To: Codie; OrthodoxPresbyterian; RnMomof7; drstevej; Jerry_M
Then why are there so many Protestant denominations? Is the "Holy Spirit" confused,or what? Well, it is because of Rome:
Vital testimony comes from the hand of the Archbishop Laud himself, a professed Jesuit. After his death, a letter was found in his effects which was endorsed by him and dated March 1628. The endorsement reads: 'A Jesuit letter, sent to the Rector at Bruxels, about the ensuing Parliament.' The letter gave the Superior of the Jesuits, then resident at Brussels, an account of church affairs in England. Part of it reads:
"Father Rector, let not the damp of astonishment seize upon your ardent and zealous soul, in apprehending the sodaine and unexpected calling of a Parliament. We have now many strings to our bow. We have planted that soveraigne drugge Arminianisme, which we hope will purge the Protestants from their heresie; and it flourisheth and beares fruit in due season. For the better prevention of the Puritanes, the Arminians have already locked up the Duke's (of Buckingham) eares; and we have those of our owne religion, which stand continually at the Duke's chamber, to see who goes in and out: we cannot be too circumspect and carefull in this regard. I am, at this time, transported with joy, to see how happily all instruments and means, as well great as lesser, co-operate unto our purposes. But, to return unto the maine fabricke: Our Foundation is Arminianisme. The Arminians and projectors, as it appeares in the premises, affect mutation. This we second and enforce by probable arguments."
It is specifically because the enemy is sowing tares into the church, just like I said. The Holy Spirit is not confused. He is busy opening blind eyes and changing hearts while the enemy is busy sowing tares. However, don't worry, the Lord intends to burn them.
65 posted on
05/06/2002 11:18:39 AM PDT by
CCWoody
To: CCWoody
Source please.
68 posted on
05/06/2002 11:36:56 AM PDT by
Codie
To: CCWoody
I agree ! Men get confused, the Holy spirit is truth.
78 posted on
05/06/2002 12:28:43 PM PDT by
sitonit
To: CCWoody; Codie; OrthodoxPresbyterian; RnMomof7; drstevej; Jerry_M
On the premise that Protestants rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit to understand Scirpture rather than the church, Codie asked the searching question: "why are there so many Protestant denominations? Is the "Holy Spirit" confused, or what?"
To which you answered, incredibly:
Well, it is because of Rome:
...followed by some Jesuit conspiracy stuff, and something about "tares." All of which completely avoided the essential question. It is this kind of obfuscation that makes all of Christianity odious to rational men.
So let's make the question explicit. If Christians have the Holy Spirit's enlightenment, how can they disagree on doctrine? Either only one brand of Christians are truly enlighened by the Holy Spirit (in which case all others are not really "Christians" I suppose) or none of them are.
A straight honest answer to this question would demonstrate both your integrity and your understanding. For the sake of your testimony, I can assure you, such a demonstration is needed.
Hank
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