A practical commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and uses upon the first…A practicall commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and vses upon the first…
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 ...
John Cotton 1584–1652London: printed by M.S. for Thomas Parkhurst, 1658
[9], 431 [i.e. 423], [7] p. · 297k words · Wing C6452 · ESTC R5113
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.
2 In subjection of the Natural man to the government and guidance of Satan, Ephes. 2.2. 2 Tim. 2. ult. all Gods children are led by his Spirit, Rom. 8.14. so are Natural men by that wicked Spirit, he first worketh upon the mind, deluding and blinding them, 2 Cor. 4.4. John 13.2. and then he carrieth the heart and affections whither it pleaseth him, John 13.27. Ephes. 2.2.
Means 2 2 By working upon our hearts a remorse of Conscience, with the sense of this, Acts 2.37 (this word is used in a contrary sense, Rom. 11.8. where it signifies not compunction, but the deep slumber wherein Natural men feel no compunction) Rom. 7.9, 10
. her readiness to entertain them, showeth that the Wound was made and healed in the Sermon-time. I conceive Lydia's Conversion to be like the Thieves upon the Cross, he first had fear of God,
Means 2 2 By working upon our hearts a remorse of Conscience, with the sense of this, Acts 2.37 (this word is used in a contrary sense, Rom. 11.8. where it signifies not compunction, but the deep slumber wherein Natural men feel no compunction) Rom. 7.9, 10. this is called a wounding, or the spirit thus afflicted is called wounded, Prov. 18.14. broken-hearted, weary, Psalm 51.17. Matth. 11.28. This remorse is not alike to all, to some it is more terrible, and maketh a deeper impression, Job. 6.2, 3, 4, & cap. 13.24. to others it is not so grievous, as in Lydia, Acts 16.14, 15. her readinesse to entertain them, sheweth that the Wound was made and healed in the Sermon-time. I conceive Lydia's Conversion to be like the Thiefs upon the Crosse, he first had fear of God, Luke 23.40. yet assured of Salvation soon after, vers. 43. In the Jews, Acts 2.37. to 42. at the next Exhortation. In John Glover, not for many years, five in all, yet it is found in all, Rom. 8.15. all do receive the Spirit of bondage to fear, though they receive it not to fear again, Luke 4.18.
2 To make us value Christ and his benefits, at an higher rate, Mat. 9.12. (need not) Prov. 27.7. the want of this is the reason why Christ is so little esteemed of the most.
3 To tame our wanton hearts, and make us more pliable and tractable to the yoke of Christ, and any course of obedience he shall show us, Acts 9.6. & 16.30. & 2.37. Our Saviour can soon persuade heavy laden, and weary souls, to think that his yoke and burden is light, when they have felt the burden of sin; which how heavy it is, see Psal. 38.4. but an hard matter it is to persuade others to think so.
3 To tame our wanton hearts, and make us more pliable and tractable to the yoke of Christ, and any course of obedience he shall shew us, Acts 9.6. & 16.30. & 2.37. Our Saviour can soon perswade heavie laden, and weary souls, to think that his yoke and burthen is light, when they have felt the burthen of sin; which how heavie it is, see Psal. 38.4. but an hard matter it is to perswade others to think so.
Means 3 3 By revealing Christ unto us, and working in our harts a sound and earnest nest desire to seek and enjoy him, Mat. 5.6. and because Christ is not ours but by faith, John 3.16. and Faith is not ours but by the Holy Ghost; therefore we rest not, till by pouring out our earnest desires to God, we have obtained him, Luke 11.13.
Use 1. Hence then it is easy to discern what estate Natural men be in, out of fellowship with God and his Saints; If by nature we had fellowship with them, what needeth the Apostles Doctrine to bring us unto it, they who defy ⟨p. 21⟩the Devil, and cannot abide to hear that they have had any fellowship with him, have as yet none with God.
Ʋse 1. Hence then it is easie to discern what estate Natural men be in, out of fellowship with God and his Saints; If by nature we had fellowship with them, what needeth the Apostles Doctrin to bring us unto it, they who defie ⟨p. 21⟩the Devil, and cannot abide to hear that they have had any fellowship with him, have as yet none with God.
