A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

1 John 2.15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

¹Not to detain you with the Connection of these words which are in themselves complete and entire. The better to understand their Theologic sense, it will be necessary, that we a little inquire into their Grammatic and Logic sense. As for the Grammatic sense of the words, we may take notice in the general, that John the Divine, who is generally reputed to be the Author of this Epistle, has a peculiar Phraseology, Idiom, or manner of writing, as it will appear to any that diligently considers his writings, and particularly this text. The first term, that occurs, and ought to be more diligently inquired into, is the Affection and Act prohibited, Love not, The Greek [Greek or Hebrew] admits of a double sense. (1). It is taken in a more large and general notion, for a simple Act of Love, without regard to the measure or degree thereof; and so it is of the same import with [Greek or Hebrew] (2). It is taken in a more strict and confined sense, for such an Act of Love as proceedeth from a plenitude of will, or full Bent of heart, and so carries the whole soul with it, either in the Prosecution of some chief good, when absent; or in the fruition of, and satisfaction in the same when present. For love, in this strict notion, has two main acts: (1). An active vigorous prosecution of its chiefest good, when absent. In which regard [Greek or Hebrew] (and so [Greek or Hebrew]) is derived, by the Greek Etymologist, and Phavorinus out of him, from [Greek or Hebrew], or [Greek or Hebrew] which implies the Force and Activity of love, in the pursuit after its chiefest good. (2). Love in this strict notion implies also an Acquiescence, repose and satisfaction in its chiefest Good, when present, and enjoyed. In which regard [Greek or Hebrew], is made to be the same with, [Greek or Hebrew], greatly to acquiesce, or rest satisfied in its best beloved, when enjoyed, which they explicate by, [Greek or Hebrew], to rest contented, and satisfied in any object, so as not to seek out for any thing more, in point of happiness. In this strict and peculiar notion, considered as