A34689:1287
A34689:1287
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.
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.
Why doth he call them young men, and not Brethren, as before he called old men Fathers?
WHy doth he call them young men, and not Brethren, as before he called old men Fathers?
Ans. Because then he had not distinguished them from others, for all Christians are brethren one to another.
1 Observe here, First, their Adversary, the wicked one.
2 Their Victory, They have overcome the wicked one. This wicked one is Satan, 1 Joh. 5.18. Mark 5.37. Mat. 13.19. Mar. 4.15. he is called Satan, he being once one of the noblest creatures, nobler than man.
He is called [Greek or Hebrew] that wicked one, [Greek or Hebrew], and it implies.
He is called 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 that wicked one, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, and it implies.
1 That he excels in wickedness, his Understanding most blind, his will most rebellious, his affections most corrupt.
1 That he excells in wickednesse, his Understanding most blind, his will most rebellious, his affections most corrupt.
2 It implies, he is the Father of all sin, Mat. 5.37. Joh. 13.2. Joh. 8.44. he is called the Father of Liars.
2 It implies, he is the Father of all sin, Mat. 5.37. Joh. 13.2. Joh. 8.44. he is called the Father of Lyars.
3 It implies, That Satan takes pains to do evil, is industrious to do evil, [Greek or Hebrew] a [Greek or Hebrew], labour, he traverseth the World, goes about continually doing evil, 1 Pet. 5.8. Job 1.7. he is insigniter improbus.
3 It implies, That Satan takes pains to doe evill, is industrious to doe evill, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 a 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, labour, he traverseth the World, goes about continually doing evill, 1 Pet. 5.8. Job 1.7. he is insigniter improbus.