A34689:4093
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 ...
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.
Doct. 4. An heart possest with the love of God, is disposest of fear of evil from God.
Doct. 4. An heart possest with the love of God, is dispossest of feare of evill from God.
He speaks of the fear of death and judgment; so much love as is in our hearts, so much freedom and boldness against the day of judgement; a loving heart fears not wrath, nor judgment, nor hell, Psal. 23.4. When once I look at God as my Shepherd, and love him, and follow him: Why? then though I walk through the vale of the shadow of death, I will fear none evil, though I walk in near danger of death, for if the shadow follow me, the body is not far off, yet I will fear no evil, Psal. 49, 4, 5. David makes open proclamation to all men to hear and hearken, there is the solemnity of the audience: the matter is, It's a parable, and dark mystery, and yet a word of wisdom and understanding. Why, what is this parable that all the world should take notice of? Why, this is it, Wherefore should I be afraid, when the iniquity of my heels do compass me about? that is, the iniquity of my foot-steps, ⟨p. 332⟩the tripping of my steps, or the iniquity of my heels, that is, the fears and dangers that follow him at the heels; yet wherefore should I fear? An heart possest with the love of God, is disposest of fear of evil from God.