A Golden Chain, Dialogue 4
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF IOHN, IN forme of a Dialogue. The Speakers. Iohn. Church.
CHAP. I.
Church.
MAny among vsus denie the Godhead, and many the manhood of Christ.
Iohn.
That which was from the beginning [and therefore true God] which we hauehave heard [namely speaking] which wee hauehave seene with these our eies,Vers. 1. which we hauehave looked vponupon, and these hands of ours hauehave handled of that word [not the sounding but the essentiall word of the Father,] of life [liuing of himselfe, and giuing life vntounto all other.]
Ch.
Before you goe any further, this word of life is inuisible, how then could it bee seene?
Ioh.
[Yes] for that life was made manifest [to wit, in the flesh,] and we [I with many others] hauehave seene it, and beare witnesse,Vers. 2. and publish vntounto you that eternall life, which was with the father [eternally before this manifestation] and was made manifest vntounto vsus.
Ch.
Menander, Ebion, and Cerinthus, hauing beene teachers among vsus, confidently denie these things which you say: and they beare vsus in hand, that they seeke our good.
Ioh.
That [which I will repeat againe for more certainties sake] which we hauehave seene and heard,Vers. 3. declare we vntounto you, they ye may hauehave fellowship with vsus, and that our fellowship also may bee with the father, and with his sonne Iesus Christ.
And these things write we vntounto you, that your ioy might bee full [i. might hauehave sound consolation in your consciences. Vers. 4.]
Ch.
Well then lay vsus downe some ground, wherby we may come to be assured that we hauehave fellowship one with another, and with Christ.
Ioh.
This then is the message which wee hauehave heard of him,Vers. 5. & declare vntounto you that God is light [i. purenesse it selfe and blessednes; whereas men and Angels are neither, but by participation] and in him is no darkenes.
Ch.
Some that make profession among vsus, continue still in their olde course and conuersation; and yet they say they hauehave fellowship with God.
Ioh.
If we say that we hauehave fellowship with him,Vers. 6. profession without practise, a note of an hypocrite. and walke [lead the course of our liues] in darkenesse, [i. ignorance, errour, impietie,] wee lie, [dissemble,] and doe not truely [deale not sincerely.]
Ch.
What then is the true marke of one which hath fellowship with God?
Ioh.
If we walke in the light,Vers. 7. Since…itie of life and religion, a note of communion with God. [lead the course of our liues in sinceritie of life and doctrine] we hauehave fellowship one with another.
Ch.
We are so defiled with sinne, that we often doubt, least we hauehave no fellowship with God.
Ioh.
The blood of Iesus Christ his sonne clenseth vsus from all sinne.
Ch.
Some among vsus are come to that passe, that they say they hauehave no sinne: and that this estate is a signe of fellowship with God.
Ioh.
Vers. 8. To professe perfe… …an…i…cation in th… life, a n…te of an hypocrite.If we say we hauehave no sinne, we deceiue our selues, [imagining that to bee true which is otherwise] and the trueth is not in vsus.
Ch.
How then may we knowe that our sinnes are washed away by Christ?
Ioh.
Vers. 9. Humble confession of sin to God, is a note of remi…ion of sinne.If we confesse our sinnes [namely with an humbled heart desiring pardon] he is faithfull and iust [in keeping his promise,] to forgiue vsus our sinnes, and to clense vsus from all vnrighteousnesse.
Vers. 10.If we say [as they before named doe] wee hauehave not sinned, we make him a lier [whose word speakes the contrary,] and his word is not in vsus [his doctrine hath no place in our hearts.]
CHAP. II.
Ch.
IF this bee true which hath beene said, that the blood of Christ doth clense from all sinne; and that if we doe confesse them they shall be pardoned; our corruption tels vsus that we may sinne freely.
Ioh.
Vers. 1.My little children, these things I write vntounto you that yee sinne not.
Ch.
Alas, we fall oft by infirmitie: what shall we then doe?
Ioh.
If any man sinne, we hauehave an aduocate [who in his owne name and by his owne merits pleads our cause] to the Father Iesus Christ the iust [and therefore fit to make intercession.]
Ch.
But how may eueryevery one of vsus in particular know that Christ is his aduocate?
Ioh.
Vers. 2.He is the propitiation [i. a couering of sin or reconciliation, as the propuiatorie of the Arke couered the lawe,] and not for our sinnes onelyonly, but also for the sinnes of the whole world [not onelyonly Iewes but also Gentiles of all sorts.]
Ch.
Be it that I knowe him to be my aduocate, may I not be deceiued? howe may I knowe that this my knowledge is effectuall to saluation?
Ioh.
Vers. 3. An endeuour to keepe the commandements, a signe of fai…h.Hereby are we sure that wee knowe him [here, that knowledge is meant, whereby a man applies Christ and all his benefits to his owne soule] If we keepe [to keepe is not to fulfil, but to hauehave a care and desire to doe it; for God of his merciemercy, to his seruants accepts the will for the deede] his commandements.
Ch.
Many among vsus professe that they knowe Christ, but their liues be not according.
Ioh.
Vers. 4. Faith without obedience, a note of an hypocrite.He that saith, I know him, and keepes not his commandements, is a lier, and the truth is not in him.
Ch.
How may it be prooued, that the endeauour to keepe Gods commandements is a marke of faith and fellowship with Christ.
Ioh.
Vers. 5.[He in whom the louelove of god is perfect, may hereby know that he is in Christ.] But he that keepeth his word, in him is the louelove of God: [i. not that louelove wherewith God loueth him; but that, whereby he loueth God] is perfect indeed: [i. sincere and sound: perfection being opposed not to imperfection, but to hypocrisie:] hereby [therefore] we know that we are in him.
Vers. 6.He that saieth he remaineth in him, ought to walke euen so, as he hath walked: [and therefore he must needes indeauour himselfe in the commandements.]
Ch.
Declare vntounto vsus some of the principall of these commandements?
Ioh.
Vers. 7.Brerhren, I write no newe commandement vntounto you: But an old commandement which yee hauehave heard from the beginning: this olde commandement is the word which ye hauehave heard from the beginning.
Againe, a newe commandement I write vntounto you,Vers. 8. that, which is true [to wit that the commandement is newe which he will not write [in him] who renueth the commandement of old giuen to Moses] and also in you, for the darkenes is past [i. the hardening of the minds of men vnderunder the old testament, wherby they did but in a small measure vnderstand the word [and that true light] a greater measure of illumination, as also the writing of Gods lawes, not in tables of stone, but in the fleshie hearts; so as they be transformed into the obedience thereof] now shineth.
Ch.
Well, set downe this commandement which is so ancient, and is now renued.
Ioh.
He that saith [as many among you doe] that he is in that light [than is, Vers. 9. Profession ioined with ha…re… and malice, a note of an hypocrite.that he is both plentifully enlightened and borne anew] & hates his brother, is in darkenesse [vnderunder the estate of damnation, not yet truely regenerate,] vntil this time.
He that loueth his brother abideth in that light; [is truely enlightened and regenerate… ] and there is no offence, [i. he will giuegive no occasion of euill] in him.
But [on the contrarie] he that hateth his brother is in darkenes,Vers. 10 LoueLove of our …rother, a signe of regeneration. and walketh in darkenesse [leadeth his life in ignorance and vngodlinesse] and knoweth not whither he goeth because that darkenesse hath blinded his eies.
Ch.
What mooneth you to deliuer vntounto vsus all these notes and signes of our newe birth, and communion with Christ?
Ioh.
Little children I write vntounto you because your sinnes are forgiuen you;Vers. 11. Vers. 12. for his names sake [i. by Christ and his merite; that ye may be certified to your comfort of this.]
[And that no kind of men among you might doubt of this, Vers. 13.] I write vntounto you Fathers, because ye [delighting to tell and heare of olde and auncient matters] hauehave knowne him [that is, Christ] that is from the beginning… I write vntounto you young men, because ye [delighting to shewe your valour and strength] hauehave ouercome the euil one, [that is, Sathan:] I write vntounto you litle childrē, [who delight alwaies to be vnderunder the fathers wing,] because ye hauehave knowne the father.
[And againe, because we are dull to mark… and remember that which is good for vsus: Vers. 14.] I hauehave written vntounto you Fathers, because ye hauehave known him that is from the beginning: I hauehave written vntounto you young men, because yee are strong, and the word of God abideth in you: and ye hauehave ouercome that wicked one.
Ch.
If wee bee in the estate of grace vnderunder Gods fauour in Christ; howe may wee abide in it?
Ioh.
LoueLove not this world [the corrupt estate of mankind out of Christ, Vers. 15.] neither the things that are in the world [for first of all; to giuegive reasons,] if any man louelove this worlde, the louelove of the Father [wherewith he loued the father] is not in him.
[Secondly] for all that is in this world, as the lust of the flesh [the corruption of nature, Vers. 16.which chiefly breaketh out in euill concupiscence] the lusts of the eies [the fruite of the former, stirred vp by outward prouocations, especially in the eie, as it is manifest in adulterie or couetousnesse] and the pride of life [i. Arrogancy and ambition among men in common conuersation of life,] is not of the father, but of the world.
And [thirdly] this world passeth away and the lust thereof:Vers. 17. but he that fulfilleth the will of God, abideth for euer.
Ch.
What other things are we to doe, that we may continue?
Ioh.
Vers. 18.Little children, it is the last time; and as ye hauehave heard that Antichrist shall come, [a speciall Antichrist, the chiefe of all other; who is now manifest to be the Pope of Rome] euen now are there many Antichrists [heretickes, denying either the natures of Christ, or his offices; or the vniō & the distinction of his natures:] whereby we know that it is the last time.
Ch.
Those whome you call Antichrists, were of our companie, and professed as we doe.
Ioh.
Vers. 19.They went out from vsus, but they were not of vsus: for if they had beene of vsus, they should hauehave continued with vsus. But this commeth to passe, that it might appeare that they are not all of vsus.
Ch.
How can we be assured of our continuance in grace: for we may fall as well as they doe?
Ioh.
Vers. 20. Gods spirit dwelling in the heart, a signe of perseuerance.But ye hauehave annointment, [the grace of Gods holy spirit, resembled by the annointings in the old Testament] from that holy one [Christ, Luke 1. 15.] and know all things.
Ch.
If we know all things, then you neede not write vntounto vsus of these matters.
Ioh.
Vers. 21.I hauehave not writtē vntounto you, because ye know not the truth: but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth [i. ye can distinguish betweene the sound doctrine of the Gospel and errours.]
Ch.
What is this lie which you speake of?
Ioh.
Vers. 22. Papists denie Iesus to be Christ: for though in words they magnifie him, yet in their doctrine by necessarie consequent they denie him to be a king, a priest, a prophet.Who is a lier, [a deceiuer, a seducer,] but he that denieth that Iesus is Christ, [the Messias or Sauiour of mankind.] The same is that Antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Sonne.
Ch.
These whome you meane (say they) defend the doctrine of God as well as we; and they vse to call him Father.
Ioh.
Who so denieth the Sonne, hath not the Father.
Ch.
What doe you inferre vponupon this, if it be the last time as you hauehave saide?
Ioh.
Let therefore abide in you, that same [doctrine concerning Christ] which ye hauehave heard from the beginning:Vers. 23. Vers. 24. [which the Apostles preached, and before them the Prophets since the beginning of the world] If that which ye hauehave heard from the beginning remaine [ye beleeuing and obeying it] in you, ye also shall continue in the same, and in the father.
Vers. 25. Perseuerance in the knowledge and obedience of the Gospell, a signe of communion with Christ.And this is the promise which he hath promised vsus, euen life eternall.
Ch.
We cannot perswade our selues of perseuerance, seeing men so commonly fall away from Christ among vsus?
Ioh.
These things hauehave I written vntounto you, concerning them that deceiue you; [not meaning them of you, as you seeme to take it.]
Vers. 26. Vers. 27.But that annointing [the spirit which ye hauehave receiued of Christ and which hath led you into all truth] which ye hauehave receiued of him, dwelleth in you [ubideth in you, and will so continue:] and ye neede not that any man teach you, [any other doctrine beside this which ye hauehave learned alreadie:] but as the same Annointing teacheth you all things, and is true and not lying, and as it taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Vers. 28.And now, little children abide in him; that when he shall appeare, we [being iustified in Christ.] may hauehave boldnes, and not be ashamed, [neither Sathan nor our consciences accusing vsus for sinne,] before him at his comming.
Ch.
We are still in doubt to returne backe to that which you said before, how an endeuour to keepe the commandements, should be a signe of fellowship with Christ.
Ioh.
If we know that he [God] is righteous,Vers. 29. know ye that he which worketh righteousnes is borne of him [as a child is knowne to hauehave such a man for his father, because he resembleth him.]
CHAP. II.
Ch.
ARe not we then borne of God?
Ioh.
Behold what louelove the Father hath giuen to vsus,Vers. 1. that we should be called the sonnes of God.
Ch.
The world doth not report vsus as the sonnes and daughters of God, but for the refuse and offscouring of the world.
Ioh.
For this cause the world knoweth not you, because it knoweth not him.
Ch.
Can Gods children be subiect to such infirmities and miseries as we are?
Ioh.
Dearely beloued now are we the sonnes of God,Vers. 2. but yet it is not made manifest what we shall be: and we know that when he shal be made manifest, we shall be like him; [hauing not equalitie, but likenesse of holinesse and glorie:] for we shall see him as he is; [for now we see him as it were through spectacles in the word and Sacraments.]
Ch.
Alas poore wretches, we are not like Gods children; for we are euen sold vnderunder sinne, and daily carrie a masse of corruption about vsus.
Ioh.
EueryEvery one that hath this hope [to see him as he is] purifieth [i. though he be subiect to sinne, yet he desireth and vseth the meanes to clense himselfe from sinne: Vers. 3. A desire, and an endeauour to vse good meanes to clense ourselues of our corruptions and priuie sinnes, is a marke of adoption.] euen as he is pure, [setting before him Christ as a patterne to follow.]
Ch.
How prooue you that an endeuour to purifie our selues, is a note of adoption?
Ioh.
[By the contrarie] whosoeuer committeth sinne [p…actiseth sinne with full consent of will, not endeuouring himselfe in holinesse of life,] transgresseth also the law: [and for that cause, being vnderunder the curse of the law, can not be Gods children:] for sinne is the transgression of the Law, [vnderstand, by Law, not morall Law, but any commandement of God, whether it be in the law or Gospel.
And [againe] ye know that he was made manifest,Vers. 4. Vers. 5. [tooke our nature on him] that he might take away our sinnes [the guilt and punishment at once, and the corruption by little and little,] and in him is no sinne.
[Thirdly] whosoeuer abideth in him sinneth not:Vers. 6. [he doth not giuegive himselfe to sinne, so as it should raigne in him:] Whosoeuer sinneth; hath not seene him, nor knowne him: [to wit, effectually, so as he can applie Christ and all his benefits to himselfe.]
Ch.
But some teach that faith is sufficient, and they embolden vsus to liue as we will.
Ioh.
Little children,Vers. 7. let no man deceiue you; he that worketh righteousnes, is righteous, as he is righteous.
He that committeth sinne,Vers. 8. [though he say he doth beleeue, and therfore thinkes himselfe iustified before God,] is of the Deuill, [i. resembleth the Deuil, as the child doth the father; and is gouerned by his spirit:] for the deuill sinneth frō the beginning [of the world] [which appeareth that] for this purpose was made manifest the Son of God; that he might dissolue the works: [for the beginning and continuance of all rebellion and disobedience to God,] of the Deuill.
Vers. 9. Loosenes of life or the practi…e of sinne, a note of the …hild of the deuil for the present time.[And further, to display th…se seducers] whosoeuer is borne of God sinneth not, [i. doth not keepe a course in sinne, howsoeuer he fall by infirmitie:] for his seed [i. Gods word cast into the heart by the operation of the Spirit, making a man to spring vp into a new creature,] remaineth in him: neither can he sinne because he is borne of God.
Ch.
Briefly to come to the point: how may it be knowne, who is Gods childe, and who (is to be reputed) the child of the deuill.
Ioh.
Vers. 10.In this are the children of God knowne and the children of the deuill: whosoeuer worketh not righteousnes, is not of God; neither [to giuegive you a plai… example,] he that loueth not his brother.
Vers. 11.For, this is the message which ye hauehave heard from the beginning, that we should louelove one another.
Vers. 12.Not as Cain: he was of that euill one [Sathan,] and slue his brother: and wherefore slue he him? because his owne workes were euill, and his brothers good.
Ch.
Yet if we louelove those which be our brethren, according to the flesh neuer so much, they cease not to hate and persecute vsus.
Ioh.
Vers. 13.Meruaile not my brethren, though this world hate you.
Ch.
If not to louelove, be a note of the child of the deuil, what is the note of gods child?
Ioh.
Vers. 14. To louelove a Christian …ecause he is a Christian or godly man, is a note of Gods child.We know that we are translated from death to life, because we louelove the brethren, [i. such as be Christians, because they are Christians,] [as on the contrarie] he that loueth not his brother, abideth in death: [is vnderunder the state of damnation.]
Whosoeuer hateth his brother, is a manslayer, and ye know that no manslayer hath eternall life abiding in him.Vers. 15.
Ch.
You hauehave shewed vsus fully, that louelove is a worke of adoption: Now shew vsus how we may know whether we louelove our brethren or not?
Ioh.
Vers. 16.Hereby we hauehave perceiued louelove, that he laid downe his life for vsus: therfore we ought [carried with the like affection of louelove] to lay downe our liues for the brethren.
Ch.
Many in speech doe pretend louelove, but we find not this willing affection and readines to shew louelove.
Ioh.
Vers. 17. Compassion stirring in the heart a note of louelove.Whosoeuer hath this worlds good, [wherewith this life is sustained] and seeth his brother hauehave neede, and shutteth vp his bowels [i. hath no compassion, because it sheweth it selfe by the rolling of the intralls] from him, how dwelleth the louelove of God in him?
Ch.
What other note is there of true louelove?
Ioh.
Vers. 18. Works of mercy, signes of louelove.My little children, let vsus not louelove in word, nor in tongue onelyonly, but in deede and in truth [sincerely.]
Vers. 19. Sincere louelove, … note of s…ncere profe…sion.1. For thereby we know that we are of the truth, [sound professours of the gospell of Christ,] 2. and shall before him appease our hearts [in regard of any accusation that our conscience shall lay vntounto vsus before Gods iudgement seat.]
Vers. 20.If our heart condemne vsus, [an euill conscience accuse vsus] God is greater then our heart [namely in iudging of vsus:] and knoweth all things.
Ch.
How may we know that our consciences will not condemne vsus?
Ioh.
Beloued, if our hearts condemne vsus not,vers. 20. Boldnes in praies a signe of a pacified conscience. then hauehave we boldnes towards God, [i. to come vntounto him by prayer.]
Ch.
What other fruits is there of true louelove?
Ioh.
Whatsoeuer we aske, we receiue of him;vers. 21. because we keepe his commā dements, and doe those things which are pleasant in his sight.
Ch.
What are these commandements?
Ioh.
This then is his commaundement,vers. 22. that we beleeue in the name of his Sonne Iesus Christ, and louelove one another as he gaue commandement.
Ch.
HaueHave they which keepe these commandements their praiers granted? prooue this.
Ioh.
[Yes] For he that keepeth his commaundements dwelleth in him,vers. 23. and he in him.
Ch.
How may we know that God dwelleth in vsus, and we in him?
Ioh.
Hereby we know that he abideth in vsus,vers. 24. The operation of Gods spirit in sanctifying vsus, a signe of communion with God. by that spirit [of sanctification, whereby we are renued] which he hath giuen vsus.
CHAP. IIII.
Ch.
TO returne againe to that which was before mentioned: shall we beleeue all that say they hauehave the spirit?
Ioh.
Dearely beloued,Vers. 1. beleeue not eueryevery spirit [i. doctrines, which men bragging of the spirit doe teach;] but trie the spirits whether they be of God: for many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Ch.
How may we discerne of spirits?
Ioh.
Hereby shall ye know the spirit of God;v. 2. eueryevery spirit [doctrine] which confesseth that Iesus Christ [the Messias] is come in the flesh [is made true man; this beeing the substance of the Gospel,] is of God.
And eueryevery spirit that confesseth not that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh,v. 3. is not of God: but this is the spirit of Antichrist, of whome ye hauehave heard, that he shall come, and now already he is in the world.
Ch.
We feare: because these false spirits are of great power, to perswade and seduce many.
Ioh.
Little children, ye are of God, and hauehave ouercome them:v. 4. for greater is he that is in you [Gods spirit,] then he that is in the world [the spirit of Sathan.]
Ch.
But the doctrine of these men is of great account, and hath many followers in the world; ours hath but few which imbrace it.
Ioh.
They are of this world, therefore speake they of this world,v. 5. and this world [i. ignorant and vngodly men] heareth them.
We are of God: he which knoweth God, heareth vsus:v. 6. he which is not of god heareth vsus not. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of errour [namely by the liking and applause of the world.]
Ch.
How may we preserue our selues against these seducers?
Ioh.
Beloued, let vsus louelove one another, for louelove commeth of God:v. 7. and eueryevery one that loueth is borne of God, and knoweth God: [by a speciall knowledge, whereby they are assured that God the father of Christ is their father: Christ their Redeemer: the holy Ghost their sanctifier.]
He that loueth not, knoweth not God, for God is louelove,v. 8. [i. wholly bent to shew his louelove and compassion to his people.]
Vers. 9.[For a proofe of this,] herein was that louelove of God made manifest among vsus, because God sent that his onelyonly begotten Sonne into the world, that we might liue through him.
vers. 10.Herein is that louelove, not that we loued God; but that he loued vsus: and sent his Sonne to be a reconciliation for our sinnes.
Ch.
What of all this?
Ioh.
vers. 11.Beloued, if God so loued vsus, we ought also one to louelove another.
Ch.
How can God manifest his louelove to vsus, he beeing a spirit inuisible?
Ioh.
vers. 12.No man hath seene God at any time: [neuertheles] if we louelove one another, [that is a signe] that God dwelleth in vsus, & his louelove is perfect in vsus: [i. that louelove wherewith he loueth, is throughly made manifest towards vsus by our louelove: as the light of the moone shining on vsus, argueth the light of the Sunne shining vponupon the moone, of whom (as from the fountaine) the moone takes her light.]
Ch.
How may we know that God dwelleth in vsus?
Ioh.
vers. 13.Hereby doe we know, that we dwell in him, and he in vsus: because he hath giuen vsus of his spirit.
Ch.
What other signe hauehave you of Gods dwelling in vsus?
Ioh.
vers. 14.We hauehave seene and doe testifie, that the Father sent that Sonne to be the Sauiour of the world.
vers. 15. A sincere confession or the Gospel, a note of cō munion with Christ.Whosoeuer confesseth [in faith and louelove] that Iesus is the Sonne of God; in him dwelleth God, and he in God.
Ch.
The deuill will confesse Christ.
Ioh.
And we [which is more] hauehave knowne and beleeued the louelove which god hath in vsus.
Ch.
Declare how our louelove should be a signe of Gods dwelling in vsus?
Ioh.
vers. 16.God is louelove, and [therefore] he that dwelleth in louelove, dwelleth in God & God in him.
Ch.
God is louelove we grant, but how may we know, that God is louelove to vsus?
Ioh.
vers. 17. To …e like God in holines of life, is a …igne of his lo…e to vsus particularly.Hereby is that louelove perfect, [i. fully made manifest in vsus;] that we may hauehave boldnesse [to stand before him without feare,] in the day of iudgement: for euen as he is, euen so are we in the world [not in equalitie, but in conformitie of holinesse.]
vers. 18.[As may appeare by the contrarie] there is no feare in louelove [i. when a man is assured of Gods louelove to him, he doth not distrust nor seruilely feare him in respect of his sinnes] but perfect louelove casteth out feare: for feare hath painfulnes [checkings and torments of conscience;] and he that feareth is not perfect in louelove.
Ch.
What other signe is there that God is louelove to vsus?
Ioh.
vers. 19. Our louelove of God, a signe that he loueth vsus particularly.We louelove him because he loued vsus first [as when a man warmes him, the heat of his bodie is because the fire is first hote.]
Ch.
If this be so, then they which louelove not their brethren, are loued of God in Christ: seeing all generally say they louelove God.
Ioh.
vers. 20.If any man say, I louelove God, and hate his brother, he is a lyar: for how can he that loueth not his brother whom he hath seene, louelove God whome he hath not seene?
vers. 21.And this commandement hauehave we of him, that he that loueth God, should louelove his brother also.
CHAP. V.
VVHosoeuer beleeueth that Iesus is that Christ [true Messias] is borne of God:Vers. 1. and eueryevery one that loueth him which did beget [i. God the father,] loueth him also which is begotten of him, [the child of God a true Christian.]
Ch.
This being manifest that they are hypocrites which say they louelove god, yet shew no louelove to their brethren; teach vsus how we may know that we louelove our brethren.
Ioh.
In this we know that we louelove the children of God,v. 2. An endeuour to obey the commā dements, a …igne of louelove of our brother. when we louelove God and keepe his commandements, [that is, endeauour to keepe; the beginning of the action beeing put for the whole.]
For this is the louelove of God [the dutie of louelove to God] that we keepe his commandements.
Ch.
But no man can keepe the Law.
Ioh.
His commandements are not burdenous [to them that are in Christ, v. 3.and are freed from the curse of the law, which makes the law grieuous, and are also guided by his holy spirit.]
[And this is apparant] for all that is borne of God ouercommeth the world,v. 4. [Sathan with all corruptions and workes of darknes.]
Ch.
By what meanes?
Ioh.
And this is the victory which hath ouercome the world, euen our faith [which is the instrument and hand whereby we lay hold on him, that he in vsus, and so we by him might ouercome the world.]
Who is that ouercommeth this world,v. 5. but he which beleeueth that Iesus is that Sonne of God?
Ch.
How may we be resolued that Iesus of Nazareth the sonne of Mary, was the sonne of God, and the Messias: he came but basely into the world?
Ioh.
This is that Iesus Christ, which came by water,v. 6. Proofes inuincible that Iesus of Nazareth the son of Marie was the sonne of God against the Iewes. [sanctificatiō signified by the legal washings,] & blood [imputation of Christs righteousnes, or the sprinkling of his bloode:] not by water onelyonly, but by water and blood: [because Christ worketh both iustification and sanctification togither:] and it is that spirit [a mans owne conscience inwardly purified] that beareth witnesse: for that spirit is truth: [that is, that the testimonie of the Spirit of adoption, certifying vsus that we are the sonnes of God, is true.]
For [that I may speake yet more plainly] there are three which beare record in heauen,v. 7. the Father, the Word, [the Sonne] and the holy Ghost: and these three are one, [namely in testimonie.]
And there are three which beare record in earth, the Spirit; and the water,v. 8. and blood; and these three agree in one.
Ch.
How shew you that these witnesses be authenticall, and to be beleeued?
Ioh.
If we receiue the witnes of men, the witnes of God is greater:vers. 9. for this is the witnes of God, [i. that was said to come from heauen;] which he testifieth of his Sonne.
[Againe,] he that beleeueth in that Sonne of God, hath the witnes in himselfe,vers. 10. [the peace of conscience which he may feele in himselfe: [And further,] he that beleeueth not God, maketh him a lyar: because he beleeued not the record, that God witnessed of his Sonne.
Ch.
What is the effect of that which these witnesses testifie?
Ioh.
vers. 11.And this is that record, to wit, that God hath giuen vntounto vsus eternal life, and this life is in his Sonne.
vers. 12.He which hath the Sonne, hath life: and he which hath not the sonne of God, hath not life.
vers. 13.[And to conclude,] these things hauehave I written vntounto you that beleeue in the name of the sonne of God, that ye may know that ye hauehave life eternal, and that ye may beleeue [i. increase in faith] in the name of that sonne of God.
Ch.
How can we hauehave life eternal now, that are so miserable, and so ful of wants?
Ioh.
vers. 14.And this is that assurance that we hauehave in him, that if we aske any thing according to his will, he heareth vsus.
Ch.
How may we know that God graunteth our prayers, made according to his will?
Ioh.
vers. 15. A signe of our praiers granted vsus, if God doe but heare them.If we know that he heareth [that is (as it were) to giuegive an eare to our prayers,] whatsoeuer we aske, we know that we hauehave the petitions which we hauehave desired of him [though the things which we asked, be not giuen vsus in that measure, and manner, and time, in which we asked them.]
Ch.
Let vsus heare an example of those things which God will graunt, when we pray?
Ioh.
vers. 16.If a man see his brother sinne a sinne, that is not vntounto death; [that is, which may be pardoned,] let him aske [pardon in his behalfe,] and he shall giuegive him life for them that sinne not vntounto death; there is a sinne vntounto death [after which necessarily damnation followeth, as the sinne against the holy Ghost:] I say not that thou shouldest pray for it.
Ch.
But is not eueryevery sinne a sinne to death?
Ioh.
vers. 17.All vnrighteousnes is sinne [and therefore deserueth death:] but there is a sinne not vntounto death; [namely, that which is pardoned in Christ.]
Ch.
We feare least we hauehave committed this sinne which is to death.
Ioh.
vers. 18.We know that whosoeuer is borne of God, sinneth not: but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himselfe, and that wicked one [Sathan] toucheth him not [i. doth him no violence, or he can not giuegive him a deadly wound.]
vers. 19.We know that we are of God, and this whole world lieth in euill: [that is, in seruitude vnderunder Sathan and sinne.]
Ch.
How shew you that we are of God?
Ioh.
vers. 20.We know that the sonne of God is come, and hath giuen vsus a minde to know him that is true, and we are in him that is true: that is, in his Sonne Iesus Christ: this same is that very God, and that eternall life.
Ch.
vers. 21.How may we keepe our selues in God, and neuer commit the sinne to death?
Ioh.
Little children, keepe your selues from Images, [whether they be of false gods, or of the true God.]
PSALME XV.
Iehoua. Dauid.
Vers. 1.O Iehoua! who shall dwell [as Pilgrimes dwell in tents] in thy tabernacle,] the Church militant?] who shall rest in thy holy Mountaine, [the kingdome of heauen?]
Ieho.
He that walketh perfectly, [that is, he which leadeth the course of his life vprightly.]
Dau.
Who is the vpright man?Vers. 2. Sinceritie of life, in righteousnes…e and holinesse, a note of gods child.
Ieho.
He that worketh righteousnes [according to the commandements of the second table,] and speaketh the trueth in his heart [as he thinketh, his heart and tongue agreeing.]
Dau.
By what notes may this vpright man be knowe, and who is he?
Ieho.
I. He that slandereth not with his tōgue:Vers. 3. Seuen notes of an vpright man. II. nor doth hurt to his neighbour: III. nor receiueth a false report against his neighbour.
IV. In whose eies a vile person,Vers. 4. [an vngodly and vnrighteous man;] is contemned, but he honoureth them that feare God: V. Vers. 5.He that hauing sworne to his owne hinderance, changeth not.
VI. He that giueth not his money to vsurie. VII. neither taketh reward of the innocent.
Dau.
Are these notes vnfallible?Vers. 6.
Ieho.
He that doth these things, shall neuer be mooued, [shall abide in Gods fauour for euer.]