A80611:567
Christ the fountain of lifeChrist the fountaine of life
Christ the fountain of life: or, Sundry choice sermons on part of the fifth chapter of the first Epistle of St. John. Preached by that learned judicious divine, and faithful minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Cotton B.D. now preacher at Boston in New-England. Published according to Order.Christ the fountaine of life: or, Sundry choyce sermons on part of the fift chapter of the first Epistle of St. John. Preached by that learned judicious divine, and faithfull minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Cotton B.D. now preacher at Boston in New-England. Published according to Order.
London: printed by Robert Ibbitson, 1651
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. But for further use, learn we from hence not to neglect the falls of our brethren, and think it is good for us, neither to meddle nor make with them, let that be far from us; that was the spirit of Cain, Gen. 4.6. Am I my brothers Keeper? as if he would neither meddle nor make with him, what had he to do with him? now this is a churlish and an unnatural frame of spirit, for a man not to be sensible of another's failings. We should look at every mans failing, as things that behoove us to observe, and as much as in us lies rather to prevent them then not to take notice of them. Many a man thinks it is best to live quietly, and let every man say, and do as he will, but this is not that which the Apostle John would have to be in faithful Christians.
Vse 1. But for further use, learne we from hence not to neglect the falls of our brethren, and thinke it is good for us, neither to meddle nor make with them, let that be farre from us; that was the spirit of Caine, Gen. 4.6. Am I my brothers Keeper? as if he would neither meddle nor make with him, what had he to doe with him? now this is a churlish and an unnaturall frame of spirit, for a man not to be sensible of anothers failings. We should looke at every mans failing, as things that behoove us to observe, and as much as in us lyes rather to prevent them then not to take notice of them. Many a man thinkes it is best to live quietly, and let every man say, and doe as he will, but this is not that which the Apostle Iohn would have to be in faithfull Christians.
Use 2. Secondly, Let it be our parts therefore to take a due observation not only of our own, but also of the steps of our brethren, we should not hide our selves from the beholding of them, if we be occasioned to see it, we should not blind our selves, and put out our eyes, you see that love to our brethren, and enemies beast, would require it, if we find them out of the way, or fallen down under their burden; and you see God requires this love to our selves, that we should make some use to our selves of our brethren's fall.