A34689:1430
A34689:1430
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.
Reas. 1 They are strong, first, because the Word of God wheresoever it abides, abides not in the letter, but in the power and efficacy, and the Word of God is mighty and powerful; and therefore where it dwells, it conveys strength and power, Rom. 1.16. 2 Cor. 10.4. it is mighty to cast down the strong holds of Satan, mighty to overwrestle lusts, mighty to overcome the World, Psal. 119.9. & 11.
Reas. 1 They are strong, first, because the Word of God wheresoever it abides, abides not in the letter, but in the power and efficacy, and the Word of God is mighty and powerfull; and therefore where it dwells, it conveyes strength and power, Rom. 1.16. 2 Cor. 10.4. it is mighty to cast down the strong holds of Satan, mighty to overwrestle lusts, mighty to overcome the World, Psal. 119.9. & 11.
Use 1 May serve to show you, what poor weak young men they be, that have not the Word of God abiding in them, if you see such a young man, write on him, he is a weak young man, if if the Word of God abide not in him, every company, every temptation will carry him away.
Ʋse 1 May serve to shew you, what poor weak young men they be, that have not the Word of God abiding in them, if you see such a young man, write on him, he is a weak young man, if if the Word of God abide not in him, every company, every temptation will carry him away.
2 Learn hence, if you desire to be strong indeed, to let the Word abide in you; thus Joseph, though he was much tempted to uncleanness, yet he did not consent, but looked at it as a breach of Gods Word, how can I do this wickedness, and sin against God? none so able to resist temptations, as those that have the Word of God abiding in them; therefore if you would overcome pride, wantonness, &c. let the Word of God dwell in you, receive it in your Judgements, in your wills, memories, affections, do not think it weakness for men to have the Word abiding in them, they are strong; he that fears God, fears not any Commandment or threatening in respect of Gods, he that is affected with Gods promises, regards not all the flatteries of the World.
2 Learn hence, if you desire to be strong indeed, to let the Word abide in you; thus Joseph, though he was much tempted to uncleannesse, yet he did not consent, but lookt at it as a breach of Gods Word, how can I do this wickednesse, and sinne against God? none so able to resist temptations, as those that have the Word of God abiding in them; therefore if you would overcome pride, wantonnesse, &c. let the Word of God dwell in you, receive it in your Judgements, in your wills, memories, affections, do not think it weaknesse for men to have the Word abiding in them, they are strong; hee that fears God, fears not any Commandment or threatning in respect of Gods, hee that is affected with Gods promises, regards not all the flatteries of the World.
There are three special temptations of Satan, either against Repentance, or Faith, or Sanctification, now the Word of God is mighty through God to repel all these.
There are three special temptations of Satan, either against Repentance, or Faith, or Sanctification, now the Word of God is mighty through God to repell all these.
1 Against the temptation of repenting so soon, there is a Word that binds him, Eccl. 12.1. a Word that threatens the contrary, Eccl. 11.9. there are promises, Prov. 8.17. there are comfortable examples, as Josiah, Timothy, and these resist this temptation.
2 If a man do give up his heart to God and will set on a good course, yet ⟨p. 108⟩he will make him live in pensiveness, and fears, and doubts; now against this the Word is powerful, there are Commands to believe, 1 Joh. 3.23. 1 Joh. 5.1. Mat. 11.28. there are Threatenings if a man believes not, Joh. 3. ult. and there are notable Promises to him that believes, Joh. 3. ult. many Examples, Paul believed on God, and he was pardoned, so Mary Magdalen, and others.
2 If a man do give up his heart to God and will set on a good course, yet ⟨p. 108⟩he will make him live in pensivenesse, and fears, and doubts; now against this the Word is powerful, there are Commands to believe, 1 Joh. 3.23. 1 Joh. 5.1. Mat. 11.28. there are Threatnings if a man believes not, Joh. 3. ult. and there are notable Promises to him that believes, Joh. 3. ult. many Examples, Paul believed on God, and he was pardoned, so Mary Magdalen, and others.
3 If a mans heart be satisfied in the pardon of sin, then Satan will tempt him with some base Lusts that may defile and wound his Conscience, now against this the Word hath.
3 If a mans heart be satified in the pardon of sin, then Satan will tempt him with some base Lusts that may defile and wound his Conscience, now against this the Word hath.
First, Commands, 1 Thes. 4.3. 1 Pet. 1. Be ye holy as I am holy, Mat. 5. ult.
Secondly, Promises, Rom. 2.6, to 8. and Threatenings to discourage him, and Examples to encourage him, as Paul, Act. 24.16. I exercise my self to keep a good Conscience.
Secondly, Promises, Rom. 2.6, to 8. and Threatnings to discourage him, and Examples to encourage him, as Paul, Act. 24.16. I exercise my self to keep a good Conscience.
Q But how comes the Word to be thus powerful, to overcome all the enemies of Salvation?
A. 1 Because it is the sword of the Spirit, to cut asunder all lusts and temptations, Ephes. 6.17. No man hath more need of a sword to defend himself, or offend his enemy, than young men have of the Word to defend themselves, and resist Satan, and it is not so much the Letter of the Word, as the Spirit of the Word that doth this, the Word cuts off all temptations, there is no place for invasion.