1 John

2. And it is cleansing: it is therefore compared to fountain-water (Zechariah 13:1). The Word is a glass to show us our spots, and Christ's blood is a fountain to wash them away; it turns leprosy into purity (1 John 1:7): The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all our sin. There is…

It is a high calling, first, because we are called to high exercises of religion. To be crucified to the world, to live by faith, to do angels' work, to love God, to be living organs of his praise, to hold communion with the Father and the Son (1 John 1:3). 2. It is a high calli…

Third, when the Spirit does refresh the heart with comfort, it comes not only with its anointing, but its seal; it sheds God's love abroad in the heart (Romans 5:5) — this is to enjoy God in an ordinance. (1 John 1:3): "Our fellowship is with the Father and his son Jesus." In th…

At that day shall all mouths be stopped, and God's justice shall be fully vindicated from all the cavils and clamors of unjust men. Use 4. Comfort to the true penitent: As God is a just God he will pardon him, Homo agnoscit, Deus ignoscit (1 John 1:9): If we confess our sins (th…

Quest. What shall we do to resemble God in holiness? Resp. Have recourse to Christ's blood by faith; it is Lavacrum animae, legal purifications, types and emblems of it (1 John 1:7). The Word is a glass to show us our spots, and Christ's blood is a fountain to wash them away.

He sees the treason of the heart, and punishes it. Use 1. Is God infinite in knowledge (1 John 1:5). He is Light, and in him is no darkness; then how unlike are they to God, who are darkness, and in them is no light, who are destitute of knowledge, such as the Indians, who never…

1. That he may grow more like God: as Moses on the mount had some of God's glory reflected on him; his face shined. 2. That he may have more communion with God; (1 John 1:6). Our [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], our fellowship is with the Father.

He was carried up in divine raptures towards heaven. This day a Christian is in the altitudes, he walks with God, and takes as it were a turn with him in heaven (1 John 1:3). On this day holy affections are quickened: the stock of grace is improved, corruptions are weakened.

Do we send forth the ship of prayer there, which fetches in returns of mercy? Is our communion with the Father and his Son Jesus (1 John 1:3; Philippians 3:20)? 5. Are our lives heavenly?

Say that God were righteous, if he should strain upon all we have; if we confess the debt, God will forgive it. (1 John 1:9) "If we confess our sins, he is just to forgive;" do but confess the debt, and God will cross the book. (Psalm 32:5) "I said I will confess my transgressio…

And herein, further to explain the text and ground this great point well upon it, and more particularly to discover what the condition of a child of God thus in darkness is, we will first inquire what is meant by walking in darkness here in this place. First, walking in darkness…

I press toward the mark, for the price of the high calling of God. It is a high calling; 1. Because we are called to high exercises of Religion; to die to sin, to be crucified to the world, to live by faith, to have fellowship with the Father, 1 John 1:3. This is a high calling,…

And as some think, the prayer of Stephen was a means of the conversion of Saul. 5. Also we note that before prayer for pardon of sin, must go a confession of sin: for whereas we say, forgive our debts, we confess before God that we are flat bankrupts and not able to discharge th…

The third question is, what is the fruit of this sacrifice? Answer: The whole effect thereof is contained in these four things: 1. the oblation of Christ purges the believer from all his sins whether they be original or actual: so it is said, If we walk in the light, we have fel…

Secondly, the blood of Christ is a purgatory of our sins. 1 John 1:7: Christ's blood purges us from all our sins. Hebrews 9:14: It purges our consciences from dead works.

Reason 4. Whoever will merit, must fulfill the whole law: but none can keep the whole law: for if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves (1 John 1), and he that sins against one commandment is guilty of the whole law. And what can he merit, that is guilty of the breach of th…

Then, as it is prophesied of the Jews — Zechariah 8:23 — men would say, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is among you.' It is the fellowship your souls have with the Father and with the Son that draws out the desires of others after fellowship with you — 1 John 1…

The Scripture is full to this purpose, in asserting, that not only all men are sinners as considered in their natural condition, but that even believers are sinful in part. For the same Apostle John that says (1 John 1:3), "Truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his…

If he bore their iniquities, he must bear their apostasy, and final infidelity: or does he intercede, for all and every one of mankind? (1 John 2:1-2) compared with (1 John 1:6-10) and (Hebrews 9): He appears for us, verse 24, for those that are sprinkled, verses 13-17, and look…

He can turn justice itself for them and handle matters so that justice shall be as forward to save them as any other attribute. So that if God is said to be righteous in forgiving us our sins if we do but confess them (as 1 John 1:9 has it), then much more when Jesus Christ the…

First, because John in this Epistle does set before you where eternal life is to be had, as the verse before the text, he in sundry places sets forth the Lord Jesus Christ, as the life which we are to receive from the Father; he shows where it is to be had, and where forgiveness…

A time may come when you may be left alone, as Christ says he was. You had need engage the Father to be with you, that you may say as the Apostle (1 John 1:3): Truly our fellowship is with the Father. It is true, communion of saints is desirable, but external communion is not al…

(Romans 8:13) If by the spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive them. Answer. The promises of the Gospel are not made to the work, but to the worker: and to the worker not for his work: but for Ch…

Coloss. 2. 10. and not complete of our selues, by him. Lastly, the Scripture shuts up all men under sin, even the most sanctified (Proverbs 20:9; 1 John 1:9). Job confesses he cannot answer one of a thousand (Job 9:3).

Third, this repentance that has been described, is indeed the special condition of remission of sin. This seems very evident by the Scripture, as particularly, Mark 1:4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. So, Luke…

Yea, Providence has made the very place of sinning, the place of punishment, 1 Kings 21:19 In the place where Dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall Dogs lick, your blood: and it was exactly fulfilled, 2 Kings 9:26 Thus Tophet is made a burying place for the Jews, till there was…

So the Prophet (Isaiah 50:10), by him that walks in darkness and has no light, sets out the saddest condition of an afflicted soul. No light is not only darkness, but pure darkness; as when the Apostle John would advance the glory of God, he says, God is light, and in him there…

Solomon challenges the best and holiest upon this point (Proverbs 20:9): Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Many other places may be alleged to the same purpose; as (1 John 1:8): If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is n…

And therefore the Apostle tells us (1 John 4:8), God is love; not only loving, but love itself in the abstract. And (1 John 1:5), God is light. Thirdly, all the knowledge that we have, or can have of God here, is collected from what he has been pleased to discover of himself, ei…

And therefore we find that the idolatrous Israelites, as though they were conscious of the great abuse they offered to their Maker, their Husband (as the Prophet styles God, Isaiah 54:5), sought out dark and obscure groves to act their wickedness in; that although they were not…

What a high dignity is it, that the great God will suffer sinful dust to draw near to him! Surely the Apostle did speak it with a holy boasting (1 John 1:3): Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus — as if he had said, we do not walk with the pedants of the wor…

Therefore the apostle says, Hebrews 6:10. God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love. And so, 1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. So the word righteousness is ver…

A third union that the Saints have with God, is a union of love; love is an uniting grace, and there is a most entire love between God and every Saint, and so their hearts are close united, and mingled by love. Again, in this life there is a mystical Union, and that is an union…

NOw we come to the fourth thing, Communion with God, and this is more then the other three things. Union is the ground of communion; communion is that which rises from both parts being united, and the Saints shall have a glorious communion with God and the Trinity; in this life…

That the saints have communion with God. 1 John 1:3 considered to that purpose. Somewhat of the nature of communion in general.

Sometimes there is express mention made only of the Father and the Son. 1 John 1:3: our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. The particle 'and' is both distinguishing and uniting.

Communion with the Father is wholly inconsistent with loose walking. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth (1 John 1:6). He that says I know him, I have communion with him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar and the…

A spot, a stain, rust, wrinkle, filth, blood attends every sin. Now the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Besides the defilement of our natures which he purges (Titus 1:15), he takes away the defilement of our persons by actual follies: by one offering…

He is the rest of our souls; in the light of his countenance is life and peace. Now if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, 1 John 1:7, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son Jesus Christ, verse 3. He that walks i…

Though they wash themselves with lye and use much soap, yet their iniquity will continue marked, Jeremiah 2:22. For the removal of this they look in the first place to the purifying virtue of the blood of Christ, which is able to cleanse them from all their sins, 1 John 1:7. Thi…

Christ seeks the purity of his Church. For this end has he shed his own most pure and precious blood (for his blood cleanses us from all sin) (1 John 1:7) and conveyed his holy Spirit into his body the Church, which is called the Spirit of Sanctification, because it renews and s…

So that though we were darkness, yet we are now light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8). And the Apostle says, We all with open face behold the glory of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18); and we are now so far from being in such darkness, or at such a distance from God, that our communion…

And this by virtue of his death, in various and several degrees shall be accomplished. Hence our washing, purging and cleansing is everywhere ascribed to his blood (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 1:5). That being sprinkled on us, purges our consciences from dead works to se…

While we are here, we know but in part (1 Corinthians 13:12), having a remaining darkness to be gradually removed, by our growth in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). And the flesh lusts against the Spirit, so that we cannot do the things that we would (Galat…

But this is contrary to the whole Tenor of the New Testament. If we say we have no Sin, we make God a Liar, we deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in us, 1 John 1:10. The Law of God is Eternal, and demands perfect Obedience of every Creature: But his Grace pardons those who…

If any Man thirsts, let him come unto me and drink, 1 John 1:9. If we confess our Sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our Sins, et cetera.

God gives us both his Promise and his Oath, to secure Salvation to us; he swears, in order to confirm what he had promised, that by several immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong Consolation, who have fled to lay hold of the Hope set bef…

But to the end we may rejoice in Christ, we must find him ours, otherwise the more excellent he is, the more cause has the heart to be sad, while it has no portion in him: my spirit has rejoiced (says the Blessed Virgin) in God my Savior. Thus (1 John 1:3) having spoken of our c…

And it is so, because by sin the soul is separate from God, who is the first and highest light, that primitive truth, as he is light in himself. As the Apostle [reconstructed: 1 John 1:5] tells us, God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all; expressing the excellency,…

1. There is required an acknowledgment of the debt. God stands upon it, that his justice may be owned with a due sense, according to the tenor of the first covenant: For though the satisfaction be made by another, and that by a surety of God's providing; yet God will have the cr…

You shall have a kingdom, and be as rich as heaven can make you. He who has the promise of an estate, after the expiring of a few years, though at present he has nothing to help himself, yet comforts himself with this, that shortly he shall have an estate come into his hands (1…

6. What great need there is to be settled, because indeed there are so many things to unsettle us, and make us fall away gradually from the truth. Seducers are abroad whose work is to draw away people from the principles of religion (1 John 2:26). These things have I written con…

Clemens Alexandrinus writes of a fish that has its heart in its belly; an emblem of Epicureans, their heart is in their belly; they mind nothing but indulging the sensual appetite; they do sacrificare lari, their belly is their god, and to this they pour drink-offerings: thus me…

Thus when Satan accuses the saints, or the justice of God lays anything to their charge, Christ shows his own wounds, and by virtue of his bloody sufferings, he answers all the demands and challenges of the law, and counter-works Satan's accusations. 3. Christ by his intercessio…

Knam kodsheca, The people of your holiness. The called of God are anointed with the consecrating oil of the Spirit (1 John 2:20). You have an anointing from the holy One.

Epiphanius says, That the looseness of some Christians in his time, made many of the heathen shun the company of the Christians, and would not be drawn to hear their sermons. So by our exact Bible-conversation we glorify God; though the main work of religion lies in the heart, y…

The new creature is God's temple, adorned with all the graces, which he will not suffer to be demolished. Riches take wings, kings' crowns tumble in the dust: in fact, some of the graces may cease; faith and hope shall be no more, but the new creature abides for ever (1 John 2:2…

Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of Sanctification. The saints of old had it (1 John 2:3): We know that we know him. 2 Timothy 1:12: I know whom I have believed; here was Sensus Fidei, the reflex act of faith; a…

God has both asserted it and promised it. 1. God has asserted it (1 John 3:9): His Seed remains in him (1 John 2:27): The anointing you have received of him abides in you. 2. As God has asserted it, so he has promised it: The Truth of God, the most brilliant Pearl of his Crown,…

This must needs cut the sinews of a Christian's endeavor, and be as the boring a hole in the vessel, to make all the wine of his joy run out. Were the Arminian doctrine true, how could the Apostle say, The seed of God remains in him (1 John 3:9), and the anointing of God abides…

God often gives the purse to the wicked, but the Spirit only to such as he intends to make his heirs. 1. Have we had the consecration of the Spirit? If we have not had the sealing work of the Spirit, have we had the healing work (1 John 2:20). You have an unction from the Holy O…

In heaven are fresh delights, sweetness without surfeit. And that which is the crown and zenith of heaven's happiness is, it is eternal (1 John 2:25). Were there but the least suspicion that this glory must cease, it would much eclipse, indeed embitter it; but it is eternal.

What are the promises for, but to encourage holiness? What is the sending of the Spirit into the world for, but to anoint us with the holy unction (1 John 2:20)? What are all afflictions for, but to make us partakers of God's holiness (Hebrews 12:10)?

God is wise, and he thinks this way fittest to make his mind known to us by writing; and such as will not be convinced by the Word shall be judged by the Word. The belief of the Scripture is of high importance: it is the belief of Scripture that will enable us to resist temptati…

He who is truly sanctified cannot fall from that state. Indeed seeming holiness may be lost; colors may wash off; Sanctification may suffer an eclipse (Revelation 2:4): You have left your first love; but true Sanctification is a blossom of eternity (1 John 2:27): The anointing w…

Where there is sanctity in the soul, there Holiness to the Lord is engraved upon our life; we are adorned with patience, humility, good works, and shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15). We carry Christ's picture in our conversations (1 John 2:6). O let us labor for thi…

(5.) The sinner under wrath has none to speak a good word for him. An elect person when he sins has one to intercede for him (1 John 2:1): We have an advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous. Christ will say, It is one of my friends, one whom I have shed my blood for; Father, pardon…

The essence of the Spirit is in heaven, and everywhere, but the influence of it is in the hearts of believers. This is that blessed Spirit who gives us the holy unction (1 John 2:20). Though Christ merits grace for us, it is the Holy Ghost works it in us.

Do we emulate and imitate the angels in sanctity? Do we labor to copy out Christ's life in ours (1 John 2:6)? It was a custom among the Macedonians on Alexander's birthday to wear his picture about their necks set with pearl and diamond: do we carry Christ's picture about us? an…

If a man were to climb up a steep rock, and had weights tied to his legs, it would hinder him from his ascent: Too many golden weights will hinder us from climbing that steep rock which leads to heaven; (Exodus 14:3) They are entangled in the land, the wilderness has shut them i…

(3.) God has given you grace. Grace is the rich embroidery and workmanship of the Holy Ghost; it is the sacred unction (1 John 2:27). The graces are a chain of pearl to adorn, and beds of spices which make us a sweet odor to God; grace is a distinguishing blessing.

To this end you may further consider that in men's hearts — though they be stony toward God — there are yet some sparks of fire which may be struck out by the word, by education, by the enlightening of conscience, and by working upon self-love in men. The sparks of this fire are…

Groan, sigh, sob, chatter as Hezekiah did (Isaiah 38:14), bewail yourself for your own unworthiness, and desire Christ to speak your requests for you and God to hear him for you. Christ is an advocate with the Father, and pleads no bad case, nor was ever cast in any suit he plea…

This is life eternal to know you the only God, and whom you have sent Jesus Christ (John 14:17). The world cannot receive the spirit of truth because it has neither seen him nor known him (1 John 2:23). Whoever denies the Son has not the Father.

He that is spiritual judges all things: As the soul in the eye is the cause why it sees; so the Spirit of God in the mind is the cause why it savingly understands. The anointing of the Holy Ghost is irradiating; it clears a Christian's eyesight (1 John 2:27). The same unction te…

Second, a mediator must be perfectly just, so that no sin be found in him at all. 1 John 2:1: If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the righteous. Now the saints in heaven, however fully sanctified by Christ, yet in themselves were conceived and born…

By this reason we should as often be baptized as we fall into any sin, which is absurd. Again Saint John says (1 John 2:19): They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. Where he takes it for granted, that such as…

And in what subject else is it that the seed of God remains incorruptible, or the word of God abides for ever? Or how else comes that saying to be performed, (1 John 2:17): He that does the will of God endures forever? Having therefore all these riches by it, and as complete (as…

They could not satisfy for themselves, and no creature could satisfy for them, therefore the only wise God finds out a wise [reconstructed: means] for such an end, as is the saving of the elect, in a way in which justice and mercy, or free grace, sweetly kiss each other, and in…

So, having shown how it comes to pass that Christ suffered and suffered so much, and was brought so low under suffering; and having told that he was engaged to pay the Elect's debt, and that the Father had laid their iniquities on him; lest any might think that the Father would…

And if his strokes were procured by our sins, then the desert of them was laid on him, and his sufferings behooved to be the curse that we elect sinners should have suffered; so when he is called their guarantor, it tells that he undertook their debt, and his laying down of his…

2. As it is the ground of their consolation; considering that they have a suffering Mediator, that has paid the price that was due by them; even such an one that knows what it was to be bruised with wrath, and is therefore very tender of, and compassionate towards souls that are…

I say, what could He do more than to offer up Himself a propitiatory sacrifice for your sins? In the gospel He calls upon you to make use of it, that by virtue of His sacrifice your peace may be made with God — as it is in (1 John 2:1-2): "If any man sin, we have an advocate wit…

And Chapter 42:3, that a bruised reed he will not break, and the smoking flax he will not quench. And it is said (1 John 2), if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father — and who is he? — Jesus Christ the righteous, righteous in the faithful managing of His trust by maki…

So, (1 Corinthians 1) we preach Christ crucified. (1 John 2) We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our sins, where He is held forth in His sufferings, as the propitiation that faith lays hold on. (John 3:14) As Moses lift…

It is said likewise (Hebrews 7:25), that He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. So (1 John 2:1), it's said, "If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous"; and frequen…

1. In its universality, as to the persons to whom it's extended; not indeed to all men in the world, but to all that will make use of it; and though it were simply of universal extent to all men in the world, yet it would comfort none, but such as made use of it: and that vanity…

A second time is, when challenges are very fresh, when the charge of one's debt given in is long and large, and the law is severe in exacting, and justice in pressing hard, and the conscience cannot deny nor resist; and the man has nothing to pay his debt, and he is like to be d…

First, then these things presupposed are: 1. A conviction of our natural sinfulness, not only of the distance that is between God and us, but of the quarrel and enmity, and that by our deserving, we may justly have the door of access to God shut upon us; that is what puts the si…

The seed of God abides in us (1 John 3:9). The anointing that teaches all things, [illegible], remains in you (1 John 2:27). And (Ezekiel 36:26) I will give you a heart of flesh, and I will put my Spirit [illegible] in the inner part, or in the midst of you.

Now [reconstructed: it] is not a magazine and treasure of redemption to remain within the corners of Christ's heart and his bowels, but it is the mystery of the New Covenant to be made out to the world of Gentiles, heirs of the same promise. This heritage Christ never purchased…

Thus sins after the state of grace may be said more eminently to be taken away by that part of his priesthood which he now performs in heaven. That place also in 1 John 2:1–2 seems to make this the great end of intercession: 'If any man sin' (that is, if any of the company of be…

Reason 1. So it is in the text; Why by these Epistles? First, because John in this Epistle does set before you where eternal life is to be had, as the verse before the text, he in sundry places sets forth the Lord Jesus Christ, as the life which we are to receive from the Father…

This shows you, that a man that shall have occasion to trade with his faith, and to live and walk by his faith, he shall have much need of the growth and increase of it, if it be but for the healing of offences. Many occasions and temptations may meet with us in the world, tempt…

And what makes him more confident of speaking, and acceptance, than this principle, that he knows he is the child of such a father as is willing, and able to help him? Secondly, another principle in this epistle tending to build up this certainty, and confidence, is not only our…

He assaulted Christ by the same kind of temptations by which usually he assaults us. The kinds of temptations are reckoned up (1 John 2:16): The lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. And (James 3:15): This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly,…

2. A mediatorial sacrifice (Isaiah 53:3): 'When you shall make his soul an offering for sin' (Ephesians 5:2): 'Christ has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.' He has undertaken the expiation of our sins, and the p…

Wealth has its incident cares, and honor its tortures; and all pleasures here are but bitter sweets: there is a worm that feeds on our gourd, and will in time wither it. At last death comes and then the lust of the world is gone (1 John 2:17), the world passes away and the lust…

Whoever is a lover of the world is presumed to be a professed enemy of God (James 4:4): "Know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God; whoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (1 John 2:15): "If any man love the world, the love of the fathe…

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1). The blood of Christ is of high esteem and infinite value, both as to merit…

- 1. It implies our seeing of God. - 2. Our loving of God. - 3. God's loving of us. 1. The enjoying of God implies our seeing of God (1 John 3:2). We shall see him as he is: Here we see him as he is not; not mutable, mortal; there as he is.

Answ. Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the Law of God. Sin is a transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Of sin in general.

Question 3. From where is it that true grace cannot but grow? Response 1. It is proper for grace to grow, it is semen manens, the seed of God (1 John 3:9). It is the nature of seed to grow; grace does not lie in the heart, as a stone in the earth, but as seed in the earth, which…

They have angels for their life-guard (Hebrews 1:14). They are of the blood-royal of heaven (1 John 3:9). The Scripture has set forth their spiritual heraldry; they have their escutcheon or coat-armor: Sometimes they bear the lion for their courage (Proverbs 28:1), sometimes the…

God has both asserted it and promised it. 1. God has asserted it (1 John 3:9): His Seed remains in him (1 John 2:27): The anointing you have received of him abides in you. 2. As God has asserted it, so he has promised it: The Truth of God, the most brilliant Pearl of his Crown,…

Use 1. See the excellency of grace, it perseveres: Other things are but [in non-Latin alphabet], for a season; health and riches are sweet, but they are but for a season, but grace is a blossom of eternity. The seed of God remains (1 John 3:9). Grace may suffer an eclipse, not a…

Oh be sure to keep a good conscience; this is the best way to stand with boldness at the Day of Judgment. The voice of conscience is the voice of God; if conscience does upon just grounds acquit us, God will acquit us (1 John 3:21). If our heart condemn us not, then have we conf…

Though it is true, the curse causeless shall not come — it is not in man's power to make another cursed — yet to wish a curse is a fearful sin. If to hate our brother be murder (1 John 3:15), then to curse him, which is the highest degree of hatred, must needs be murder. To use…

Oh be not venomous like the serpent. Malice is mental murder, you may kill a man and never touch him (1 John 3:15). Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.

2. God is a Father by election, having chosen a certain number to be his children, whom he will entail heaven upon; Ephesians 1:4. [in non-Latin alphabet], he has chosen us in him. 3. God is a Father by special grace; he consecrates the elect by his Spirit, and infuses a superna…

Happiness is the quintessence of holiness. 6. Sanctification is an abiding thing (1 John 3:9): His seed remains in him. He who is truly sanctified cannot fall from that state.

(2.) Murder is committed with the mind. Malice is mental murder (1 John 3:15): Whoever hates his brother is a murderer. To malign another, and wish evil against him in the heart, is a murdering him.

Covet grace. Grace is the best blessing; it is the seed of God (1 John 3:9). The angels' glory: covet heaven.

If the pavement of it be bespangled with so many bright shining lights, glorious stars, what is the Kingdom itself? 1 John 3:2. It does not yet appear what we shall be. This Kingdom exceeds our faith.

There is a party of grace in the heart, true to Christ, but sometimes it may be over-voted by corruption, and then a Christian yields; it is sad thus to yield to the tempter, but yet let not a child of God be wholly discouraged, and say there is no hope, let me pour in some balm…

God may give Satan leave to cast us into prison, to clap bolts upon us again, and to become a lying spirit of bondage to us, as he became a lying spirit in the mouths of Ahab's prophets. And he may give up our hearts to be fettered with the cords of our own sins, and to be ensna…

Secondly, in that Cain offered as well as Abel; Hence we learn diverse instructions. 1. It is a common opinion, that if a man walk duly and truly in his calling, doing no man harm, but giving every man his own, and so do all his life long, God will receive him, and save his soul…

First, because they be taken out of the world, in regard of state and condition in grace, John 15:19, therefore the world hates them, John 15:19. Secondly, the world knows them not, 1 John 3:1 and therefore speaks evil of them, Jude, 10. Thirdly, the wicked measure others by the…

And since those times, in the History of the Church under the Gospel, we may find, that when the Christians were urged by persecutors to reveal their brethren, they rather chose to lay down their own lives, than to betray their brethren into their enemies' hands. And this is tru…

First, for the place of scripture which he alleges, namely, that God is greater than our hearts: it is so far from comforting an afflicted conscience, that it will rather drive him to despair. Neither does John (1 John 3:20) make mention of it, to ease such as are in despair, sh…

The means then to make ourselves fit is, to seek to be reconciled to God in Christ for our sins past, and withal to endeavor to have an assurance of the free remission and pardon of them all in the blood of Christ. And as touching that part of life which is to come, we must reme…

While he is fighting with temptation, hope is a helmet; while he is upon the waters of affliction, hope is an anchor; the anchor of a ship is cast downwards, the anchor of the soul is cast upwards in heaven. A saint's hope is a purifying hope (1 John 3:3), a deathbed hope (Prove…

Answer: In this text, love is not made an impulsive cause to move God to pardon her sins, but only a sign to show and manifest that God had already pardoned them. Like to this is the place of John, who says (1 John 3:14): We are translated from death to life, because we love the…

And in Psalm 119:11, it is put for the memory: 'Your word have I hid in my heart.' And in 1 John 3:20, it is put for the conscience, which has in it both the light of the understanding and the recognitions of the memory: 'If our heart condemn us' — that is, if our conscience, wh…

Let not your precious opportunities slip away, and beguile not yourselves in such a concerning matter as faith is; you will never get this loss made up afterwards if you miss faith here. Lastly, Consider the great necessity that the Lord has laid upon all men and women, by a per…

2. As it brings an offer of these good things on the terms on which they are to be gotten, so that it never tells that Christ is come, but it says also, here is life to be gotten in Him by you, if you will take the way proposed to come by it; therefore, when the proclamation com…

2. It is not only commanded as other things are, but peculiarly commanded, and there is a greater weight laid on the obedience of this command than on the doing of many other commanded duties; it is the sum of all Christ's preaching (Mark 1): Repent and believe the gospel; it is…

He has that testimony from the Prophet here, that he did no violence, neither was there any deceit in his mouth. He has this testimony from the Apostles — from Peter (1 Peter 2:22): he did no sin, neither was any guile found in his mouth; from John (1 John 3:5): he was manifeste…

And it arises from this ground, that where Christ is not received, there the ministers of the Gospel have ground of complaint, for it supposes a great defect in their duty, seeing it is their duty to believe, indeed the great Gospel duty on which all other duties hang, and which…

Among other aggravations of unbelief this will be one, that by it you make God not only a liar, but perjured — a heavy, heinous, and horrid guilt on the score of all unbelievers of this Gospel. 4. To take away all controversy, He has interposed His command, indeed it is the grea…

Thus much [illegible] does signify, must say, as we are justified by faith, so also by repentance, and mortification: if repentance be nothing but faith, as they say. 3. We seek only the evidence of justification in our holy walking; as the Scripture does, (1 Peter 1:24; Galatia…

Of carnal walking (1 Corinthians 3:3). Yet they are called something more, sons of God (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1). Saints (1 Corinthians 1:1).

No man can give a ransom for the soul of his brother; no man is able to ransom, or redeem his own life or another's; indeed (which is much) Adam in innocence, was taught to look for the preservation of his innocent nature out of himself, for to that end did God give him the tree…

If God give us a conscientious care to keep his Commandments, we know that we know him. And some other signs, as in (1 John 3:3), if God give us hearts to purge and cleanse ourselves from all such sins as hang about us, and if God give us hearts to love the brothers, and so on —…

Therefore, let me show you first, how these two great benefits, confidence and certainty of hearing and having our petitions, do both spring and arise from what is here taught us. First, which is the foundation of all the rest, speaking of adoption in (1 John 3:1), he says, Beho…

He came into the world for that end and purpose, to war against sin and Satan; he engages as the General, we as the common soldiers. He as the General (1 John 3:8): For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil. His baptism was the…

(1.) That as God is glorious in himself, so he makes him that comes to him partaker of his glory. For certainly all communion with God breeds some assimilation and likeness to God: it is clear in heavenly glory when we see him as he is, we shall be like him (1 John 3:2), and it…

3. The perfection of all heavenly gifts both in soul and body. (1.) In soul — that is the heaven of Heaven (1 John 3:2): Now are we the sons of God, but it does not yet appear what we shall be, but this we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him…

(Psalm 119:111): "Your testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever; they are the rejoicing of my heart." 4. Observe [Fall down] the pride of the devil: he sins from the beginning (1 John 3:8). The sin of pride was fatal to him at first, and the cause of those chains of dark…

For when the Gospel is preached, God thereby signifies to us, that his will is to give us life everlasting (1 John 5:11). The last is to certify and to reveal to every particular hearer, that he is to apply Christ with his benefits to himself in particular, and that effectually…

The grounds are three. The first is this: in the Gospel God has propounded general promises of remission of sins, and life everlasting by Christ, and withal he has given a commandment to apply the said promises to ourselves (1 John 3:23). This is the commandment of God, that you…

So Paul says, all the Ephesians are elect (Ephesians 1:3). And Peter calls all them to whom he writes (1 Peter 1:1), elect; and John (1 John 3) the children of God. And herein they follow the judgment of charity, leaving all secret judgments to God.

For all things are yours, you Christ's, and Christ God's (1 Corinthians 3:22). Lastly, this meditation must stir up in us, a care to lead a heavenly and spiritual life (1 John 3:3), that we may be like our eldest brother Christ Jesus. Verse 8. But even then when you knew not God…

Christ then is the worker of this liberty. He dissolves the works of the devil (John 8:36; 1 John 3:8), he binds the strong man and casts him out of his hold (Matthew 12:29). He procures this liberty by two means, by his merit, and by the efficacy of his spirit.

4. for those of the same religion. (1 John 3:16) We must lay down our lives for our brethren. (Matthew 23:8) One is your Doctor, to wit, Christ, and all you are brethren.

Thus then to pour out the soul, signifies nothing else but to pity our brethren's miseries, and to be as much affected with their wants, as if we ourselves were afflicted with them: (Hebrews 13:3). As on the contrary all such as are strait-laced being given to their private comm…

Thus in ancient times God appeared to the holy fathers, not as He was in Himself, but so far as they could endure the rays of His infinite brightness; for John declares that not until they are like him will they see him as he is, (1 John 3:2.) There is no necessity for entering…

It is a useful warning, that we may learn to be wise with sobriety, and may not attempt to force our way into the hidden mysteries of God, and more especially, that we may not indulge excessive curiosity in our inquiries about the future state; for It has not yet appeared what w…

we may freely cry, Abba, Father, (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6.) Now though we know that we are the children of God, yet as it does not yet appear what we shall be, till, transformed into his glory, we shall see him as he is, (1 John 3:2,) we are not as yet actually reckoned to be…

We are there abundantly taught, that the Saints differ from the Ungodly in this, that they have the Knowledge of GOD, and a sight of GOD, and of JESUS CHRIST. I shall mention but few Texts of many; 1 John 3.6. Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, nor known him. 3 John 11. He tha…

Love is a pleasing affection. Fear has torment in it (1 John 4:18). Love has joy in it.

Death is the cure of care. 2. Fear: fear is the ague of the soul, which sets it a shaking (1 John 4:14). There is torment in fear: fear is like Prometheus his vulture, it gnaws upon the heart.

Sin breeds a trembling at the heart (Isaiah 57:21). It creates fears, and there is torment in fear (1 John 4:18). Sin makes sad convulsions in the conscience.

Trouble is the vermin bred out of the putrid matter of sin. From where are all our fears, but from sin? (1 John 4:18). There is torment in fear.

How should we nourish this grace which shall outlive all the graces, and run parallel with eternity! 4. Our love to God is a sign of his love to us (1 John 4:19): We love him, because he first loved us. By nature we are 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉, we have no love to God, we have he…

And it is a never-fading crown (1 Peter 5:4). 4. By our loving God we may know that he loves us (1 John 4:19). We love him, because he first loved us.

He is the only wise God; he knows how to make evil things work for good to his children (Romans 8:28), he can make a sovereign treacle of poison: Thus he is the best Father for wisdom. 4. He is the best Father because most loving; (1 John 4:16) God is love. He who causes bowels…

It was said of Cataline, He was afraid of every noise. If a briar does but take hold of a thief's garment, he is afraid it is the officer to apprehend him — and fear has torment in it (1 John 4:18). (4.) The judgments which follow this sin.

There is nothing more contrary to God than a lie. The Holy Ghost is called the Spirit of Truth (1 John 4:5-6). Lying is a sin that does not go alone, it ushers in other sins.

Love is the soul of obedience, the touchstone of sincerity. By our loving God we may know he loves us (1 John 4:19), and those whom God loves he will lay in his bosom. Ambrose in his funeral oration for Theodosius, brings in the angels hovering about his departing soul, and bein…

Such as are unpardoned must needs lead uncomfortable lives (Deuteronomy 28:66): your life shall hang in doubt before you, and you shall be in continual fears. Thus the unpardoned sinner must needs have a palpitation and trembling at heart; he fears every bush he sees (1 John 4:1…

I take this to be implied in that phrase in 2 Thessalonians 2:1, where the apostle warns they should not be troubled 'neither by spirit nor by word' to think the day of judgment was at hand. By 'spirit' he means a pretense of revelation joined with a man's own private conceit an…

Yet though you are to lay it to heart so as to mourn under it, you are not to be discouraged — not to call all into question. For though you change, yet God does not, nor his love — for his love is himself (1 John 4:8-10). We may change in our apprehensions and opinions, and God…

To come to his titles, the first is Jesus, to which if we add the clause, I believe, on this manner, I believe in Jesus, etc., the article which we now have in hand will appear to be most excellent, because it has most notable promises annexed to it. When Peter confessed Christ…

4. I see not how, if the faith of the saints be tried as gold in the fire, they may not through the prevalence of temptation be shaken in their faith, as Peter was, when he denied his Savior; and Paul; who (2 Corinthians 1:8) was pressed out of measure, above strength, despaired…

(1 John 2:27) You need not that any teach you, but the anointing that you have received teaches you all things. Why should then fewer have the Spirit of holy unction in them, than the world for whom Christ is a propitiation, and all the visible saints that John writes to? (1 Joh…

5 Another end was, that so by this means they might be strengthened in the faith, according to what you read in the words of the text, to them that did believe, he wrote that they might believe, meaning that they might be confirmed and established in believing. 6 Also, to the in…

Both doubting and presumption is contrary to the life of faith, and therefore must be cast out, cast out all fears, and all self-confidence. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Faith strives against fear, and love strives against malice, and patience strives against frowa…

(Revelation 1:5) To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his blood. He thought no price too dear for our salvation; let us love him again who loved us first (1 John 4:19): We love him because he first loved us. And be contented to suffer with him and for him, that w…

3. Why is it put here. 1. To show the end for which Christ came to represent the amiableness of God, that he is love (1 John 4:8), and has love for his children. Christ is the pattern of all, for he is first beloved, and the great instance and demonstration of God's love to the…

Secondly, here we may observe what is true religion and godliness, namely, to love and serve God in serving of man. He that says he loves God, and yet hates his brother, is a liar (1 John 4:20). And here it follows that to live out of all society of men, though it be in prayer a…

It is further said, we must restore in the spirit of meekness. The word spirit is added, because it proceeds from the spirit of God, who is both the worker and continuer thereof: as on the contrary, the spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14), the spirit of error (1 John 4:6), the spi…

Fear contains faith, and fear contains love too. Though perfect love cast out tormenting fear (1 John 4:18), yet perfect love calls in obeying fear. Hear the conclusion of all, says the Preacher (Ecclesiastes 12:13), Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty…

The sum of it is, Your love is exceeding excellent, and I have more need, and greater esteem of it, than of any thing in the world, therefore I seek after it, and hope to attain it. There are four words here to be cleared, 1. Your loves (so it is in the original in the plural nu…

Christ's love and thoughts to his people, are still the same, whatever changes be upon their frame and way, which may occasion sad changes in his dispensations towards them. 2. That she might the more be persuaded of his love to her and esteem of her; Christ would have his own t…

Now if we would conceive aright of God, when we come to worship him, let us not frame any idea of him in our imaginations, (for all such representations are false and foolish,) but labor to possess our hearts with an awful esteem of his attributes; and when we have with all poss…

1 John 4:1. Beloved, believe not every Spirit, but try the Spirits whether they are of God; because many false Prophets are gone out into the World. The apostolical Age, or the Age in which the Apostles lived and preached the Gospel, was an Age of the greatest outpouring of the…

1. Love: I mean love unto sinners. Without this man is of all creatures most miserable; and there is not the least glimpse of it that can possibly be discovered but in Christ: the Holy Ghost says (1 John 4:8, 16) God is Love: that is not only of a loving and tender nature; but o…

Our peculiar communion with the Father is in love. 1 John 4:7-8, 2 Corinthians 13:13, John 16:26-27, Romans 5:5, John 3:16, John 14:23, Titus 3:4, opened to this purpose. What is required of believers to hold communion with the Father in love.

Our knowing of it is our believing of it, as revealed. We have known and believed the love that God has to us; God is love (1 John 4:16). This is the assurance which at the very entrance of walking with God you may have of this love: he who is Truth has said it.

Love also gives joy in obedience. 1 John 4:18: there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. When their soul is moved to obedience by love, it expels that fear which is the issue of bondage upon the spirit.

His delight in his saints is first considered — Isaiah 62:5, Song of Solomon 3:11, Proverbs 8:21. As an instance of Christ's delight in believers: he reveals his whole heart to them, John 15:14-15; himself, 1 John 4:21; and his kingdom. He enables them to communicate their mind…

He chooses us to salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 2 Thessalonians 2:12. This the Father designed as the first and immediate end of electing love, and proposes the consideration of that love as a motive to holiness, 1 John 4:8-10. It is…

But there are seducing spirits, 1 Timothy 4:1. We have a command not to believe every spirit but to try the spirits, 1 John 4:16. The reason added is that many false spirits have gone abroad in the world — that is, men pretending to the revelation of new doctrines by the Spirit,…

Therefore both in thankfulness to Christ, for his love to us, and for assurance to our own souls of Christ's love to us, we ought in all things that we can to testify our love to Christ. A motive it is also to love our brethren, because Christ being in heaven, our goodness exten…

Where this want of love is, there can be no duty well performed, even as when the great wheel of a clock, the first mover of all the rest, is out of frame, never a wheel can be in good order. They that think lightly hereof, plainly discover that there is little or no love of God…

I have loved thee with an everlasting Love, therefore with Lovingkindness have I drawn thee. 1 John 4. 19. If we love him it is because he loved us first.

Uncharitableness is a loathsome Part of the Image of the fallen Angel: It is akin to the Hatred of God. For he that loves not his Brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 1 John 4:20. He that hates his Fellow-Christian, and brings railing Accusations a…

Knowledge puffs up, but Charity edifies; and if any Man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know; but if any Man love God, the same is known of him. And Saint John will assure you, that he that loves not his Brother knows not God, and if a Man say,…

He died for all Ranks and Characters of Men, Jews and Gentiles, that they who live should not henceforth live to themselves, but to him who died for them, and rose again. 1 John 4:19. We are bound to love him, and we do love him because he first loved us.

He that loves may be sure he was loved first, and he that chooses God for his delight and portion, may conclude confidently, that God has chosen him, to be one of those that shall enjoy him, and be happy in him for ever, for that our love and electing of him, is but the return a…

Again, for a man so to apprehend wrath in relation to himself as to be still under the horror of it in that notion, and not to apprehend redemption and deliverance by Jesus Christ, is to be under that spirit of bondage which the Apostle speaks of (Romans 8). And such fear, thoug…

The Septuagint there renders it by the word used here by our Apostle, both the words signify a benignity, and kindness of nature, it is one of love's attributes (1 Corinthians 13), it is kind, ever compassionate, and as it can be helpful in straits and distresses still ready to…

This is their course, but you run not with them. The godly a small and weak company, and yet run counter to the grand torrent of the world, just against them: and there is a Spirit within them, from where that their contrary motion flows, and a Spirit strong enough to maintain i…

As the wall reflects and casts back the heat upon the stander-by, when first warmed with the beams of the sun: so, when our hearts are melted with a sense of God's mercy, his love to us is the cause of our love and kindness to others. (1 John 4:19) We love him, because he first…

(5.) As the Spirit helps us to compare that which is wrought with the rule, the impression or thing sealed with the stamp or the thing sealing; so he helps us to conclude rightly of our estate: For many times when the premises are clear, the conclusion may be suspended, either o…

When we think of this great day, and of the book that shall be opened, and the impartial proceedings, there is some degree of bondage still left in the saints, that does a little weaken their confidence and boldness. (1 John 4:18) we are told, Perfect love casts out fear, becaus…

Indeed, but that which has been may be again; therefore it is expressed not only by a resurrection, but by a creation (Ephesians 2:10): We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works (2 Corinthians 4:6): He that commands the light to shine out of darkness, has shi…

Three times in one Chapter Christ cautions us against the fear of Men, Matthew 10. Verse 26, 28, 31. Aristotle says the reason why the Camelion turns into so many colors, is through excessive fear: Fear makes men change their Religion as the Camelion does her Colors. 1. Carnal F…

Gods People often walk unanswerable to his Love: but though they deal ill with God, God deals well with them. Gods dealing well with his People ariseth from the Intrinsecal goodness of his Nature; God is love, 1 John 4:16. From this flow all Acts of Royal Bounty.

3. We glorify God by believing (Romans 4:20): Abraham was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Unbelief affronts God, it gives him the lie; he that believes not, makes God a liar (1 John 5:10). So faith brings glory to God, it sets to its seal that God is true (John 3:33).

Clement of Alexandria calls the other graces the daughters of faith. Indeed in heaven love will be the chief grace, but while we are here militant love must give place to faith; love takes possession of glory, but faith gives a title to it; love is the crowning grace in heaven,…

Question: What means shall we use that we may obey? Response. 1. Serious consideration: Consider God's commands are not grievous: He commands nothing unreasonable (1 John 5:3). It is easier to obey the commands of God than sin: The commands of sin are burdensome: Let a man be un…

6. The sixth argument is, A Victoria supra mundum, from a believer's victory over the world. The argument stands thus: he who overcomes the world does persevere in grace; but a believer does overcome the world, therefore he perseveres in grace (1 John 5:4): This is the victory o…

Broad is the way which leads to destruction, and many there be that go in there. The greatest part of the world lies in wickedness (1 John 5:19). Divide the world, says Brerewood, into 31 parts, nineteen parts of it are possessed by Jews and Turks, seven parts by Heathens; so th…

Love to God carries the soul above the love of life; and the fear of death. 7. He who loves God loves his favorites, namely the saints (1 John 5:1). Idem est motus animi in imaginem & rem.

God will shoot all his murdering pieces among idolaters: all the plagues and curses in the book of God shall befall the idolater: the Lord repays him that hates him to his face. Use 2. Let it exhort us all to fly from Romish idolatry; let us not be among God-haters (1 John 5:21)…

If we believe not, yet he abides faithful; he cannot deny himself. Not to believe God's veracity, is to affront God (1 John 5:10). He that believes not has made God a liar.

1. Hereby error in prayer is prevented: it is not easy to write wrong copy; we cannot easily err having our pattern before us. 2. Hereby mercies requested are obtained; for the Apostle assures us God will hear us when we pray according to his will (1 John 5:14), and surely we pr…

Micah 7:18. Pardoning iniquity, there is Justification; verse 19. He will subdue our iniquities, there is Sanctification. Out of Christ's sides came water and blood (1 John 5:6). Blood, namely Justification, water, namely Sanctification.

Response. For answer to this, I shall prescribe some remedies and antidotes against this sin. 1. Faith (1 John 5:4). This is the victory over the world, even your faith. The root of covetousness is the distrust of God's providence.

Question 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead? Response: Three persons, yet but one God (1 John 5:7). There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.

What is the shedding of a tear to a crown? So that God's commands are not grievous (1 John 5:3), our service cannot be so hard as a kingdom is sweet. 2. Branch. See hence the royal bounty of God to his children, that he has prepared a kingdom for them.

God never pardons and justifies a sinner, but he does sanctify him (1 Corinthians 6:11): "but you are justified, but you are sanctified." (1 John 5:6): "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ." Christ comes to the soul by blood, that denotes remission, and by…

And the like he endeavored between Christ's human nature and the divine, though hypostatically united. And likewise 4. 'That God has given us eternal life, and that life is in his Son' — this being the great truth of the gospel, so that a Christian who believes it not makes God…

How? namely, beside the applying of Christ's blood, it brings to memory God's merciful promises in Christ: which stay a man from committing such things as would pollute and defile the heart. And therefore is faith said to be our victory over the world: 1 John 5:4. Because by app…

Some take evil in this place only for the devil, but we may take it more largely for all spiritual enemies. (1 John 5:19) The whole world lies in evil, namely, under the power of sin and Satan. These words (as I have said) are a proof and explanation of the former: for when a ma…

The means then to make ourselves fit is, to seek to be reconciled to God in Christ for our sins past, and withal to endeavor to have an assurance of the free remission and pardon of them all in the blood of Christ. And as touching that part of life which is to come, we must reme…

A man in humbling his soul before God, is not to pray as his affections carry him, and for what he pleases: but all is to be done according to the express word. So as those things which God has commanded us to ask, we are to ask, and those things which he has not commanded us to…

Alexander might give a coward his armor, but he could not give him his courage; but God infuses a spirit of magnanimity into his people, with his armor he conveys strength (2 Corinthians 12:9): My strength is made perfect in weakness. A Christian having on God's armor, and going…

Now hence I gather that he who is the child of God, truly justified and sanctified, shall never fall wholly and finally from the grace of God. And I conclude on this manner: that which we ask according to the will of God shall be granted — 1 John 5. But this the child of God ask…

This use is threefold: in respect of God, of man, and of ourselves. Works are to be done in respect of God: that his commandments may be obeyed — 1 John 5:12; that his will may be done — 1 Thessalonians 4:3; that we may show ourselves to be obedient children to God our Father —…

So Christ says (Mark 11:24): Whatever you desire when you pray, believe that you shall have it, and it shall be given to you. And Saint John further notes out this particular faith, calling it our assurance that God will give to us whatever we ask according to his will (1 John 5…

That's a sound and good faith that warms the heart with love to Christ, and the nearer that faith brings the believer to Him, it warms the heart with more love to others. And therefore love to the people of God is given as an evidence of one that is born of God (1 John 5:1), bec…

5. As for the effects that followed on his sufferings, or the influence they have on the elect people of God; as many converts as have been and are in the world, as many witnesses are there, that he is the Messiah; every converted, pardoned, and reconciled soul seals this truth:…

Secondly, for confirmation of this truth, that the general preaching of the Gospel is a warrant for believing and exercising faith on Jesus Christ, for making our peace with God: it's clear from these [reconstructed: Grounds]. 1. From the nature of the Gospel, it's the Word of G…

1. In this respect, that no sin can condemn them, they are not under the Law but under Grace in that respect (Romans 8:1). It is said that there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ. 2. In this respect that they cannot fall into that sin which leads to death, as is clear…

1. Look to all the promises, whether of pardon of sin, or of peace with God, of joy in the Holy Ghost, of holiness and conformity to God; there is no access to these, or to any of them but by faith; this is the very proper condition of the Covenant of Grace, and the door whereby…

They pray not for knowledge as God's gift; how many of you, when you take up the Catechism to read, fall down on your knees to seek God's blessing on your reading thereof? When John is speaking of the benefits that come by Christ; this is by him put in among the rest, And has gi…

Even beyond these that came upon Tyrus and Sidon, upon Sodom and Gomorrah; we think such threatenings as these, should make folks not to think unbelief a light, or little sin, and that there is no ground of quietness, so long as they are in a self-righteous condition, and have n…

And others have set out in its colors the image of Christ in itself; but not as leaving out Christ, and taking in merit; nor does the sense of sanctification darken justification, or lessen it to nothing, except where we abuse it to merit, and self-confidence, as Peter did; who…

5. All within the visible Church, have means sufficient in their kind, in genere mediorum externorum, to save them. 6. As none can be saved by the light of nature, nor ever any used, or could use it so far forth, as to improve it for their sufficient preparation, to receive the…

So that, as it were folly for any man to think that he has an interest in an heiress's lands because he has got the writings of her estate into his hands (whereas the interest in the lands goes with her person and with the relation of marriage to her; otherwise, without a title…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. These words contain the third part of the record that God bore of his Son, to whom this eternal life is communicated, and that is to all such, as to whom the Son is communicated; amplified by…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. We are now in the next place to see how we may discern life by the properties, and adjuncts of it; you heard before of the effects of life, now of the properties and qualities of this life, by…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. Having handled a use of trial of life, and this depends upon our having of Christ.

1 John 5:13. These things have I written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God. We are now come to enter upon the beginning of the conclusion of this whole Epistle,…

1 John 5:13. That you may believe on the name of the Son of God. Now we come to speak of the other end of the Apostle's writing of these epistles, and that is, that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:14-15. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

1 John 5:14-15. And if we know that he hears us whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions we desire of him. Now to come to a second note.

1 John 5:16-17. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not to death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life; for them that sin not to death. There is a sin to death, I do not say that he shall pray for it. These words contain a third motive to encourage us to that duty…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. Because in Scripture phrase, there are more ways of having Christ requisite for the knowledge of every soul, I thought it therefore not amiss to open those other ways by which in Scripture we…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. We now come to speak of the third way of having Christ, and that is by way of covenant (Isaiah 49:8): I will give you for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. There yet remains two things for signs of having Christ, for in all this point of our Christian faith, there is no word but of more than ordinary and common use; and therefore when he says, he…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. From the second part of the words, He that has the Son, there are three sorts of heads of notes drawn.

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. It now remains that we come to show, what it is to have the Son by a spirit of prayer, but of this we shall have further occasion to speak in the 14, 15, and 16 verses, and therefore we shall…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. We now come to a third head of signs, by which it may appear whether we have Christ or no, and that is from the third word in the text (which is Life) for it is an argument of like strength an…

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. The causes of this life you have heard, and some of the effects of it also.

1 John 5:12. He that has the Son, has life, and he that has not the Son, has not life. Now we come to speak of such effects of the life of sanctification, as show themselves in the lives of Christians, by observing of which in ourselves we may know we have Christ, and life in hi…

So great an action as this was needed valuable testimony, for the law says in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every thing shall be established (Deuteronomy 17:6). Now Christ would go to the utmost of the law, and would have not two only but three witnesses, as the apostle s…