A34689:2097
A34689:2097
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.
First, Therefore listen to private Christians, but frequent the Ordinances, whereby you shall grow up to fullness of knowledge.
First, Therefore listen to private Christians, but frequent the Ordinances, whereby you shall grow up to fulnesse of knowledge.
The Second Means, is, frequency in prayer, Prov. 2.13, 14.
Thirdly, Obedience is the way to get knowledge, If any man do my Fathers, Will he shall know the truth; if you pray to God, and come to the Word, with a desire to do what you hear, and resolve that what the Lord speaks, you will hear and do it, and not only such resolution as is extorted by some Thunder-shakings, as the Jews, Exod. 20. but when you have a settled resolution, to obey what you know to be Gods Will, God will increase your knowledge.
Thirdly, Obedience is the way to get knowledge, If any man do my Fathers, Will he shall know the truth; if you pray to God, and come to the Word, with a desire to do what you hear, and resolve that what the Lord speaks, you will hear and do it, and not only such resolution as is extorted by some Thunder-shakings, as the Jews, Exod. 20. but when you have a setled resolution, to obey what you know to be Gods Will, God will increase your knowledge.
2 This knowledge differs from other knowledge in the effects, for this knowledge humbles men, Prov. 30.2, 3. and this knowledge works faith, Psal. 10.9. They that know thy name will trust in thee; and obedience, Col. 1.5, 6. that knowledge which brings not forth obedience▪ is no true knowledge; none but this kind of knowledge brings forth sincere obedience.
2 This knowledge differs from other knowledge in the effects, for this knowledge humbles men, Prov. 30.2, 3. and this knowledge works faith, Psal. 10.9. They that know thy name will trust in thee; and obedience, Col. 1.5, 6. that knowledge which brings not forth obedience▪ is no true knowledge; none but this kinde of knowledge brings forth sincere obedience.
1 JOHN 2.21. Because ye know the truth, and that no lye is of the truth.
These words afford us Three Doctrines.
THese words afford us Three Doctrins.
1 That every Antichristian Doctrine is a Lye, for of that he speaks.
1 That every Antichristian Doctrin is a Lye, for of that hee speaks.
2 That no Lye (that is, no Antichristian Doctrine) is of the truth, that is, flows from the truth of the Gospel.
2 That no Lye (that is, no Antichristian Doctrin) is of the truth, that is, flows from the truth of the Gospel.
3 Such as have received the spiritual Unction, and do know the truth, they also know that no Lye is of the truth. For the first,
Q. What is a Lye in Doctrine, for that is the lye that is here meant?
Q. What is a Lye in Doctrin, for that is the lye that is here meant?
A. Three things make up a Lye.
1 That the Proposition do not agree with the thing we speak of.
2 That it agree not with the Notion that we have in our minds.
2 That it agree not with the Notion that we have in our mindes.
3 That we speak it a purpose to deceive, all these are found in every Antichristian Doctrine.
3 That we speak it a purpose to deceive, all these are found in every Antichristian Doctrin.
1 These enunciations do not agree with the word of truth, for else they could not be a lye; the word [Greek or Hebrew] shows they agree not with the truth of Christ.
1 These enunciations do not agree with the word of truth, for else they could not be a lye; the word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 shews they agree not with the truth of Christ.