A34689:4112
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.
Use 1. This is a notable ground upon which that heavenly truth is built, of the perseverance of Saints; and a bulwark against Apostasy; if a loving heart be without fear of the day of judgement, he is without fear of falling away.
Ʋse 1. This is a notable ground upon which that heavenly truth is built, of the perseverance of Saints; and a bulwark against Apostasie; if a loving heart be without fear of the day of judgement, he is without fear of falling away.
Obj. True, as long as he keeps perfect to his love, but may he not fall off from his love, and so from his good estate?
Answ. The Apostle •ith, there is no fear in love; then if there be no fear, there is no fear of falling away.
Use 2. Of direction to poor souls, against those […] and fears of their hearts, if we would be quit• of all those cares and grief […] g p in love to God, & to your brethren, for there is no fear in love […] therefore from all hatred of God; learn to take all Gods dg in good part as proceeding from his love to your souls; Look at all thse fears and anguishes he puts you to, as wholesome for your spirits, and the very apprehension of Gods love to you in these will quiet your consciences, and scatter those fears. Grow up likewise in love to your brethren, lay aside all wrath and revenge, be tender-hearted and merciful unto them; and thus growing in love, you shall grow in fearlessness.