A34689:1278
A34689:1278
A practical commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and uses upon the first Epistle general of John by ... John Cotton ...A practicall commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and vses upon the first Epistle generall of John by ... John Cotton ...
London: printed by M.S. for Thomas Parkhurst, 1658
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
There is a two-fold knowledge of Christ.
1 A Speculative Historical Knowledge, only of the understanding, Act. 9.15.
2 There is a practical saving Knowledge of Christ, and there is a threefold difference, between that knowledge that rests in the understanding, and this practical and saving knowledge of Christ.
2 There is a practical saving Knowledg of Christ, and there is a threefold difference, between that knowledg that rests in the understanding, and this practical and saving kno•ledg of Christ.
1 The knowledge that rests in the understanding, is only by hearing or reading, but the other is got by the Spirit of Christ infused into us, 1 Cor. 2.9. partly by enlightening our minds, partly by feeling the work of Grace in our hearts, Phil. 3.10. hence it is, that this experimental knowledge excels the best knowledge that is got by reading, or hearing, he knows the worth and virtue of Christ.
1 The knowledge that rests in the understanding, is only by hearing or reading, but the other is got by the Spirit of Christ infused into us, 1 Cor. 2.9. partly by inlightning our minds, partly by feeling the work of Grace in our hearts, Phil. 3.10. hence it is, that this experimentall knowledge excells the best knowledge that is got by reading, or hearing, he knows the worth and vertue of Christ.
2 They differ in their effects, that knowledge that rests in the understanding breeds pride and carnal confidence, Isa. 47.10. and scandal and offence to the weak, 1 Cor, 8.12. but this saving knowledge breeds.
2 They differ in their effects, that knowledge that rests in the understanding breeds pride and carnall confidence, Isa. 47.10. and scandall and offence to the weak, 1 Cor, 8.12. but this saving knowledge breeds.
1 Prayer, Joh. 4.10.
2 Faith, Psal. 8.10. They that know thy name will trust in thee.
3 Justification, 1 Joh. 2.2.
4 Obedience.
5 Innocency towards our brethren, Isa. 11.6. to 9.
3 They differ in the adjuncts; saving knowledge is joined with an high esteem of Christ, Phil. 3.7, 8. yea a man hath liberty to rejoice in this knowledge, which he may not in any other, Jer. 9.24, 25.
3 They differ in the adjuncts; saving knowledge is joyned with an high esteeme of Christ, Phil. 3.7, 8. yea a man hath liberty to rejoyce in this knowledge, which he may not in any other, Jer. 9.24, 25.
There are two things in the knowledge of Christ, which old men have more than other men, Jacob expresses them both, Gen. 48.6, 7. he did now by much experience know the goodness of God, that he had provided for him at home, in Labans house, in his journey, he had supplied him in all his wants, and delivered him out of all his dangers; a young man cannot say so much; it seems not so savoury in a young mans mouth, but when an old man comes out with a recital of Gods favour, this is the honour of old age.
There are two things in the knowledge of Christ, which old men have more than other men, Jacob expresses them both, Gen. 48.6, 7. he did now by much experience know the goodnesse of God, that he had provided for him at home, in Labans house, in his journey, he had supplyed him in all his wants, and delivered him out of all his dangers; a young man cannot say so much; it seemes not so savoury in a young mans mouth, but when an old man comes out with a recitall of Gods favour, this is the honour of old age.
Use 1. Of direction to old men, to take notice of their own Estate, whether they know him that was from the beginning; hath Gods Spirit brought you to pray, to humble your selves, to obedience, to innocency, &c. if it be so, happy are you, you are truly honourable.
Ʋse 1. Of direction to old men, to take notice of their own Estate, whether they know him that was from the beginning; hath Gods Spirit brought you to pray, to humble your selves, to obedience, to innocency, &c. if it be so, happy are you, you are truly honourable.
Use 2. Not to satisfy your selves with any knowledge, till you know him that was from the beginning; the study of antiquity is pleasing to many, especially to old men; no knowledge like this, when you are able to speak of Gods old mercies to you, that he hath fed you all your life, when you are able to tell your children of their duty to God; could you tell of all Antiquities, it is nothing, till you know him that was from the beginning.
Ʋse 2. Not to satisfie your selves with any knowledge, till you know him that was from the beginning; the study of antiquity is pleasing to many, especially to old men; no knowledge like this, when you are able to speake of Gods old mercies to you, that he hath fed you all your life, when you are able to tell your children of their duty to God; could you tell of all Antiquities, it is nothing, till you know him that was from the beginning.
1 JOHN 1.13. The middle Part. I write unto you young men, because you have overcome the Wicked one.