13:1 Though I speak [T: spake] with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not [T: yet had no] charity [GBT: love], I am become [GB: am; T: were even] as sounding brass, or [BT: +as] a tinkling cymbal.      qtext

13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy [G: had...; BT: could prophesy], and understand all mysteries [GBT: knew (BT: understood) all secrets], and all knowledge; and though I have [GBT: yea, if I had] all faith, so that I could remove mountains [BT: move mountains out of their places], and have not [G: had not; T: yet had no] charity, I am [GBT: love, I were] nothing.      qtext

13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor [G: feed the poor with all my goods], and though I give my body to be [G: that I be; B: that I; T: even that I] burned, and have not [T: yet had no] charity [GBT: love], it profiteth me nothing.      qtext

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(1 Cor 13) HPS 295; WPR 504, 641

(1 Cor 13:1-3) GF2: 297; GF5: 98f

(1 Cor 13:1) DGA 173; GF2: 347; GF5: 320; GF6: 243; GF8: 247 [390]; JN2: 47; JN3: 57; IP3: 66; RBA 301; RBAF 255; HPS 52; WPR 296; WPT 70; SIW 101; HSM*

(1 Cor 13:2) GF3: 108; GF7: 276 [245]; GF8: 215 [377]; IP3: 183; RBA 288; RBAF 234; SIW 112 [cf Mat 17:20]

(1 Cor 13:3) JN2: 225; IP2: 118; IP3: 42; HPS 56

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(1 Cor 13:1)

[DGA 173, see Isa 29:13]

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:1: HSM* (Gen 4:21)]

GF2:347 (1689): Follow the works of charity, and overcome the evil with the good to all [Rom 12:21]; for what good have all the tinklers done, with their cymbals and sounding brass [1 Cor 13:1]? They always bred confusion, and never did good in any age; tinkling with their cymbals and sounding with their brass, to draw out the simple to follow them.

HPS 52 (Sarah Blackborow, 1658): Therefore dear hearts, you ... whose hearts are breathing after the living God, in whom desires have been begotten by the eternal spirit, and have been betrayed by entering into visibles, and by a visible ministry, which hath been but as sounding brass; and as a tinkling symbol [sic;1 Cor 13:1], which hath never turned to God, nor from the powers of darkness, but hath begotten an imaginary in you; likenesses of all sorts and kinds...; I say, go not forth after them; that which carries you forth, is that which betrays your life, and leads you into the adultery from it....

SIW 101 (Sarah Tuke Grubb, 17–): Should we lay hold of Christian discipline in all its branches, and return with it to its root, ... we shall always find it originates in a Christian spirit; and that every plausible appearance which is defective in this ground, is so far no better than sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal [1 Cor 13:1].


(1 Cor 13:2)

IP3:183 (1668): The faith gives entrance, the Son's faith; the faith which stands in the power [1 Cor 2:5], the faith which is victory [1 Jn 5:4], and gives victory over sin and the world, removes the mountains [1 Cor 13:2] and difficulties which stand in the way, and gives entrance into the gospel-rest [Heb 4:3].

SIW 112 (Priscilla Hannah Gurney, 18–): ...a just appreciation of the sufficiency of divine grace [2 Cor 12:9] ... requires me to acknowledge, that this also has been abundantly extended in every needful time; so that, wherein it may have failed of its mercifully-designed effects, the deficiency is ascribable only to the want of that true faith, which comprehends both mental and actual obedience; which still can remove mountains [1 Cor 13:2], and, without which, it is impossible to please God [Heb 11:6].


(1 Cor 13:3)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:3: IP2:118 (Luk 14:33), IP3:42 (Mat 10:42)]

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13:4 Charity [GBT: :Love (3x)] suffereth long, and [G: it] is kind [G: bountiful; BT: courteous]; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself [G: doth not boast istelf, it; BT: doth not frowardly], is not puffed up [BT: swelleth not],      qtext

13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly [G: It doeth no uncomely thing, it; BT: Dealeth not dishonestly], seeketh not her own [G: +things, it], is not easily provoked [GBT: +to anger; G: +it], thinketh no [GT: not; B: none] evil;      qtext

13:6 [G: +It] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;      qtext

13:7 [G: +It (4x)] Beareth [GBT: suffereth] all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.      qtext

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(1 Cor 13:4-7) GF7: 53 [43]; GF8: 63 [311], 144 [346], 212 [375]; MFU 270; IP2: 342

(1 Cor 13:4) GF4: 200, 215; GF8: 143 [345]; MFU 221

(1 Cor 13:4f) GF4: 272, 277; GF7: 150f [158]; IP1: 38, 173

(1 Cor 13:5) GFJN 380; GF7: 109 [109], 329 [263]; MFU 268, 296; JN1: 271 (GF); JN2: 251; WPR 596

(1 Cor 13:5f) GF7: 30 [23]

(1 Cor 13:6) GF7: 131 [133], 147 [155]; IP2: 181

(1 Cor 13:7) GFJN 59, 282; GF3: 182, 516; GF7: 79 [66], 115 [116], 138 [145], 208 [208], 256 [234]; GF8: 13 [267], 33 [284], 83 [317], 128 [336], 129 [337], 163 [356], 201 [371], 229 [383], 250 [392], 255 [396], 277 [400], 281 [401], 291 [404]; GFEJ 35, 434; MFU 339; JN1: 271 (GF); JN3: 752; IP1: 422; IPL 43; EQ 108 (JN); HPS 49

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(1 Cor 13:4-7)

GF8:63 (1674): And strive not for mastery [1 Cor 9:25], but let Christ be the master, who is the wisdom of God, and your wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and justification [1 Cor 1:30], and you to dwell in humility and love, that will bear all things [1 Cor 13:7]; and that is not easily provoked [1 Cor 13:5], and envieth not [1 Cor 13:4]: if your love is not in this love, it is not the love of God.

IP2:342 (1663): [meditation on 1 Cor 13:4-7]: Oh! how sweet is love! how pleasant is its nature! how takingly doth it behave itself in every condition, upon every occasion, to every person, and about every thing! How tenderly, how readily, doth it help and serve the meanest! How patiently, how meekly, doth it bear all tings, either from God or man, how unexpectedly soever they come, or how hard soever they seem! How doth it believe, how doth it hope, how doth it excuse, how doth it cover even that which seemeth not to be excusable, and not fit to be covered! How kind is it even in its interpretations and charges concerning miscarriages! It never overchargeth, it never grates upon the spirit of him whom it reprehends; it never hardens, it never provokes; but carrieth a meltingness and power of conviction with it. This is the nature of God; this, in the vessels capacitated to receive and bring it forth in its glory, the power of enmity is not able to stand against, but falls before, and is overcome by.


(1 Cor 13:4)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:4: GF8:143 (Mat 5:44)]


(1 Cor 13:4f)

IP1:38 (1658): The innocent love, which thinks no ill, nor wishes no ill, much less can do any ill to any; but suffereth long, and is kind, meek, humble, not seeking its own [1 Cor 13:4f], but the good of others; this love is lost. The love unfeigned [2 Cor 6:6] is banished; a feigned love, such a love as enmity and violence proceed from, is got in the place of it. The true love loves the enemy, and cannot return enmity for enmity, but seeks the good of them who hate it [Mat 5:44]; but this love can persecute and hate that which it calls the friend, nay, the brother, because of some difference in opinion or practice. The love that was in Christ, taught him to lay down his life for his sheep [John 10:15]; and he that hath the same love, can lay down his life for his brother [1 Jn 3:16]. But the love that is now amongst Christians tends rather to the taking away of life.


(1 Cor 13:5)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:5: MFU 268 (John 1:29), MFU 296 (Rom 13:10)]

GF7:329 (1668): And train up all your children in the fear of the Lord [Psa 34:11/Prov 22:6], and in his new covenant, Christ Jesus; as the Jews did their children and servants in the old covenant, and so do you admonish your children and servants. And let no man or any live to themselves, but in that love that seeks not her own [1 Cor 13:5].

JN2:251 (1655): Qu. 20 . And whereas thou queries whether that which we call perfection be not rather imperfection, &c. Ans. No, it is that which shows thy imperfection and Pharisaical boastings, it is that which leads us from sin and to the remission, and the love of God which thinks no evil [1 Cor 13:5].


(1 Cor 13:6)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:6: GF7:147 (1 Cor 1:29)]


(1 Cor 13:7)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:7: GF7:114 (Mat 18:15), GF8:33 (Rev 21:27), GF8:63 (1 Cor 13:4f), GF8:229 (2 Pet 1:5-7), GF8:255 (Rom 12:21), MFU 339 (Jas 4:14), EQ 108 (Mat 11:29), HPS 49 (Mat 12:30)]

GF8:13 (1669): And keep down passion, and that part in yourselves that cannot bear all things, nor endure all things, whereby the love comes up that will endure all things, and bear all things [1 Cor 13:7], which edifies the body [Eph 4:16], and by which the body is edified; for "the spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets [1 Cor 14:32]."

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13:8 Charity never faileth [G: Love doth never fall away; BT omit]: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail [though that (B: the) prophesyings be abolished (BT: fail)]; whether there be tongues, they shall [G: or the (BT: other) tongues] cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall [GBT: or knowledge] vanish away [BT: +yet love falleth never away].      qtext

13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [BT: our knowledge is unperfect, and our prophesying is unperfect]:      qtext

13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part [BT: unperfect] shall be done away [G: abolished].      qtext

13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought [BT: imagined] as a child: but when I became [BT: as soon as I was] a man, I put away childish things [B: childishness].      qtext

13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly [BT: in a glass, even in a dark speaking]; but then [GBTP +shall we see] face to face: now I know in part [BT: unperfectly]; but then shall I know even as also I am known.      qtext

13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity [GBT: love; T+even], these three; but the greatest of these is charity [GBT: chiefest (BT: chief) of these is love].      qtext

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(1 Cor 13:8) GF4: 236, 301f; GF7: 89 [79], 290 [249]; GF8: 308 [417]; GFEJ 217; MFU 270

(1 Cor 13:9) JN1: 259

(1 Cor 13:9f) GF5: 241

(1 Cor 13:10) MFU 228

(1 Cor 13:11) GFT 37; DFR 21

(1 Cor 13:12) JN1: 259; JN3: 49; HPS 56

(1 Cor 13:13) GF3: 338; GF4: 288; MFU 270, 339; WPR 571

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(1 Cor 13:8)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:8: GF4:236 (Rev 17:1)]

GF7:290 (1667): And all the priests that have gotten the many languages, which began at Babel [Gen 11:1-9], they tell simple ignorant people that they have the original, and are the orthodox men, and get into a different habit from them, and say, the Quakers are a simple people, and despise the learned orthodox men, who have the original. Give ear O people! If these languages, which came up at the confounding of Babel, are the priests' original that makes them orthodox and divine, then Pilate, that crucified Christ, was as good an orthodox divine as they; for when he crucified Christ, he wrote a paper in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, and set atop of him [Luke 23:38]; he was as ignorant of scripture, and of orthodox and divine matters as you, and you as he. And the apostle saith, ''that tongues must cease [1 Cor 13:8];'' then that which makes orthodox men and divines, as you say, must cease, according to the apostles' doctrine; and so then tongues neither are the original, nor make orthodox nor divine.

GF8:308 (1689): ....all walk in the power and spirit of God, that is over all, in love and unity. For love overcomes, and builds up and unites all the members of Christ to him, the head; for love keeps out of all strife, and is of God; and love and charity never fail [1 Cor 13:8], but keep the mind above all outward things, or strife about outward things; and is that which overcomes evil, and casts out all false fears [1 Jn 4:18]; and it is of God, and unites all the hearts of his people together in the heavenly joy, concord, and unity.


(1 Cor 13:9)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:9: JN1:259 (Mat 11:25)]


(1 Cor 13:9f)

GF5:241 (1676): And the apostle saith...., "And we prophesy in part, and when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be abolished [1 Cor 13:9fG];" so here he was encouraging the church to grow up into a further degree, both in knowledge and prophecy; but if there were that love among you, which he speaks of in this chapter, then those things would be owned in their places, and the fulfilling thereof waited for, and their prophesying in part owned, which is denied by you in your day, therefore you are not like to grow up to a perfect state, who deny that.


(1 Cor 13:10)

MFU 228 (1657?): thou art contrary to that doctrine of the apostles; their desire was that they might be perfect & every man perfect in Christ Jesus [Col 1:28]; & that they might stand perfect and complete [Col 4:12]; and that they might perfect that which was lacking in their faith [1 Th 3:10], for when Christ which is perfect is come then that which is imperfect shall be done away (1 Cor 13:10[BT]).


(1 Cor 13:11)

DFR 21 (17 ): Although I perceived a defect in the ministry, yet I did not then see that it was altogether wrong, nor did I then know that it was wholly of the "letter that killeth [2 Cor 3:6]"; but afterwards I obtained a clearer sight and knowledge thereof. At this time I thought as a child and understood as a child [1 Cor 13:11], with regard to these subjects. And this was also my state respecting divine worship. I did not clearly perceive that all worship performed in the will of the creature, and without the immediate assistance of the Holy Spirit, was truly will-worship [Col 2:23] and idolatry.


(1 Cor 13:12)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:12: JN1:259 (Mat 11:25)]

JN3:48f (1656): And this know, that no prophecy of old came by the will of man [2 Pet 1:21], nor by the will of man could be received; but by those that stood in their own wills was ever resisted; and so must it be in these things, unless with the eye that never changeth thou readest them, which if thou knowest such a thing and stand single therein [Mat 6:22], in the meek Spirit [1 Pet 3:4], not lifted up above thy measure [2 Cor 12:7, 10:14], thou wilt come to feel how that of God in thee answers to the things of God, as face answers face [Prov 27:19]; and find them to agree with the life of the Scriptures, though for the present some things appear darkly [1 Cor 13:12]....


(1 Cor 13:13)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 13:13: MFU 339 (Jas 4:14)]

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14:1 Follow after charity [GBT: love] , and desire [GBT: covet] spiritual gifts, but [GT: and] rather [BT: most chiefly] that ye may [T: for to] prophesy.      qtext

14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue [G: a strange tongue; B: with the tongue; T: with tongues] speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [GBT: heareth] him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries [G: secret things].      qtext

14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification [B: +their; GBT edifying], and [GT: +to; B: +to their] exhortation, and [GT: +to; B: +to their] comfort.      qtext

14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue [G: strange language; B: with the tongue; T: with tongues] edifieth [T: profiteth] himself; but [BT omit] he that prophesieth edifieth the church [T: congregation].      qtext

14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues [G: strange languages], but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with [G: divers] tongues, except he interpret [GBT: expound it; T: +even], that the church [T: congregation] may receive edifying [G: receive edification; BT: have edifying].

14:6 [G: +And] Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with [G: divers] tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall [GBT omit] speak to you either by revelation, or by [T omits (3x)] knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

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(1 Cor 14) DGA 163, 169

(1 Cor 14:1-6) RBAF 212n

(1 Cor 14:1) GF5: 241; RBA 272

(1 Cor 14:2) GF4: 283

(1 Cor 14:3-5) GF5: 241f, 244

(1 Cor 14:3) WPR 576, 624; WPT 239, 326, 360

(1 Cor 14:4f) RBA 296, 327

(1 Cor 14:6) WPT 326

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(1 Cor 14:1)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:1: RBA 272 (1 Cor 14:30-33)]


(1 Cor 14:2)

GF4:283 (1661): ...they that have not the spirit of Jesus Christ are none of his [Rom 8:9]; in this spirit are the mysteries spoken [1 Cor 14:2], and in it is the fight, and that which doth unseal and open the spirit of understanding and knowledge [Isa 11:2], that gives both to understand and to know, and this must every man come to know in his own particular [Continued under John 3:5)]


(1 Cor 14:3-5)

GF5:244 (1676): Now you that say, prophecy is ceased, the apostle tells you, "that greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues [1 Cor 14:5]." So then the greater is ceased among you. And the apostle tells the church, "but he that prophesieth, speaketh unto men to edification, and to exhortation, and to comfort [1 Cor 14:3]." Now, you that call yourselves apostles and teachers, and say, prophecy is ceased, then edification, exhortation and instruction is ceased among you.


(1 Cor 14:3)

WPR 576, WPT 360 (1694): But these experimental preachers of glad tidings of God's truth and kingdom, could not run when they list, or pray or preach when they pleased [Jer 23:31], but as Christ their Redeemer prepared and moved them by his own blessed Spirit, for utterance [Acts 2:4]; and which was as those having authority, and not like the dreaming dry and formal Pharisees [Mat 7:29]. And so it plainly appeared to the serious-minded, whose spiritual eye the Lord Jesus had in any measure opened: so that to one was given the word of exhortation, to another the word of reproof, to another the word of consolation [Acts 13:15/2 Tim 4:2/1 Cor 14:3], and all by the same Spirit and in the good order thereof, to the convincing and edifying of many.


(1 Cor 14:4f)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:4f: RBA 296 (1 Cor 2:4), RBA 327 (1 Cor 1:17)]

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14:7 And even [GBT: Moreover (T: +when)] things without life giving [G: which give a; T: give]; sound, whether [GBT: +it be a] pipe or [GBT: +an] harp, except they give [GBT: make] a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

14:8 For [GBT: And also] if the trumpet give an uncertain sound [T: voice], who shall prepare himself to the battle [B: the war; T: fight]?      qtext

14:9 [BT: +Even] So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue [G: you, by the tongue, except ye utter; BT: when yue speak with tongues, except ye speak] words easy to be understood [GBT: that have signification], how shall it be known [GBT: understood] what is spoken? for ye shall [T: +but] speak into the air.      qtext

14:10 There are, it may be, so [GB: There are so; T: Many] many kinds of voices [GB: +(as it cometh to pass): T: +are] in the world, and none of them is [BT: are] without signification [G: dumb].

14:11 Therefore [G: Except; BT omit] if I know not [G: then] the meaning of the voice [G: the power of the voice; BT: what the voice meaneth], I shall be [B: +like] unto him that speaketh a barbarian [BT: an alien (2x)], and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of [GBT: covet] spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel [T: have plenty] to the edifying of the church [T: congregation].      qtext

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(1 Cor 14:8) GFT 206; IP1: 318; IP3: 457; IP4: 302; WPR 575; JWJM 184

(1 Cor 14:9-11) GF5: 189

(1 Cor 14:9) GF7: 89 [79]

(1 Cor 14:12) GF4: 285; GF8: 246 [390]; DGA 213 [cf 1 Cor 14:1]

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(1 Cor 14:8)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:8: IP3:457 (1 Cor 1:12), JWJM 184 (Mat 7:24f)]

GFT 206 (1680): So in old Jerusalem, the trumpets sounded; so in the new Jerusalem, the heavenly trumpet sounds of of Zion [Joel 2:1] which gives a certain sound [1 Cor 14:9].

WPR 575 (1694): It was about that very time ... that the eternal, wise and good God, was pleased in his infinite love to honour and visit this benighted and bewildered nation, with his glorious day-spring from on high [Luk 1:78]; yea, with a most sure and certain sound [1 Cor 14:9] of the word of light and life [John 1:4], through the testimony of a chosen vessel [Acts 9:15], to an effectual and blessed purpose....


(1 Cor 14:9)

GF7:89 (1654): So, serve one another in love, and do not lavish out yourselves without the fear of God; such are clouds without water [Jude 1:12], which have the words but not the power, flown up into the air [1 Cor 14:9]; which have a light, and yet are as wandering stars [Jude 1:13], which lead up into the presumption [2 Pet 2:10]; and thou that art there, thy garments are defiled [Rev 3:4], for thou goest from the spirit which should sanctify thee; for ye are sanctified through obedience to the spirit [1 Pet 1:2].


(1 Cor 14:12)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:12: GF4:285 (Mar 16:17)]

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14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue [G: a strange tongue; B: with tongue; T: with tongues] pray that he may interpret [T: +also].

14:14 For if I pray in an unknown [G: in a strange; BT: with] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding [T: mind] is unfruitful [GBT: without fruit].      qtext

14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I [G: but I; BT: and] will pray with the understanding [T: mind (2x)] also: I will sing with the spirit, and I [G: but I; BT: and] will sing with the understanding also.      qtext

14:16 Else when thou shalt bless [GBT: blesseth] with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth [G: knoweth] not what thou sayest?

14:17 For [BT omit] thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues [G: languages] more than ye all:

14:19 Yet in the church I had rather [GBT: I had rather (T: liefer) in the church (T: congregation) to] speak five words with my understanding [T: mind], that by my voice I might teach others also [G: that I might also instruct others; BT: to the information of other; T +rather], than ten thousand words in an unknown [G: in a strange; BT: with the] tongue.

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(1 Cor 14:14) JN1: 494

(1 Cor 14:15) GFJN 189; GF3: 97, 135, 207, 274, 276, 394, 435; GF4: 42, 125, 131, 273, 282; GF6: 398, 408, 434, 477; GF7: 133 [139], 155f [167], 230, 235 [222], 244 [230], 293 [249]; GF8: 10 [265], 64, 65, 66 [312]; DGA 172; JN1: 96; 212 (GF), 228, 320; JN2: 82, 171, 220; IP1: 63, 178, 217, 227; RBA 334, 343; RBAF 290, 299; EQ 338 (BC); HPS 214; WPR 504, 571, 623; WPT 325, 348; SBD 21, 35 [cf Psa 47:7]

(1 Cor 14:15f) GF5: 187

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(1 Cor 14:14)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:14: JN1:494 (Mat 23:14)]


(1 Cor 14:15)

[A key verse against the use of preset prayers and hymns. DGA 172 (1986): It was not unusual for early Friends to break out in songs of praise while worshiping. But even singing was to be done in a peculiar way. It was to be a singing in the Spirit, with understanding (1 Cor 14:15). Just as Friends rejected formulated creeds which could be mouthed as a "profession without possession," they also refrained from traditional Psalm and hymn singing for the same reasons. They instead chose to sing praises aloud spontaneously, "making melody in their hearts" (Eph 5:19). We have little idea what this early Quaker singing was like but we gain the strong impression that it did not aspire to artistry. (Continued under Isa 29:13)]

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:15: ?GF4:131 (1 Cor 14:26), GF7:133 (Mat 23:14), GF7:292f (Mat 24:1f), GF8:65 (Isa 9:5), JN2:220 (1 Cor 12:7), WPR 570f (John 1:12f), WPR 623 (Mat 7:29), SBD 21 (Rom 10:8)]

GF7:155f (1658): Now friends, who have denied the world's songs and singing; sing ye in the spirit [1 Cor 14:15], and with grace [Col 3:16], making melody in your hearts to the Lord [Eph 5:19]. And ye having denied the world's formal praying, pray ye always in the spirit [1 Cor 14:15], and watch in it [Eph 6:18]. And ye that have denied the world's giving of thanks, and their saying of grace, and living out of it; do ye in every thing give thanks to the Lord through Jesus Christ [Eph 5:20, 1 Th 5:18].

JN1:96 (1653): As David's tremblings, quakings, wastings, weepings, roarings till his sight grew dim [Job 17:7, Lam 5:17], and watered his bed with his tears [Psa 6:6], and roared all the day long [Psa 32:3], prophecies, praises, prayers, these you sing, having turned them into rhyme, crying, Let us sing to the praise and glory of God which is all to his dishonor: if one should see one of you lie in David's condition weeping and roaring, and turn it into meter, the praise and glory of God, would you not say we made a rhyme of you? As you have made of David. All such practices and singings we deny, but we will sing with the Spirit, and with grace and understanding [1 Cor 14:15].

RBA 343, RBAF 249 (1678, XI.28): So that to conclude, the worship, preaching, praying and singing which we plead for is such as proceedeth from the Spirit of God and is always accompanied with its influence, being begun by its motion and carried on by the power and strength thereof, and so is a worship purely spiritual such as the Scripture holds forth (John 4:23f; 1 Cor 14:15; Eph 6:18, etc.). [Continued under Isa 1:13]

HPS 214 (Mary Penington, 1668, describing period in her youth when she was attending a Puritan chapel): In the family I used to hear the Scripture read; but if I happened to go in before they had done their prayers, I would sit down though they were kneeling.... the governors of the family were much disturbed, and made me the subject of their discourse in company, saying that I would pray with the spirit [1 Cor 14:15], and rejected godly men's prayers, that I was proud and schismatic; and that I went to those places to meet young men, and such like.

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14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding [BT: wit (2x)]: howbeit [G: but] in malice be ye [GBT: as concerning maliciousness be] children, but in understanding be men [G: of a ripe age; BT: perfect].

14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips [G: By men of other tongues, and by other languages; BT: With sundry (T: other) tongues, and with sundry (T: other) lips] will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will [G: yet so shall] they not hear me, saith the Lord.      qtext

[1 Cor 14:21, cf Isa 28:11f]

14:22 Wherefore [G: +strange] tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but [T: contrariwise] prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.      qtext

14:23 If therefore [GBT: +when] the whole church be [GBT: is] come together into one place [GB: in one; T omits], and all speak with [G: strange] tongues, and [GBT omit] there come in those [GBT: they] that are unlearned, or unbelievers [GBT: they which believe not], will they not say that ye are mad [GBT: out of your wits]?

14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he [GBT: rebuked of all men, and] , is judged of all [BT: every man]:      qtext

14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest [T: opened]; and so falling [G: he will fall; BT: falleth he] down on his face he will worship [and worship; BT: and worshippeth] God, and report [G: say plainly; BT: saith] that God is in [T: with] you of a truth [GT: indeed].      qtext

14:26 How is it [G: what is to be done] then, brethren? when ye come together, [G: +according as] every one of you hath a psalm [man hath his song], hath a [G: or hath (4x); T: hath his (4x)]; doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.      qtext

14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue [G: a strange tongue; B: with tongue; T: with tongues], let it be by two [T: two at once], or at the most by three [T: three at once], and that by course; and let one interpret [T: another interpret it].

14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church [T: congregation]; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

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(1 Cor 14:21) MFS 68

(1 Cor 14:22) IP2: 14

(1 Cor 14:24f) GF5: 241; LB (G23); IP4: 258

(1 Cor 14:25) GFJN 236; GF7: 185 [195]; MFU 142; WPR 121

(1 Cor 14:26-40) RBAF 281

(1 Cor 14:26-28) MFS 68; IP4: 48

(1 Cor 14:26) GF4: 131; JN2: 4, 171

(1 Cor 14:27f) GF8: 111 [320]; GFEJ 337

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(1 Cor 14:21)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:21: MFS 68 (1 Cor 14:34f)]


(1 Cor 14:22)

IP2:14 (1660): Quest. But how was it possible that so great a deceit should get up in the world so near the apostles' days, or rather in the very days of the apostles, as this seemeth to be? Ans. The false apostles and ministers came "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, and with all power, and signs and lying wonders." 2 Th 2:9f. And the power of miracles in the true apostles might well cease; for the end of miracles was but to testify to the world, to be a sign to the unbelievers. 1 Cor 14:22. But now their work towards the world was well nigh finished, and judgment to come upon them for neglecting and despising the day of their visitation [Luk 19:44]. So that the power of deceit was let up in the false apostles, and the power of truth did draw inwards in the true apostles, which made it very easy for deceit to prevail.


(1 Cor 14:24f)

IP4:258 (1671?): Now, being thus turned to that light and Spirit and power which judgeth, it wrought effectually in us [1 Th 2:13] against the darkness and power of Satan; searching, trying, manifesting, judging the secrets of our hearts daily [Psa 44:21/1 Cor 14:24f]. It tried all our knowledge, all our faith, all our desires, all our thoughts, words, ways, and worships; so that all things were naked and open before him with whom we had to do [Heb 4:13]; and what had gone before as glorious and taking in our eyes, was now manifested to be loathsome and abominable in the sight of God. For indeed, the axe was laid to the root of the tree [Mat 3:10], and every plant which the heavenly Father had not planted was he now plucking up [Mat 15:13], that they might no longer cumber the ground [Luk 13:7]; but he might have room for his own seeds and plants of holiness and righteousness, which he was ready to sow in his own garden. [continued under Rev 21:1]


(1 Cor 14:25)

GF7:185f (1660): Friends,— All that are moved of the Lord by his power, light, and life, to go into other nations, as messengers of his covenant [Mal 3:1] of light [Isa 42:6], to preach the gospel, according to that which shows the secrets of every man's heart [1 Cor 14:25], wherein nations are brought into covenant with God, and redeemed out of tongues, and people, and kindreds [Rev 5:9]: keep your feet upon the top of the mountains, and sound deep to the witness of God [1 Jn 5:9] in every man; then will your feet be beautiful, that publish peace [Isa 52:7]; and to the captives proclaim liberty, with your feet upon the mountains publishing peace, binding up the broken-hearted, [Isa 61:1] having oil of gladness for them that mourn [Isa 61:3].


(1 Cor 14:26)

GF4:131 (1656): Now he that hath a psalm (mark), now he that hath one [1 Cor 14:26], let him sing, and sing in the spirit, and with understanding [1 Cor 14:15]. And now he that sings in the spirit, and prays in the spirit, as the spirit gives utterance [Acts 2:4], he is in that birth, that silenceth the birth of the flesh [Zech 2:13]. And this is to all that would learn silent waiting upon God, and silent meeting; for none ever shall come to God that is upon the earth, but as they do come to that of God in them [Rom 1:19] the light which Christ hath enlightened them withal [John 1:9]; and that is it which must guide every one's mind up to God, and to wait upon God to receive the spirit from God; and the spirit leads to wait upon God in silence, and to receive from God.

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14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three [T: two at once or three at once], and let the other judge.      qtext

14:30 If any thing be revealed [BT: revelation be made] to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.      qtext

14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted [GBT: have comfort].      qtext

14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to [T: in the power of] the prophets.      qtext

14:33 For God is not the author of confusion [T: causer of strife], but of peace, as [G: +we see; T: +he is] in all churches [T: other congregations] of the saints.      qtext

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(1 Cor 14:29-33) GF4: 106f, 182

(1 Cor 14:29-31) DGA 169; GF5: 241; WPR 504

(1 Cor 14:29) IP3: 90

(1 Cor 14:30-33) RBA 272; RBAF 212f, 284; EQ 336 (BC)

(1 Cor 14:30-32) GF3: 381, 432; GF5: 189; JN1: 110, 250f

(1 Cor 14:30) GF3: 174; GF5: 239; JN1: 176; JN2: 584

(1 Cor 14:30f) GFJN 69; GF4: 171, 265; MFS 69; RBA 328; RBAF 284; HPS 108, 271; WPR 624; WPT 326

(1 Cor 14:31-33) JN1: 279

(1 Cor 14:31) GF3: 104, 147; GF5: 188, 244; GF8: 309 [418]; WPT 326

(1 Cor 14:31f) GF4: 110; GF8: 19 [275]; EQ 517f (BR)

(1 Cor 14:32) GF3: 275; GF4: 283; GF8: 13 [267], 265 [397]; GFEJ 262; IP1: 382; IP4: 321, 324; EQ 334 (BC)

(1 Cor 14:32f) LB (G11); GF7: 18 [4]; GF8: 265 [397]

(1 Cor 14:33) DGA 78; GF4: 124; GF6: 182; GF7: 64 [49], 274 [244], 282 [246]; GF8: 66 [312], 163, 164 [356], 165 [358], 182, 183, 184 [361] JN2: 43; IP1: 423; IP4: 274, 286, 327; RBA 268f; RBAF 207; HPS 491

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(1 Cor 14:29-31)

DGA 169f (1986): Another New Testament precedent for Quaker ministry is found in 1 Cor 14:29-31, Paul's advice on edifying worship [quote].... The powerful effect of this free ministry is also described by Paul [quotes 1 Cor 14:24f].... We see how carefully Fox and early Friends absorbed Paul's thought.... The silent restraint of prophetic worship serves two purposes: the speaker is given time to consider the validity of his or her leading before daring to speak it; and the hearer is given the time for the message to reach to the witness within [1 Jn 5:9] and edify.


(1 Cor 14:29)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:29: IP3:90 (1 Cor 10:15)]


(1 Cor 14:30-33)

RBA 272, RBAF 212f (1678, X.25): So to prophesy, in this sense, is indeed proper to ministers and teachers; yet not so, but that it is common and lawful to other saints, when moved thereunto ... as appears by 1 Cor 14, where the apostle at large declaring the order and ordinary method of the church saith (vv.30f), "But if anything be revealed to another that sitteth by let the first hold his peace, for ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all be comforted": which showeth that none is here excluded. But yet that there is a subordination, according to the various meaures of the gift received, the next verse showeth: "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace." [1 Cor 14:32f]. Now that prophesying, in this sense, may be common to all saints, appears by [1 Cor 14:39], where speaking to all in general he saith, "Therefore, brethren, covet to prophesy"; and (1 Cor 14:1G) he exhorts them, saying "Covet spiritual gifts, but the rather that ye may prophesy."


(1 Cor 14:30-32)

JN1:250f (1654): And whereas you say your godly ministers are affronted in their holy worship; I answer, where the ministers are godly and the worship holy, there the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets [1 Cor 14:32]; and if anything be revealed to one that sits by, the first must hold his peace [1 Cor 14:30] and not forbid him to speak, and such count it no affront; for who speaks by the Spirit of God, it will abide the judgment; but who speaks lies in the name of the Lord [Zech 13:3] would have a law made that none should discover them; and none but popish priests did ever go about to stop the mouths of any that God had opened.


(1 Cor 14:30)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:30: GF5:239 (1 Cor 2:9f)]


(1 Cor 14:30f)

GF4:265 (1660): And let none be persecuted for not maintaining a ministry that they know in their conscience is not of God, which destroys both edification and comfort, quencheth the spirit [1 Th 5:19], and lmiteth the Holy One [Psa 78:41], and despiseth prophesying [1 Th 5:20]; that is, if any thing be revealed to another that sits by, let the first hold his peace [1 Cor 14:30]; this was order in the true church; for ye may all prophesy one by one [1 Cor 14:31], and this is according to the apostles' doctrine (which is disorder among the contrary). [quotes Joel 2:28 | Acts 2:17, Num 11:29]

MFS 68f (1666): [Continued from under 1 Cor 14:34f] If the apostle would have stopped such as had the Spirit of the Lord poured upon them [Joel 2:28f, Acts 2:16-18], why did he say just before, "If a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one" (1 Cor 14:30f)? Here he did not say that such women should not prophesy as had the revelation and Spirit of God poured upon them, but their women that were under the law, in the transgression, and were in strife, confusion and malice. If he had stopped women's speaking or prophesying, why does he say, "Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled dishonors her head..." [1 Cor 11:4f; quotes 1 Cor 11:11-13]?


(1 Cor 14:31)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:31: GF8:309 (Jas 1:19)]


(1 Cor 14:32)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:32: GF4:283 (John 3:5), GF8:13 (1 Cor 13:7)]

IP1: 382, IP4:324f (1660): The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets [1 Cor 14:32]. Here is the government; here is the law of rule and subjection in the life. Every one feeling a measure of the Spirit in himself, is thereby taught to own and subject to a greater measure of the same Spirit in another. He that hath no measure of the Spirit of God, he is not of God, he is none of Christ's [Rom 8:9]; and he that hath received a measure of the Spirit, in the same Spirit feels another's measure, and owneth it in its place and service, and knoweth its moving, and cannot quench it [1 Th 5:19], but giveth way to it with joy and delight. When the Spirit moves in any one to speak, the same Spirit moves in the other to be subject and give way: and so every one keeping to his own measure in the Spirit, here can be no disorder, but true subjection of every spirit; and where this is wanting, it cannot be supplied by any outward rule or order set up in the church by common consent; for that is fleshly, and lets in the flesh, and destroys the true order, rule, and subjection.


(1 Cor 14:33)

DGA 78 (1986): Confusion of mind and confusion of behavior are of a piece, and Fox equates confusion with sin (Jas 3:16). He frequently writes of God as a God of order and peace, over against the god of confusion, the god of the world (1 Cor 14:33).

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:33: GF6:182 (1 Cor 14:40), GF8:65f (Mat 13:29), GF8:66 (1 Jn 4:6)]

RBA 268f, RBAF 207 (1678, X.24): Our adversaries ... have certain prescribed rules and methods, contrived according to their human and earthly wisdom. We, on the contrary, walk still upon the same foundation, and lean always upon the immediate assistance and influence of that Holy Spirit which God hath given his children to teach them all things [John 14:26], and lead them in all things; which Spirit, being the Spirit of order and not confusion [1 Cor 14:33], leads us and as many as follow it into such a comely and decent order [1 Cor 14:40] as becometh the Church of God. But our adversaries, having shut themselves out from this immediate counsel and influence of the Spirit, have run themselves into many confusions and disorders, seeking to establish an order in this matter.


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14:34 Let your women [T: wives] keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to [G: they ought to; B: to; T: let them] be under obedience [G: subject], as also [BT: omit] saith the law [G: the law saith].      qtext

14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church [T: congregation].      qtext

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(1 Cor 14:34) GF2: 277; GF3: 260; GFT 194; MFU 59; RBA 276; RBAF 218; HPS 271

(1 Cor 14:34f) DGA 149f, 198; GF3: 453; GF4: 104; GF7: 244 [230]; GF8: 41 [291], 92-116 [320], 96f, 100, 105, 111,112 [320]; GFEJ 329, 336f; GFT 64; MFS 63, 68, 73; TEM 193n

(1 Cor 14:35) JN2: 71

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(1 Cor 14:34)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:34: MFU 59 (Rev 12:1), HPS 271 (1 Cor 14:30f)]

RBA 276f, RBAF 218 (1678, X.27): Seeing "male and female are one in Christ Jesus [Gal 3:28], and that he gives his Spirit no less to one than to the other, when God moveth by his Spirit in a woman we judge it now ways unlawful for her to preach in the assemblies of God's people. Neither think we that of Paul (1 Cor 14:34) to reprove the inconsiderate and talkative women among the Corinthians, who troubled the church of Christ with their unprofitable questions, or that (1 Tim 2:11) that "women ought to learn in all silence, not usurping authority over the man", any ways repugnant to this doctrine; because it's clear that women have prophesied and preached in the church, else had that saying of Joel [2:28] been badly applied by Peter (Acts 2:17). And, seeing Paul himself, in the same epistle to the Corinthians [11:5f], giveth rules how women should behave themselves in the public preaching and praying, it woud be a manifest contradiction if that place were other ways taken in a larger sense....


(1 Cor 14:34f)

DGA 149f (1986): For Friends, the admonition to keep silent from one's own words applies to both men and women; "but Christ in the male as in the female ... may speak, Christ in the male and female who are in the spirit of God....(GF4:109f)" ...Both men and women must live in subjection to Christ's authority. Yet those who are obedient to their Lord are given a power and authority to speak a mighty Word to the world.

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:34f: GF8:96f (Mat 20:25), GF8:105 (Luk 2:36-38), , GF8:11 (1 Cor 11:5)]

GF7:244 (1663): ...the stayed [Isa 26:3], patient people abide in their own house, but the whore is gadding abroad [Prov 7:11f]; and there is no true church but where Christ exercises his offices in and amongst them, and they are asking their husband at home [1 Cor 14:35], and he is their head [Eph 5:23], and the true marriage to Christ the heavenly man [1 Cor 15:47] is witnessed by such as are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone [Gen 2:23]....

MFS 68 (1666): [quotes 1 Cor 14:34f] Here the apostle clearly manifests his intent. He speaks of women that were under the law and in that transgression as Eve was, and such as were to learn, and not to speak publicly, but they must first ask their husbands at home. It was a shame for such to speak in the church. It appears clearly that such women were speaking among the Corinthians, by the apostle's exhorting them from malice, strife, and confusion. He preaches the law unto them. He says, "In the law it is written, 'By men of strange tongues and by lips of foreigners will I speak to the people'" [1 Cor 14:21, Isa 28:11].... What is all this to women speaking who have the everlasting gospel to preach [Rev 14:6], upon whom the promise of the Lord is fulfilled and his spirit poured upon them according to his Word [Acts 2:16-18, Joel 2:28f]. [Continued under 1 Cor 14:30f]


(1 Cor 14:35)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:35: JN2:71 (Heb 12:23)]

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14:36 What? came [G: Came; BT: Sprang] the word of God out [T omits] from you? or [GBT: Either] came it unto you only?

14:37 If any man think himself to be [T omits] a prophet, or [BT: either] spiritual, let him acknowledge [B: know; T: understand] that the things that [T: what things] I write unto you [T: .For they] are the commandments of the Lord.      qtext

14:38 But [G: And; T: But and] if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.      qtext

14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues [G: languages].      qtext

14:40 Let all things be done decently [GBT: honestly] and in [G: by] order.      qtext

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(1 Cor 14:36-38) JN3: 18

(1 Cor 14:37) IP4: 293

(1 Cor 14:38) GF3: 61

(1 Cor 14:38f) GF5: 244f

(1 Cor 14:39) RBA 272; RBAF 212

(1 Cor 14:40) DGA 73; GF6: 182; GF8: 71 [313], 186, 187 [361]; GFEJ 385f; EQ 336 (BC); IP1: 423; RBA 269; RBAF 207; HPS 491

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(1 Cor 14:37)

IP4:292f (1675): Now, if any in Lucifer's nature, will hearken to that spirit which despiseth God's church, and rend from it, and think to grow above it, and expect this growth in their high notions and comprehensions about things, in that exalted mind, should be owned by the church, they will be mistaken: for the true Spirit, which knows all things, and guides the church [John 16:13], will not guide the church to own any such spirit or growth; but to judge and condemn it in its greatest spreading and exaltation. There were those in the apostle's days who would seem to be grown high, and to be spiritual, far above the apostles, and such as lay low in the truth, and obeyed the holy commandments, and yet were far short of their life, as may be seen abundantly in his epistle to the chutch of Corinth. But what saith the apostle concerning such? "If any man think himself a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge the things that I wrote unto you are the commandments of the Lord." 1 Cor 14:37.


(1 Cor 14:38)

GF3:61 (1659): P. He saith, "This I do deny, that the perfection of the whole law of God is written in man's heart, so as to know and to do it, as is written in the prophets and apostles", &c. A. Here thou hast discovered thyself to be in the unbelief, and limitest the Holy One [Psa 78:41], as if God is not the same, and Christ the same yesterday, today and forever [Heb 13:8]. And none know the prophets and apostles, but who have the same covenant as they had, and the same law and spirit. And because thou art opposing those who say the word is within them, and the light is within them, and the spirit is within. And because they say those are in unity, and are one, which makes thee appear as one offended, who must be ignorant still. He that is ignorant, let him be ignorant still [1 Cor 14:38]; but the light in thee shall see they are one.


(1 Cor 14:39)

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:39: RBA 272 (1 Cor 14:30-33)]


(1 Cor 14:40)

DGA 73 (1986): Against the enthusiastic worship of the spiritual Puritans and the anarchistic lifestyle of the Ranters, Fox stresses the order of life in Christ. He cites the orderliness of the New Testament Church (1 Cor 14:40, Col 2:5), and proclaims that this order is being built again among the Quakers, upon Christ the rock and foundation (Isa 28:16; Mat 7:24f; 1 Cor 3:10- 13; Heb 11:10), a spiritual house built of living stones (1 Pet 2:5).... Fox names this structuring gospel order.

[Other texts citing 1 Cor 14:40: RBA 269 (1 Cor 14:33)]

GF6:182 (1684): God is a god of order, and not of confusion; and the apostle saith to the church of Christ, "Let all things be done decently, and in order" [1 Cor 14:40].... So there is nothing to be done indecently, out of the order of the peaceable truth; for God is not the author of confusion, or tumults, or unquietness, but of peace in all the churches of the saints [1 Cor 14:33]. And therefore ... confused, tumultuous, unquiet, and indecent, and disorderly spirits ... must be admonished to the peaceable spirit of God in them, and with it judge out the contrary, else the church of Christ, in its power and peaceable spirit, can have no unity with them....

IP1:423 (1658): That God is a God of order, not of confusion [1 Cor 14:33/40]. Blessed be the Lord, who hath recovered some of the true churches' order for us; and delivered out of the confusion of antichrist. We know order in the light, order in the Spirit, order in Christ, the truth; but that which man in his wisdom, calls order, is but antichrist's order, which, with God, is confusion. To have man's spirit speak and God's Spirit stopt, this is the order of all the antichristian congregations and churches; but to have man's spirit stopt and Gods's Spirit speak, this is the order of Christ's church; and this order we know, and rejoice in, finding that raised in us, which teaches us to "cease from man" [Isa 2:22], and his voice [as man] is not at all "accounted of" [ibid]; but the voice of the living God is heard, known, loved, and obeyed, by that which he hath quickened in us, and made to live to himself.



This page added Sept 2008