord is perfect; converting (or restoring) the soul." Psa 19:7. What law was this or what law is this? Was it the law of works in the hand of Moses? Or is it the law of faith in the hand of Christ? Doth not Christ enlighten every man that cometh into the world [John 1:9]? Would not God have all men to be saved [1 Tim 2:4]? And doth he not give to all a proportion of the true light whereby they may be saved? And is it not the property of this light ot convert to God? Can any man receive this, and be united to this, and it not change his nature?

EQ 99f (William Dewsbury, 1655): There is no scripture for your putting David's words into the mouths of poor ignorant people, to sing praises unto the Lord (as, "O Lord, I am not puffed in mind; I have no scornful eye [Psa 131:1]"; "I water my couch with my tears, all the night I make my bed to swim; all my bones do tremble [Psa 6:6]") when they cannot witness these conditions; and so you cause them to blaspheme the Name of God. And when the Light in their consciences cries against them, for lying in the presence of God, and blaspheming his great and glorious Name, you tell them it is the light of a natural conscience, and so murder their souls in shutting them out of the Kingdom of God [Mat 23:13] as the scribes and Pharisees, and all the false prophets did, that denied Christ to be the light, who enlightens every one that comes into the world [John 1:9].

WPT 214-219 (1674): [Chap XIX of The Christian Quaker, "Christ is the Light, or the Light is Christ, proved from Scripture", focuses primarily on John 1:9.]

(John 1:10)

[Other texts citing John 1:10: JN2: 225 (under John 1:4-12)]

GF7:17 (1650): The favour of the world and friendship thereof is enmity to God [Jas 4:4], man may soon be stained with it. Oh! love the stranger [Deut 10:19], and be as strangers in the world [Heb 11:13], and to the world! For they that followed Christ in his cross, they were strangers in the world, and wonders to the world, and condemned by the world; and the world knew him not [John 1:10], neither doth it them that follow him now. So, marvel not if the world hate you [1 Jn 3:13] ; for the world lieth in hatred and wickedness [1 Jn 5:19].

JN2:91 (1655): Qu. What do you mean by the light within? Ye bid all people hearken to the light within, but ye do not tell us what it is, that men may know what to take heed unto. Ans. Here thou askest a question to manifest thy darkness, and thyself to be of the world; for he was in the world, who was the light, and the world knew him not [John 1:10]; now of all the people of God who were exhorted to wait on the light and to abide in the light [1 Jn 2:10], which of them did ever ask such a question?

(John1:11f)

MFU 198 (1656): And take heed how thou saith, thou can do nothing, for Chr. Jesus is now visiting his own in thee, & take heed that his own receive him not [John 1:11; quotes 1:12], ... and when light shines in darkness, darkness cannot comprehend it [John 1:5]; therefore wait to be comprehended in the light, & then thou wilt see clearly that which is spoken from the light & have unity with it, & that will shut out all this wisdom & reason & method & sense which thou so much speaks of....

(John1:12)

[Other texts citing John 1:12: GF7:147 (Mat 6:19f), JN2:106 (Jas 4:7), JN2: 225 (John 1:4-12), IP3:535 (John 1:17), IP4:355 (Mat 7:23), IP4:422 (Mat 5:5), RBA 180 (Rom 2:7), HPS 113 (Mat 10:8)]

GFJN 34 ([1648]): Now I was sent to turn people from darkness to the light [Acts 26:18], that they might receive Christ Jesus; for to as many as should receive him in his light, I saw that he would give power to become the sons of God [John 1:12]; which I had obtained by receiving Christ. And I was to direct people to the Spirit that gave forth the scriptures, by which they might be led into all truth [John 16:13], and so up to Christ and God, as they had been who gave them forth.

GF3:371 (1659): And you are stumbling at such as are become the sons of God [John 1:12], adopted sons and heirs [Gal 4:5, Rom 8:17], and of the flesh and bone of Christ [Eph 5:30], and of his mind and spirit, who are in the possession of the scriptures, the durable life of the sanits, which makes you (that cannot comprehend the light in your own particulars) to rage; for none come to witness the sonship, but who come to the light in their own particulars, and receive it, and with it comprehend darkness [John 1:5], which the light expels away. Such see over the night, and are the children of the day [1 Th 5:5].

GF8:159 (1678): they that are in Christ, are new creatures, and are renewed up into the image of God [Col 3:10].... Christ, the express image of the Father [Heb 1:3] ... maketh his new creatures like himself. Moses appointed servants for God in the law [Num 4] or Old Testament; but Christ made sons in the New Testament; for "as many as received Christ, he gave them power to become the sons of God [John 1:12]."

MFS 37 (1660): All that desire after godliness and the truth as it is in Jesus [Eph 4:21], they must turn from them that have the form, and deny the power [2 Tim 3:5], who bring forth the fruits [of the flesh, Gal 5:19-21], for as many as receive Christ Jesus (the light), to them He gives power to become the sons of God [John 1:12].

IP3:241 (1672): The gospel is a day of bringing forth the spiritual seed, and of pouring out the Holy Spirit upon them. The law state is a state of servants; the gospel, of sons! And because true believers in Christ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts to cry Abba, Father [Gal 4:6]. And God cannot deny his own Spirit to his children that ask it of him; he knoweth how absolutely necessary it is to the state of a son; and whosoever truly receiveth Christ, Christ doth give him power to become a son [John 1:12]; which power is in, and with, and cannot be separated from his Spirit. Yea, the Spirit of Christ is so necessary and inseparable from him that is Christ's, that the apostle expressly affirms, that "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Rom 8:9.)

RBA 130f, RBAF 94 (1678, V/VI.17): Neither is the Grace of God frustrated, though the effect of it be diverse, according to its object, being the ministration of mercy and life in those that reject it not, but receive it (John 1:12), but the ministration of wrath and condemnation [2 Cor 3:9], in those that do reject it (John 3:19), even as the sun, by one act or operation, melteth and softeneth the wax, and hardeneth the clay....

(John1:12f)

[Other texts citing John 1:12f: IP3:405f (2 Pet 1:1)]

WPR 570f, WPT 349 (1694): ... they advise them not to quench the Spirit [1 Th 5:19], but to wait for the Spirit, and speak by the Spirit, and pray by the Spirit [1 Cor 14:15], and walk in the Spirit too [Gal 5:25], as that which approved them, the truly begotten children of God; born not of flesh and blood, or of the will of man, but of the will of God [John 1:12f]; by doing his will, and denying their own; by drinking of Christ's cup, and being baptized with his baptism of self-denial [Mat 20:22f]; the way and path that all the heirs of life have ever trod to blessedness.

(John1:13)

[Other texts citing John 1:13: GF7:111 (Luk 3:23)]

GF8:184 (1679): And all Christ Jesus's subjects of his everlasting kingdom, that see it, and enter into it, are born again, not of the will of man, but of an incorruptible seed, by the word of God [John 1:13/1 Pet 1:23], and have the incorruptible milk of the word [1 Pet 2:2] of God, by which they grow from babes to men of God; and have the fine linen, the incorruptible clothing, the righteousness of Christ, which is the fine linen [Rev 19:8], which they do wear in Christ's kingdom....

JN2:220 (1655): ...we have learned of Jesus in Spirit not to please ourselves, nor be men-pleasers [Eph 6:6], but to be obedient to another principle, which moves contrary to the will of men, for him we witness who is not born after the will of man [John 1:13], but which the will of man could never own, who by the wills of men ever suffered, where he is born into the world....

IP1:406 (1660) [Continued from under Gen 3:24]: ... man, in his running to God, is thrust by; as well as in his running from him: in his willing and desiring after him he is rejected, as well as in his willing against him. "It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy [Rom 9:16]." Mark: there is a birth of bloods, a birth of the will of the flesh, a birth of the will of man, John 1:13.... There are many found running the race, but one obtains the prize [1 Cor 9:24], which one is he that is born of God....

IP3:361f (1675): There is a birth, which is born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13.... John 3:6. Now this birth, which is born of the Spirit, and is Spirit [John 3:6], hath a life and way of knowledge suitable to its nature and being; which is very far above man. Its life is in the Spirit, and in walking in the Spirit, and its knowledge is after the way of the Spirit, very far above man's way of conceiving or comprehending. The birth itself is a mystery to man, and its way of knowing is a way altogether hid from man. It is indeed in the evidence and demonstration of God's Spirit, in the shinings of his light in the heart: "In thy light we shall see Light [Psa 36:9]." The birth knows what this means.

(John 1:14)

[Other texts citing John 1:14: GFJN 335 (John 10:1), GFJN 336, JN1: 34 (both Heb 2:16), GF8:213 (Mar 9:50, Jude 1:6)], JN1:161f (under John 1:1), IP3:45 (John 6:56), JSS 7 (1 Pet 1:23)]

GF3:582 (1659): Several scriptures corrupted by the translators. ... John 1: 14. The word became flesh, and dwelt among us; in the Greek it is, in us [quotes Greek: eskénos en emin]. By true interpretation it is, the word became flesh, and pitched his tent in us.

GF4:93 (1656): [quotes John 1:14] He doth not say, that the writings were made flesh, for the Jews that had the writings of Moses and the prophets, persecuted Christ the word;... and so they that had the writings, the scriptures, were strangers to the word, and knew not the word that was made flesh; but they that saw his glory were ministers of the word [Luk 1:2], the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth; which same word is now manifest that ever was, Christ the same to-day, yesterday, and for ever [Heb 13:8]....

MFU 346f (1661): ...the word is very nigh in the heart & in the mouth ... [Rom 10:8], now Christ's name is called the world of God, he had his vesture dipped in blood [Rev 19:13] ... now this word is become flesh & dwells among us, & we beheld his glory, of the glory of the only begotten son of God [John 1:14], & the desire of my soul is that thou might come & partake with us, & if thou come to that living word of God in thy heart, which is one with the same in us, then thou wilt receive the same life & of the same power & of the same virtue, & be begot by it into life & immortality [2 Tim 1:10]....

HPS 336 (Rebecca Travers, 1669): And so knowing assuredly that he is in us that saves from sin, and his name is Jesus, cannot but testify against all images, and their makers; for unto him alone is our eye, that is from everlasting to everlasting [Psa 90:2], that in the fulness of time took flesh upon him, and dwelt amongst us [John 1:14], and this is our Light, our Life, or Root, Spirit, and Power....

JSS 24 (17 ): They who then received his testimony, and saw his glory, as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth [John 1:14], saw through the veil of his flesh, or they had never seen him, or livingly known him in that appearance: and none now rightly know him, that stick in that appearance, and see no further. [quote 2 Cor 5:16]

(John 1:15)

GFT 198, EQ 506 (1680): Now when Christ came according to the promises, prophecies, figures, and shadows, John went before, a forerunner; he prepareth the way. Before Christ came, said John : He that cometh after me is greater than I, and is preferred before me, for he was before me [John 1:15]." He was greater in his birth, greater in his miracles, greater in his baptism, and greater in his death (who tasted death for every man [Heb 2:9]; so did not John).

(John 1:16)

[Other texts citing John 1:16: WDS 272 (under Mat 7:14), JSS 20 (John 1:18)]

GFT 34f (1671): Now all that are gathered into Christ are in their rest [Heb 4:10]. If so, what burdening is there one of another? So you keep in the heavenly Man [1 Cor 15:47] from whom none is to go forth to gather sticks or meat [Num 15:32-36, Exo 16:22-26]. If they want life, peace, and joy, there it is to be had; if wisdom and salvation, it is to be had in Him who is the treasure and fountain of wisdom [Col 2:3] and all good. Out of his fullness we receive, etc. [John 1:16] So everyone, keep the Sabbath, your rest; keep to him who was before darkness was.

MFU 214 (1656): My dearly beloved, in the nakedness of your spirits, & in the innocency of the love keep your station & habitation, there will you come to read your peace, there will you come to know your life & strength to come from the head, which dwells in the fulness bodily [Col 2:9], in whom is hid all the treasures & riches [Col 2:3], in the pure measures which holds the Head all dwell, that you may receive of his fulness grace for grace [John 1:16], that you may be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord & of one mind [Phil 2:2], that you may know the mystery of fellowship [Eph 3:9] & be in the unity of the brethren [Psa 133:1], that you may be one with them in their sufferings [Phil 3:10]....

EQ 561 (George Whitehead, 1693): His fulness cannot be comprehended, nor contained in any finite creature, but in some measure known and experienced in us, as we are capable to receive the same, as of his fulness we have received grace for grace [John 1:16]. Christ our mediator received the spirit, not by measure [John 3:34], but in fulness; but to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of his gift [Eph 4:7].

(John 1:16f)

IP4:106 (1671): There are chambers of imagery [Ezek 8:12] in many people; and strongholds, and reasonings, and imaginations, and high thoughts, exalted above the pure seed and measure ofr life in their hearts [2 Cor 10:4f]. For every true Christian, every true believer, hath received somewhat of Christ's Spirit [Rom 8:9], some proportion of grace and truth from the fulness of Christ [John 1:16f], which is as leaven and salt, to leaven the heart, and season the mind and spirit with [Col 4:6].

WPR 467 (1678): To conclude, nothing can be more apparent, than that freedom from actual sinning, and giving newness of life [Rom 6:4] to the souls of men, was the great reason of Christ's coming, and the end for which he hath given us out of his fulness of grace and truth, and grace for grace [John 1:16f], and that to be under grace and not under the law, is not to have liberty to do that now, which ought not to have been done before (as the Ranters interpret it), but to be freed from the condemnation of the law, first through remission of the sins that are past [Rom 3:25] upon faith and repentance, and next, by fulfilling the righteousness of the law [Rom 8:4], in receiving and obeying the light and grace that comes by Jesus Christ.

(John 1:17)

<[John 1:17 often associated with 2 Cor 12:9 and/or Tit 2:11f]/p>

[Other texts citing John 1:17: GF6:237 (Heb 12:23), GF8:176 (John 12:43), GF8:221 (Mat 7:24f), IP3:220 (Heb 2:9), IP4:234 (Gen 10:5)]

GFJN 12 ([1647]): I saw professors, priests, and people, were whole and at ease in that condition which was my misery, and they loved that which I would have been rid of. But the Lord did stay my desires upon himself, from whom my help came, and my care was cast upon him alone. Therefore, all wait patiently upon the Lord, whatsoever condition you be in; wait in the grace and truth that comes by Jesus [John 1:17]; for if ye so do, there is a promise to you, and the Lord God will fulfil it in you.

GF8:162 (1679): And now the grace and truth that comes by Jesus Christ [John 1:17], is that which all people should be under in this new covenant of light, and life, and grace, and truth; as the law came by Moses in the old covenant, and the Jews were to be under the law. But the true christians who have received the grace and truth come to be under this grace's teaching, leading, and establishing; by which grace and truth they are united and joined to Jesus Christ, from whence it comes.

IP3: 535 (1678): "My grace is sufficient for thee," said God to Paul [2 Cor 2:9]. And the truth of Jesus, received inwardly, hath virtue and power in it; insomuch that they who receive the grace and truth which comes by Jesus Christ [John 1:17], receive power to become sons to God [John 1:12]. For the grace, the truth, is not a notional thing, but hath the virtue and power of life, and mortification in it; and they that truly receive it, partake of its virtue and power in operation and exercise of it in their hearts, and are thereby really made dead unto sin, and alive unto God [Rom 6:11].

(John 1:18)

[Other texts citing John 1:18: GFT 229 (Luk 2:7)]

JN2:549 (1655): think not to hide thee under John's words, which saith, "No man hath seen God [John 1:18]": for John saith, "The only begotten Son hath revealed him [ibid]." John did not speak these words to deny the sight of God and so make himself a liar, who had seen him; but to declare the true way to come to see him, which is by revelation; whic h thou denies and so would wriest Johns's words against what he did witness and declare of.

JSS 20 (17 ): Who is it that receiveth his testimony? Answer, No man, as man merely, but the begotten of God. "The world cannot receive him, because it seeth him not." [John 14:17] "No man hath seen God at any time. The only begotten son which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him [John 1:18]." "And of his fulness we have all received [John 1:16]." Had we not, we could never rightly know God, nor receive the testimony of his son.

(John 1:19)

GF3:262 (1659): And so was he promised a covenant to the Gentiles [Isa 42:6], as well as to the Jews, and so doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world [John 1:9], according to John's testimony to the priests and Levites who came from Jerusalem to examine him [John 1:19]. So the priests and professors now examine us in this age respecting the light which the Quakers are witnesses of, and bear testimony to, which Paul warned every man, and taught every man, that he might present them perfect in Christ the light [Col 1:28].

(John 1:29)

[Other texts citing John 1:29: GF6:74 (John 10:17f), GF6:285 (Rev 19:9), WPR 150 (Heb 12:24), HPS 395, SIW 37 (Rev 5:5)]

GF7:89 (1654): Now every one in particular, mind the pure in you, for the chaste virgins follow Jesus Christ [2 Cor 11:2], the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world [John 1:29]; and who are not chaste, will not follow him. For that in every particular of you, which is not chaste, will not submit to the pure, which would guide you to God, but rather submit to their own thoughts, and follow them, and run after them and their own wills, and seek to accomplish them; and so run out into that generation whose thoughts were not as God's thoughts, nor ways as God's ways [Isa 55:8].

MFU 268 (1659): Christ is not divided [1 Cor 1:13]; the pure spirit of the Lamb is one in all, and the same for ever: oh behold the Lamb of God that takes away this sin [John 1:29], and come into the innocent life; which is harmless and undefiled, and separate from sin [Heb 7:26], which thinks no evil [1 Cor 13:5], nor watcheth not for evil [Jer 44:27], but waiteth to be gracious [Isa 30:18], and would have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the Truth [1 Tim 2:4], and would even that the Lord's people were prophets [Num 11:29], oh this Seed is blessed for ever.

IP4:429 (1679): For in the light, whatever is of the darkness, whatever is corrupt, whatever is of the devil's kingdom, is discovered and removed from them that take up the light's yoke; and a contrary nature planted in the mind instead thereof, which brings forth quite other fruits, even of a contrary kind to what the darkness brought forth before. So that as it was said of Christ, Behold the Lamb of God [John 1:29]; so it may be said of them, behold the lambs of God, who are sweet, meek, gentle, lowly in heart like him [Mat 11:29], bringing forth fruits like him, and walking like sheep among wolves [Luk 10:3], as he also walked [1 Jn 2:6].

EQ 307 (Samuel Fisher, 1661): Whereas therefore ye query, What God really is in himself? As God saith of himself, I am that I am [Exo 3:14]; so say I, ... God is what he is: And if ye, who by your asking of us, profess yourselves to be yet ignorant of him,... would know him in any measure, as he is really in himself; my counsel to you is, to stand still in his own counsel, namely, is Light in your own consciences, that in that you may be led forth into his life and likeness, even into the image of his Son [Rom 8:29], the light of the world [John 8:12], the righteous, pure, meek, innocent, gentle, loving, peaceable, inoffensive, merciful, compassionate, tender, patient Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of it [John 1:29], who is the express image of the Father [Heb 1:3]....

(John 1:31)

HPS 365 (Elizabeth Bathurst, 1679): ...we grant the baptism of those that were adult, or come to age, and had faith to entitle them unto it; this was the baptism of John, who was a forerunner of Jesus Christ; but this was not permanent and continuing, but to pass away, that Christ's might take place; "For he must increase, but I must decrease," saith John himself [John 3:30]. For John's baptism was but a figure of Christ's baptism, "but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water," saith John [John 1:31]. However, where any now have believed it simply their duty to be baptized, as thinking it, either for the furtherance of the gospel, or trial of their faith, the Quakers are tender of judging them in that case; but if they stick in the shadow, and reject the higher ministration, then they are more reprovable.

(John 1:39)

WPR 136f (1677): Behold his blessed visitation is upon you. His angel hath saluted you [Luk 1:28], and his Holy Spirit hath overshadowed you [Luk 1:35]. He hath begotten holy desires in you. I pray that they may never be extinguished, and that you may never faint. Wherefore look to Jesus that is the author, that he may be the finisher [Heb 12:2]. I testify for God, that he has appeared to you; yea, he hath said to you as to Andrew, Philip, &c., "Follow me. [John 1:43]" And I say unto you, folow him. Come and see where he dwelleth [John 1:39]; do not lose sight of him.

(John 1:43)

WPR 137: [John 1:43, see under John 1:37]

(John 1:45)

GF3:130 (1659): And those that were come to Christ the life, were come to him the scriptures testified of, as John 1:[30]: "We have found him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote." And those were they that were come from John; the others were they that stuck in John, and came not to the life, but went to the scriptures to have had life in the scriptures, and came not to him the scriptures testified of [John 5:39], but persecuted him.

(John 1:46)

IP1:419 (1660): Did not the Greeks shut themselves out [of the kingdom] by a wisdom above the letter (as they thought), and the Jews by a knowledge and wisdom which they had gathered out of the letter? How wise were they from the letter to reason against the King of life?: "This man cannot be of God, for he is a breaker of his sabbaths [John 9:16]. Ne is a Nazarite, and can any good thing come out of Nazareth [John 1:46]? He saith the Son of man must be lifted up; but we read that Christ abideth for ever [John 12:34]. He is against God's temple, against God's day of worship, gives his disciples such scope and liberty, as neither the Pharisees nor John gave their disciples; but reviles our strict and godly teachers and expounders of the law, calling them hypocirites, blind guides, etc. [Mat 23:15f]...."

HPS 423 (Elizabeth Bathurst, 1679): Let none no longer inquire at a distance after the Quakers and their principle, as Nathaniel did concerning Christ, John 1:46, saying, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" But let them remember the answer of Philip, who bid him, "Come and see [John 1:46]"; so shall they meet with satisfaction in that inward principle of divine light ... which hath made many, and now hath it made me, a spiritual traveller for souls' eternal welfare.

(John 1:47)

IP4:386 (1678): I pray consider that place, Isa 44:3-5. When God, from the fountain of life, pours out water and floods upon him that is athirst, do not these floods and water wash him and nourish him also? Do not they wash away that which hinders his spiring up and growth in the truth? And is not he hereby baptized into the name of the Lord [Acts 8:16, 10:48]? .... And doth not one that is washed, feeling that carried away by the floods and overflowings of the Spirit, inwardly feel, and presently say in his heart, "I am the Lord's. And another surname himself by the name of Israel [Isa 44:5]"? ... I am inwardly washed from my former wicked and deceitful heart; that is gone, and a new heart and spirit of God's creating and forming is witnessed by me, and God's Spirit testifies in me, and to me, "that I am an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile [John 1:47]."

(John 1:48)

HPS 404f (Elizabeth Bathurst, 1679): And now, a remnant having heard that (in our hearts) that that told us all things that we ever did [John 4:29,39], we know this to be the voice of Christ; yea, the spiritual appearance of the Christ of God [Luk 9:20]. For this was he who saw us under the fig tree [John 1:48] (when we had nothing but leaves to cover us [Gen 3:7]) although we saw him not, yet did he send and call us to himself, that he might cover us with his own Spirit [Isa 30:1], which when we came to be covered with, we then saw who it was that cast the skirt of his love over us [Ezek 16:8], and said to us, when we were polluted in our blood, Live [Ezek 16:6]....

(John 1:49)

WPR 586, WPT 377f (1694): They reached to the inward state and condition of people, which is an evidence of the virtue of their principle, and of their ministering from it, and not their own imaginations, glosses or comments upon scripture. For nothing reaches the heart, but what is from the heart, or pierces the conscience, but what comes from a living conscience. Insomuch that it hath often happened, where people have under secrecy revealed their state or condition to some choice Friends, for advice or ease, they have been so particularly directed in the ministry of this people, that they have challenged their friends with discovering their secrets, and telling the preachers their cases. Yea, the very thoughts and purposes of the hearts of many have been so plainly detected, that they have (like Nathaniel) cried out of this inward apparance of Christ, "Thou art the Son of God, thou artt the King of Israel [John 1:49]".