A34689:4261
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.
This Christ teacheth his Disciples, John 15.14. Then are ye my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Now friendship argues integrity of love. Now betwixt friends there passeth a mutual covenant, a mutual communication of good one to another, and of secrets; so there is a certain community of all things, all things are common among friends: So, he that keeps Gods commandments, looks at Gods law, so as he makes it of his counsel and delight, and is ruled by it. And again, God communicates his attributes to him, which is something more then a parent doth to his child, though he love him well, yet he will not communicate to him whatsoever is his, nor always make him of his counsel, nor yet show familiarity towards him; but God looks at Christians as his friends, communicates his counsels to them, grows in acquaintance with them.
This Christ teacheth his Disciples, John 15.14. Then are ye my friends, if ye doe whatsoever I command you. Now friendship argues integrity of love. Now betwixt friends there passeth a mutuall covenant, a mutuall communication of good one to another, and of secrets; so there is a certain community of all things, all things are common among friends: So, he that keeps Gods commandements, looks at Gods law, so as he makes it of his counsell and delight, and is ruled by it. And again, God communicates his attributes to him, which is something more then a parent doth to his childe, though he love him well, yet he will not communicate to him whatsoever is his, nor alwayes make him of his counsell, nor yet shew familiarity towards him; but God looks at Christians as his friends, communicates his counsells to them, grows in acquaintance with them.
Obj. Its not for friends to be at command, but servants. Its a point of service, and not of friendship.