An Exposition of Pauls Epistles, Letter 19

An Exposition of Pauls Epistles · Letter 19

p. 304The first Epistle of IOHN, Analytically expounded.

The Contents.

THere are three Epistles of John the Apostle (who writ both the Gospel and the Revelation) ex…ant▪ The scope of this, which is the first, is to teach by what means wee may have communion with God, and how wee may be certain of that communion, to a full consolation both in life and death: To which end hee propounds the summe of the Doctrine of the Gospel, Chap. 1. Hee shews the use of this Doctrine in divers Exhortations to follow after Holiness, to love the Brethren, to hate the world, and constancy in the Faith, Chap. 2. Hee prosecutes the Exhortation to the following after Righteousness, and brotherly love. Chap. 3.

In like manner, after the Exhortation to beware of seducers, hee goes on in an Exhortation to the loving of the Brethren, Chap. 4. Lastly, That they which beleeve may know themselves to have life, and knowing it, they may more and more beleeve in Iesus Christ, hee gathers together many Notes of Beleevers, and Arguments to beleeve, Chap. 5.

The Method of this Epistle is very artificial, for the Christian mysteries, and rules of Faith are lincked together as with a chain. For alwaies from the end of the preceding Doctrine, there ariseth a following Discourse.

CHAP. I.

In this Chapter hee propounds the summe of the Doctrine of the Gospel preached by himself, and the rest of the Apostles. There are two parts of the Chapter. In the first hee confirms the excellency of his preaching, and shews the object of Saving Faith, to vers. 6. In the other hee laies down the notes of a true Beleever, to whom the Grace of the Gospel preached truly belongs, to the end.

Vers. 1. That which was from the beginning, which wee have heard, which wee have seen with our eies, which wee have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life,

Hee confirms the excellency of the Gospel which hee preached, by eight reasons.

Of the word] Reas. 1. Is contained in the last words of this verse, viz. That his Gospel treats of the most excellent object, viz. the word of life, i. e. of Jesus Christ the Son of God, who is called foreign, the Word, that wee may conceive the distinction of the person of the Son from the Father, and the order of their working, seeing that it is the Word of some one, viz. the word of the Father: And that hee may teach the spiritual and immanent manner of the Sons Generation, and that his subsistence is inseparable from the Father, and that wee may behold especially his office, which is to manifest God, and the counsel of God concerning our salvation. Furthermore hee is called the word of Life: (1.) Because hee hath life in himself, and hee himself is life. (2.) Because hee hath purchased life for us, and hath shewed it to us; and Lastly, Because hee applies that to us, and brings it about, that wee may live an eternal life.

That which was] Reas. 2. Of the excellency of his preaching, that it is the ancient Truth preached, viz. that which was from the beginning; partly inasmuch as there was never any other ground of salvation besides this in Christ alone, who is the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world; partly because Christ preached by the Apostle, did subsist, as to his Divinity, before his incarnation, from the beginning of the world, the same SON of GOD, and MEDIATOUR of our salvation, and was in the beginning of the world, when created things did not as yet subsist, but began to be, or who is the same from eternity to eternity: Therefore the subject of our Gospel is most excellent.

Which wee have seen] Reas. 3. Because the Truth p. 307preached is certain, and experienced by the Apostles, because they by the infallible testimony of their senses, being eye and ear-witnesses, had observed that Christ himself in his own time was manifested in the flesh, or incarnate. Partly by hearing with their ears day by day the Doctrine of Christ, which was published by an holy and audible voice: partly by seeing with their eyes, both the ordinary and miraculous works, his sufferings in the flesh, and glorification in his transfiguration, and his Resurrection from the dead, and by most clearly perceiving them, after a most deep inquisition into the truth of the thing: Lastly, partly by feeling with their hands, or handling his flesh, or his assumed humane nature. From whence the certainty of their testimony concerning Christ offered, is so manifest, that it cannot be doubtful: Therefore most excellent is the truth that is preached by us.

Vers. 2. (For the life was manifested, and wee have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.)

Reas. 4. By a Parenthesis confirming the former; wee have known concerning Christ, (1.) That hee is life it self, the true Jehovah, who is essentially life in himself, and causally in respect of us: For hee is the Author of our life, not onelyonly natural, but also spiritual and eternal, the Author of light and illumination, the Author of grace and every pious or commendable motion: (2.) That he is by divine inspiration manifested to be such, and revealed to us, and by that revelation seen and acknowledged by us to be that life: (3.) Whom wee have seen and acknowledge to be the life revealed, him wee testifie to be life, and preach him to you, viz. to be both God eternal, and the Procuror, Giver and Preserver of eternal life, to be communicated unto us. (4.) Wee have known the Son of God, the second distinct person of the Trinity, which was from eternity with the Father, and from the making of the world, did plead our cause with the Father, and is now revealed unto us after his incarnation by divine Revelation: Therefore this our preaching of Truth and Life is both most excellent, and most certain.

Vers. 3. That which wee have seen and heard, declare wee unto you, that yee also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Iesus Christ.

Reas. 5. Through the Truth preached by us Apostles, eye and ear-witnesses, beleevers are made partakers with us of the same felicity, and the same good things: Therefore the Truth preached by us is most excellent.

And our fellowship] Reas. 6. They who are united in the Faith of the Truth preached by us, shall also be united with the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ, by virtue of the Holy Ghost: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 4. And these things write wee unto you, that your joy may be full.

Reas. 7. The summe of our preaching which is written to you, hath this end, that yee being made certain of your election and glorification, may have a true and spiritual joy, and that your joy may remain and be perfected: Therefore it is deservedly to be accounted the most excellent.

Vers. 5. This then is the message which wee have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Reas. 8. The summe of our preaching is, that God is light, or a most present and perfect remedy against the evils of ignorance, errours, falshood, vices and miseries, which are in us: and that God in himself is most free from these evils, so that it is impossible for those that come unto him to be deceived, not to be illuminated and directed, not to be delivered from sins and misery, and not to obtain eternal life: Therefore it is necessary that my preaching and the rest of the Apostles should be excellent.

Vers. 6. If wee say that wee have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, wee lye, and do not the Truth.

The other part of the Chapter follows, wherein hee propounds partly negatively, and partly affirmatively, the notes or signs of him that is a true Beleever, who shall be partaker of the good things promised in the Gospel. And the Notes are five.

Note 1. Is negatively propounded, with his confirmation. Hee that is a true beleever doth not walk in darkness, is not given ever to sin, leading his life according to the lusts of the flesh: Because if any one profess himself to have communion with God (who is light and holiness,) and in … mean time walketh in the darkness of his sins, hee is an hypocrite and a lyar, seeing that hee doth not that which is right, but that which hee professes with his mouth, hee denies in his works.

Vers. 7. But if wee walk in the light, as hee is in the light, wee have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Iesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Note 2. Is propounded affirmatively, Hee that walks in the light, or hee that follows after holiness, that hee may be conformable to God (who is light and perfect holiness) hee is a true beleever, having communion truly with God and the Saints, to whom the fruit also of Christs death to the remission of sins doth wholly belong.

Vers. 8. If wee say that wee have no sin, wee deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us.

Note 3. Is negative. Hee that is a true Beleever is not so just in his own eies, that hee denies that hee cannot sin, either in word, or deed, or that hee hath not sinned after Justification, or that hee (as if hee could not want the daily intercession of Christ, and the daily applying of his merit for the delivering of his conscience from new guilt) is not touched with the sense of sin▪ so that hee must forthwith flye unto Christ as his Redeemer. For whosoever either in word or deed doth really so deny that hee hath sin in him for the present, deceives himself, and is an hypocrite, in whom there is no sincerity.

Vers. 9. If we confess our sins, hee is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Note 4. Hee that is a true Beleever, is so affected with the sense of his sins, that hee acknowledgeth them before God, and doth confess from his soul that hee deserves eternal death, and that his guilt can no otherwise be expiated, but by the merit of the blood of the Son of God, and that hee cannot be sanctified, but by the divine virtue of the Spirit of Christ, or be free from the pollution of sin.

Faithful] The Apostle promiseth to him that doth so confess his sins, that upon the faithfulness and righteousness of God, hee shall be absolved, and purged from the guilt of sin, or sanctified from the stain of it: For God is faithful, who hath promised these things, and God is just, who hath taken satisfaction from Christ the Surety, hee doth not exact the debt from him, for whom Christ hath satisfied; but on the other side, hee bestowes all the good things upon him that beleeves, which Christ hath purchased for his salvation.

Vers. 10. If wee say that wee have not sinned, wee make him a lyar, and his word is not in us.

Note 5. Is negative. Hee that is a true Beleever, doth neither deny, nor extenuate his sins past, as if either with that Pharisee hee had performed all the commands of God from his youth; or as if there was no original sin, or as if it was not at all worthy of death: Neither is hee impenitent, as if the sins which hee had committed were light and venial, which need not the expiation of the blood of Christ, or as if there were not so much corruption in his nature, but that by his free will hee might confide in his own strength, to dispose himself for grace, and p. 308merit it, or at leastwise bee able to obtain it. For hee that either so, or by any other means, directly or indirectly denies that hee hath not sinned, and consequently denies that hee is not, nor hath not been so guilty of death, that hee needed such an expiation as the death of the Son of God is, hee is a blasphemer against God (accusing him of a lye, who hath in his word condemned all as sinners, and guilty of death, and hath affirmed that there is no remission of sins, but by the blood of his Son) neither is the Word of God received by Faith at any time in his heart, i. e. neither hath hee beleeved the Doctrine of the Law, not yet of the Gospel.

CHAP. II.

THe rest of the whole Epistle enforceth the use of the former Doctrine, to which end five Exhortations are propounded. The first to vers. 9. The second to vers. 15. The third to vers. 18. The fourth to vers. 29. The fifth to verse the last.

Vers. 1. My little Children, these things write I unto you, that yee sin not. And if any man sin▪ wee have an Advocate with the Father, Iesus Christ the righteous:

The first Exhortation is to the following after holiness, that they sin not; The Reasons of the Exhortation (besides a friendly compellation) are eleven.

Reas. 1. Because this is the end and use of the Doctrine of the Gospel, and the Apostles writing. These things write I unto you, that yee sin not, saith hee: Therefore follow yee holiness.

And if] Reas. 2. If yee follow after holiness, the sins which perhaps yee shall fall into, shall bee taken away through the intercession of Christ Jesus our Advocate and Lord: Therefore endeavour after holiness. When hee names one Advocate, hee excludes all others, for otherwise Christ was not simply our Advocate, but one of our Advocates.

The Righteous] Reas. 3. Confirming the former; Christ our Advocate is righteous, i. e. not onelyonly meet to intercede for sinners by reason of the Righteousness of his person, but also righteous in his office, who requires nothing of the Father in our behalf, but what is justly due to him interceding for us, from the covenant and merit of his death. Also hee is Righteous, that hee might cover us with his imputed Righteousness. And lastly, hee is righteous, who upon the Covenant of Redemption promotes us in the following after Righteousness, and raises us up again, when wee fall, and at length perfectly makes us righteous or holy: Therefore beleevers ought both to endeavour after holiness, and if at any time they fall into sin, to hope for the virtue of Christs intercession.

Vers. 2. And hee is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours onelyonly, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Reas. 4. Confirming the second reason. The death and expiatory Sacrifice of Christ, was offered, not onelyonly for us, viz. elected out of the Jews, and converted to the Faith of Christ, but also for the sins of all the elect, or redeemed in the world: Therefore yee ought to beware of the evil of sin, which cannot bee expiated, unless by the death of Christ, but if yee sin, yee may confidently expect the virtue both of the rich expiation, and intercession of Christ.

Vers. 3. And hereby wee know that wee know him, if wee keep his commandements.

Reas. 5. By endeavouring sincerely to keep the commandements of God, as by a sure sign yee may know the truth of your Faith, or that yee truly beleeve in God, and love him sincerely: Therefore follow yee after holiness, or sin not.

Vers. 4. Hee that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandements, is a lyer, and the truth is not in him.

Reas. 6. Hee that professes that hee knows God, i. e. that hee beleeves in him, and loves him, and doth not follow after holiness (for according to the stile of the Gospel, to endeavour sincerely after holiness, is to keep the commandements) is an hypocrite, in whom there is no sincerity, or truth of Faith: Therefore endeavour after holiness.

Vers. 5. But who so keepeth his word, in him, verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know wee that wee are in him.

Reas. 7. Hee that endeavours after holiness, proves the sincerity of his love towards God, which love is perfected or manifested to bee sincere from an endeavour of keeping the word of God, and obeying it: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after holiness.

Hereby) Reas. 8. Hee that endeavours after holiness, or not to sin, or to keep the word of God, hath an evidence of his communion with God, and knows that hee dwells in Christ by Faith: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 6. Hee that saith hee abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as hee walked.

Reas. 9. Confirming the former, whosoever professes that hee hath communion with Christ, ought to endeavour after holiness, or to imitate Christ in his life and conversation: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after holiness.

Vers. 7. Brethren, I write no new commandement unto you, but an old commandement, which yee had from the beginning, the old commandement is the word which yee have heard from the beginning.

Reas. 10. I require no new duty from you, when I urge you to follow after holiness, or the observance of Gods commandements, but I repeat an old commandement, which yee have not onelyonly heard from the beginning, from Christ and his Ministers, but yee have had it also commended to you out of the Law and Prophets: Therefore endeavour after holiness.

Vers. 8. Again, a new Commandement I write unto you, which thing is true in him, and in you, because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

Reas. 11. This Commandement is not old in the oldness of the letter, as in times past it was, so long as you lived irregenerate under the Covenant of works, when the Law did command, and conferred no strength to perform, but it is now in the newness of Spirit: To the performing whereof Christ will administer new grace to you: Therefore yee ought to follow after holiness.

Which] What the New Covenant is, hee expounds in the next words, affirming that the command is new, both in respect of Christ, who quickens the Commandement, and in respect of themselves, who were now by regeneration made new Creatures, i. e. to whom grace was administred, and was furthermore to bee administred to obedience.

Because the darkness] The reason is given to this sense, Because yee are not under the Law, but under Grace; yee are not in a state of irregeneration, but are renewed. For the darkness of the Legal Covenant, and the state of irregeneration, are passed away, and now Christ, who brings life and grace with him, and is the true light, is risen as the Sun of Righteousness, upon you that beleeve, and hath both communicated the light, and also the heat of life to you: Therefore the commandement is new to you, that yee ought to bee encouraged to follow after holiness with more alacrity.

Vers. 9. Hee that saith hee is in the light, and hateth his Brother, is in darkness, even until now.

The second Exhortation drawing the former to the love of the Brethren: The Arguments of the Exhortation are ten; besides those two which are next recited, and may also bee referred hither.

Argum. 1. Whosoever professeth himself to bee in the light, or regenerate, and hateth his Brother, hee lies yet unregenerated in the darkness of ignorance p. 309and sin: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after brotherly love.

Vers. 10. Hee that loveth his Brother, abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

Argum. 2. He that loves his Brother, remains in the light, and perseveres in the way of truth, in part possessing the lot and condition of the Saints: Therefore yee ought to follow after, &c.

And none occasion of stumbling] Argum. 3. Hee that loveth his Brother, doth neither stumble himself in the way of holiness (alwaies seeing whither hee goes, viz. to God by Faith in the way of obedience) nor is hee an occasion of stumbling to others, whereby they may either be drawn into sin, or hardened in it: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after brotherly love.

Vers. 11. But hee that hateth his Brother, is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither hee goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Argum. 4. Hee that hateth his Brother, hee wholly lyes and perseveres in sin, and swarving from the right way, which leads to salvation, hee is carried to a precepice, not knowing whither hee goes, because his mind is darkened with sin: Therefore yee must follow after brotherly love.

Vers. 12. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his names sake.

Argum. 5. O faithful Children, both Gods and mine, your sins are freely forgiven you, for Christs name sake, i. e. for the merit of Christ which is preached to you, and is through Faith apprehended by you: Therefore this Exhortation which I have written, being to holiness, and brotherly love, yee are bound to obey it.

Vers. 13. I write unto you, Fathers, because yee have known him that is from the beginning; I write unto you young men, because yee have overcome the wicked one: I write unto you little children, because yee have known the Father.

Argum. 6. From the faithful of every age and order without exception is required the following after holiness and brotherly love: by name from the Fathers, who are therefore bound to obey, because yee are admitted to the knowledge of the antient of daies, or the eternal Son of God, knowledge of whom hath made you more blessed, than all that knowledge of things you have gained from the use and experience of many years: Therefore yee ought to follow after, &c.

Young men] Argum. 7. Because as all, so young men are bound to obey, because victory is granted to them against the Devil, in Christ, in whom also strength is administred for their daily conquering, which victory exceeds all warlike praises.

Little Children] Argum. 8. Because as all, so are the faithful little children bound to obey these Exhortations, because, although they are not so skilful in worldly matters, God hath manifested himself to them, a Father in Christ, and hath given them to acknowledge God, their Father: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 14. I have written unto you, Fathers, because yee have known him, that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because yee are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and yee have overcome the wicked one.

Father] Argum. 9. Inforcing the sixth Argument, Because, as all, so in the first place; The faithful Fathers are bound to obey the Exhortation, because it is given to them rather than to others, to know the Eternal Son of God, which benefit ought again and again to come into their consideration.

Young men] Argum. 10. Reinforcing the seventh Argument, because as all, so also the faithful young men … to obey the Exhortation, seeing that God in Christ hath first of all indued them from above with spiritual strength, which is far more excellent than natural; Secondly, And hath put his word into their minds by the Spirit, that by Faith it might alwaies abide in them: Thirdly, And hath also given them, that through Christ they may overcome the Devil, also these Arguments make much to the following Exhortation.

Vers. 15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Exhort. 3. To beware of the love of the world, and of those things that are in it. By world hee understands the condition of unregenerate men, wherein they please themselves, and think themselves happy. By those things which are in the world, hee understands the enticements or the good things thereof, wherewith unregenerate men are taken, such are pleasures, riches, honours. To love, is to prize, to affect. The Arguments of the Exhortation are four.

If any man] Argum. 1. The love of the world bindes the heart to worldly things, and excludes the love of God, or of the Father, for the heart cannot bee carried out to contrary desires, or serve contrary Masters: Therefore have a care yee love not the world.

Vers. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Argum. 2. Confirming the former, The studies of worldly men, whereunto men are carried with a full carreere, are such as the lust of the flesh, or sensual pleasures, of gluttony, or uncleanness; The lust of the eyes, or covetousness inordinately affecting matters of profit, and the pride of life, or an excessive desire of honours; Those desires (saith hee) are not of God, but from the corruptions of unregenerate men: Therefore have a care▪ &c.

Vers. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but hee that doth the will of God abideth for ever.

Argum. 3. The condition of worldly men, and those things which seem to bee pleasant in this condition, are various, and will by and by pass away: Therefore they are not to bee loved.

But hee] Argum. 4. Hee that renounces his perverse will, and the will of wicked men, and endeavours to do the will of God, shall live for ever: Therefore yee ought to beware of the love of the world. And these Arguments conduce much to those things that follow.

Vers. 18. Little children, it is the last time: and as yee have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists, whereby wee know that it is the last time.

Exhort. 4. That they beware of seducers, and do not depart from the true Faith, but that they continue constant in the Faith and Obedience of the Truth.

Little Children] The Reasons of the Exhortation are fifteen.

Reas. 1. That as little children, yee have need to take heed: Therefore yee are bound to beware.

Time] Reas. 2. Now it is the time wherein there is danger, by reason of seducers, viz. it is the last hour, and the last time of the world, wherein the Devil chiefly rages, knowing that his time is short, and wherein all ought both to watch and prepare themselves for the judgement which will come at the second coming of Christ: Therefore, &c.

And as] Reas. 3. Confirming the former, according to the premonition by the Apostles and Christ concerning that famous Antichrist which should come, many fore-running Antichrists have come already, who under the pretence of Teachers seduce men from Christ, and are the adversaries of Christ: Therefore it is the last time, wherein yee are in danger of seducers, of whom yee ought diligently to have a care.

Vers. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of p. 310us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might bee made manifest, that they were not all of us.

Reas. 4. Apostates departing from the external communion of those that are truly faithful, are not of the number of those that truly beleeve: Therefore yee ought to beware of Apostacy and Seducers.

For if they had been of us] Reas. 5. Confirming the former, they that are of the number of those that are truly faithful and elect, continue in the society of the true Church, and in the communion of the Apostolical doctrine: And so they declare themselves to bee true Beleevers: but those that fall away, they (so far as wee look upon the counsel of God) depart from the doctrine of the Apostles, for this end, that their hypocrisie might bee manifested, and that they might bee declared not to bee of the number of those that are truly Faithful: Therefore, if yee would bee esteemed either by God or men, true Beleevers, or not of the number of hypocrites; yee ought to beware of Apostacy or seducers.

Vers. 20. But yee have an unction from the holy One, and yee know all things.

Reas. 6. Yee are furnished with necessary gifts, and the aid of the Holy Ghost, that yee might know all saving opinions, and so might shun the seduction of Apostates: Therefore yee ought to beware.

Vers. 21. I have not written unto you, because yee know not the Truth: but because you know it, and that no lie is of the Truth.

Reas. 7. Answering an objection, I do not accuse you of ignorance by admonishing, or writing to you, but therefore I exhort you to constancy, that I may know that you have known the Truth, and are delighted in it: Therefore yee ought to hearken to my exhortation.

And that no lie] Reas. 8. Yee being admonished of the Truth, may easily discern a lie, which viz. being examined by the rule of Truth, doth in no wise agree with it: Therefore yee ought to hearken to my exhortation, for this end, that yee may examine and reject that which is false.

Vers. 22. Who is a lyer, but hee that denieth that Iesus is the Christ, hee is Antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son.

Reas. 9. Those that seduce men from the true Doctrine of the Gospel are the greatest lyers amongst men (as the interrogation intimates) because they in some way or other deny Jesus to be the Christ, for they do not acknowledge such a Christ, as the Father offers to us in the Gospel: For they openly or secretly invade either his person, or his natures, or the proprieties of his natures, or his offices, or his virtue, or his efficacy, or grace, or truth, or his glory: Therefore yee ought to beware of seducers.

Hee is] Reas. 10. All seducers, who draw hearers from Christ in any one Article, are Antichrists, both denying the Father and the Son; and so overthrowing the true Religion, and the foundations of Religion with their lies, because there is no true God out of Christ: For in him dwells all the fulness of the God-head: Therefore yee ought to beware of seducers.

Vers. 23. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father.

Hee confirms this reason, from the inseparableness of the Father from the Son, that no man can have the Father for his God, who any way denies the Son, because God hath given himself to bee enjoyed wholly by us in Christ, and hee is sought for in vain elsewhere, or by any other way, than wherein hee hath manifested himself to us in Christ, who, as the image of the Father represents and offers to us whatsoever is necessary or profitable to bee known of the Father to salvation; and on the other side, whosoever give due honour to Christ, as to the Son of God, acknowledging him, such as hee hath manifested himself in the Scriptures, doth also acknowledge the Father, and esteem him for their God.

Vers. 14. Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning, if that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, yee also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

Reas. 11. The truly antient and onelyonly Truth of God alwaies constant to it self, is this, which I exhort you to hold, which viz. ye have heard from the beginning of the Gospel, not onelyonly preached Christ, but also promised, and declared by the Prophets in the Scriptures: Therefore yee ought to retain that Truth: and here hee openly brings forth what hee aimed at, or the Exhortation.

If it shall remain in you] Reas. 12. If yee have retained the Doctrine delivered to you by Christ, and his Apostles, according to the Scriptures; yee shall remain in the society and friendship of God, the Son, and the Father: Therefore yee ought to beware of seducers.

Vers. 25. And this is the promise that hee hath promised us, eternal life.

26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

Reas. 13. God upon this condition hath promised us life eternal, if wee retain stedfastly the Doctrine of Christ: Therefore yee ought stedfastly to continue in the Faith and obedience of Christs Doctrine, and beware of seducers, who do their indeavour to withdraw you from the Truth: And here again the Apostle professes openly his aim in these Arguments.

Vers. 27. But the anointing which yee have received of him, abideth in you: and yee need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lye, and even as it hath taught you, yee shall abide in him.

Reas. 14. That yee may bee kept from seducers, yee are fortified with manifold defences: For first, as for external doctrine, yee have received from Christ an unction, or the holy Spirit, who inwardly teacheth you, and confirm… you in the Truth of the Doctrine of Christ, every one in his measure. Secondly, That Spirit remains in you, who are faithful, and is not taken away from beleevers. Thirdly, Yee have no need of any man, that may teach you any thing besides that which the Spirit of Christ hath taught in the Scripture, and hath confirmed in your hearts, yee have onelyonly need of Exhortation, that yee abide in Christ, as the Spirit or Unction speaking in the Scriptures, and that which is in the Scriptures, confirming in your hearts, and further instructing you out of the Scriptures, doth teach you in all things necessary to salvation: which Spirit is Truth, i. e. the very truth of the Scripture, Which is truth, A confirmation, and not a lye, but a refuter, and hater of lyes: Therefore yee ought stedfastly to abide in Christ (as the Spirit according to the truth of Scripture hath taught you) and to beware of seducers.

Vers. 28. And now, Little Children, abide in him, that when hee shall appear, wee may have confidence, and not bee ashamed before him at his coming.

Reas. 15. Whosoever they bee that do not persevere in the Faith of Christ, neither abide in communion with him; furthermore, whatsoever they are in the esteem of men, they shall with shame depart from the judgement fear of Christ. But on the contrary, those that persevere in the Faith, shall confidently stand before him: Therefore yee ought stedfastly to abide in the Faith of Christ, and beware of seducers.

Vers. 29. If yee know that hee is righteous, yee know that every one that doth righteousness is born of him.

Exhort. 5. Which hee will prosecute in the former part of the following Chapter, viz. that they endeavour after Righteousness, or that they follow after holiness. The Arguments of the Exhortation are fifteen.

Argum. 1. Confirmed from the testimony of their conscience: Hee that endeavours after Righteousness, is born of God (who is righteous) and hath the testimony p. 311of his Adoption and Regeneration: Therefore endeavour after Righteousness.

CHAP. III.

THe parts of the Chapter are two: In the first hee prosecutes the remaining Arguments of the Exhortation, to vers. 11. In the second hee adjoyns another Exhortation to the love of the Brethren, to the end.

Vers. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that wee should bee called the Sons of God: Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Argum. 2. God hath out of his meer and free love adorned you that beleeve, with the honour of Adoption amongst his Sons: Therefore yee are bound to requite your Father with following after Righteousness.

Knew not] Argum. 3. By answering an Objection. That the worlds not acknowledging you for the Sons of God, should bee no hinderance to you in the following after Righteousness, seeing that this contempt is common to you, with God your Father, whom also the world contemns, but it ought rather to stir you up, to union and conformity with God in the following after Righteousness: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 2. Beloved, now are wee the Sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what wee shall bee: but wee know, that when hee shall appear, wee shall bee like him: For wee shall see him as hee is.

Argum. 4. By preventing another Objection, That your glory doth not as yet appear, ought not to bee any hinderance to you in the following after Righteousness, it is enough, that wee know, that the right of the Sons of God is already given to us, and that wee shall come into the possession, when Christ shall bee manifested, and wee shall bee like him in glory and happiness, and wee shall enjoy the beatifical vision of him for ever: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after Righteousness

Vers. 3. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as hee is pure.

Argum. 5. Whosoever hath a lively hope of conformity with Christ in glory, purifies himself, that hee may be made conformable unto Christ in this life, in his endeavours after purity and righteousness: Therefore yee ought to follow after righteousness.

Vers. 4. Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the Law: for sin is the transgression of the Law.

Argum. 6. Whosoever doth not follow after Righteousness, but gives himself to sin, hee also transgresseth the Law, because sin is nothing else but the transgression of the Law, which if any one doth, hee proclaims war with God: Therefore yee ought …o follow after Righteousness.

Vers. 5. And yee know that hee was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Argum. 7. For this end Christ was manifested, that hee might purge and take away the guilt of sin from his (which hee confirms from this, that Christ had no sin in himself for which hee could satisfie) whence it comes to pass, that hee which gives himself to sin, in that hee sets himself contrary to Christ, and doth vilifie the price of Redemption: Therefore, unless yee would appear contrary to Christ, yee ought to follow after Righteousness.

Vers. 6. Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not: whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, neither known him.

Argum. 8. It is the property of every Beleever, or every one that abideth in Christ, not to follow after sin, but to endeavour after Righteousness: Therefore yee ought to follow after Righteousness.

Whosoever] Argum. 9. Whosoever either applies himself to, or indulges any sin, pretends falsely to the Faith, or knowledge of Christ, which cannot bee without indeavours after newness of l…fe: Therefore yee ought to follow after Righteousness.

Vers. 7. Little Children, Let no man deceive you: hee that doth Righteousness, is righteous, even as hee is righteous.

Argum. 10. Whosoever doth not so follow after Righteousness, that in his works and actions hee …estifies his endeavours after newness of life deceives himself, or suffers himself to bee deceived. For men perswade themselves in vain, that they have Righteousness in their hearts, whilst open iniquity possesses their feet, hands, tongue, and eyes: Therefore yee ought to follow after Righteousness.

Hee that doth] Hee confirms this Argument, by describing him that is righteous, or justified by Faith, from his inseparable propriety, viz. his practise of Righteousness, and conformity with God, which the justified person indeavours after, that hee may manifest his Righteousness by his works: No man is justified, who doth not endeavour to bee conformable to the righteous God, or doth not paractise Righteousness in work: Therefore whosoever thinks otherwise, deceives himself.

Vers. 8. Hee that committeth sin, is of the Devil: For the Devil sinneth from the beginning: for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that hee might destroy the works of the Devil.

Argum. 11. Whosoever gives up himself to sin, is a childe of the Devil, in his practises resembling his Father: Hee confirms this from the antiquity of the Devil in sinning, who sinned presently after the creation, and from that time hath been the author of sinning to men: Therefore follow after Righteousness, unless you would bee accounted the children of the Devil.

For this] Argum. 12. For this end Christ is manifested, that hee might destroy the works of the Devil, i. e. destroy the dominion of sin in his, and abolish the indwelling of sin by degrees through sanctification. From hence it comes to pass, that hee who gives himself to sin, builds up that which Christ was manifested to destroy: Therefore yee ought to follow after, &c.

Vers. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and hee cannot sin, because hee is born of God.

Argum. 13. Although hee that is regenerate may bee overtaken by sin, yet hee cannot give up himself to sin, because of the nature of Regeneration, or because of the seed of God remaining in him (that is, because Gods Word, and the Spirit, or lively Grace of God in Regeneration, is communicated in the number of those gifts, of which God doth not repent) by virtue whereof the regenerate is continually withdrawn from sin, and is carried on to follow after Righteousness; neither can hee sin, or indulge himself in sin: Therefore yee ought to follow after Righteousness, if you would prove your selves born of God.

Hee cannot] Argum. 14. Hee that is regenerate cannot sin, because hee is born of God, who will not forsake him, that is born of him, but so governs and moves the heart of him that is born of him, that hee stedfastly wars against sin, following the guidance of the Spirit: Therefore ought yee to follow after Righteousness, if you will prove your selves born of God.

Vers. 10. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the Devil: whosoever doth not Righteousness, is not of God, neither hee that loveth not his Brother.

Argum. 14. In this the regenerate and the unregenerate, the Sons of God, and the Sons of the Devil, differ, that those who are of God, follow after Righteousness; but those, who do not follow after Righteousness, and namely, the love of the Brethren, are not of God, but of the Devil: Therefore yee ought to follow after Righteousness, and especially brotherly love.

p. 312The Second Part.

Vers. 11. For this is the message which yee heard from the beginning, that wee should love one another.

From hence hee proceeds to the other Exhortation, viz. the love of Brethren. The Arguments of the Exhortation are fifteen.

Argum. 1. The Precept concerning the love of the Brethren is given to you by Christ, from the beginning of your calling: Therefore love your brethren.

Vers. 12. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his Brother: and wherefore slew hee him? Because his own works were evil, and his Brothers righteous.

Argum. 2. The faithful ought to bee unlike to Cain, the Son of the Devil, and murtherer of his Brother: Therefore, &c.

Wherefore] Argum. 3. Confirming and illustrating the former; those that do not love their brethren, but hate them, shall bee found to hate the Grace of God in them; and in this to bee like Cain, who out of envy persecuted with hatred the Image of God in his Brother: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after brotherly love.

Vers. 13. Marvail not my Brethren, if the world hate you.

Argum. 4. By preventing and retorting an Objection. That charity amongst Brethren ought by no means to wax cold, because they see themselves hated by the world, but on the contrary, they ought so much the more vehemently to love one another: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 14. Wee know that wee have passed from death unto life, because wee love the Brethren: Hee that loveth not his Brother, abideth in death.

Argum. 5. W…e are more assured by our love of the Brethren, or the love of the Image of God in them, as by a certain sign, that wee our selves are regenerated and translated from death to life.

Hee that doth not] Argum. 6. Hee that loveth not his Brother, remaineth unregenerate, in the state of sin and death: Therefore that yee may prove your selves regenerate, love your Brethren.

Vers. 15. Whosoever hateth his Brother, is a Murtherer, and yee know that no Murtherer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Argum. 7. Confirming the former; Hee that doth not love his Brother, hates him, and therefore hee is a murtherer, and consequently hee hath neither the beginnings of eternal life in himself, neither right to eternal life, but remains obnoxious to eternal death: Therefore yee ought to love the Brethren, unless yee will bee accounted such.

Vers. 16. Hereby perceive wee the love of God, because hee laid down his life for us, and wee ought to lay down our lives for the Brethren.

Argum. 8. Christ exceedingly loved us, when hee laid down his own life for us: Therefore wee imitating his example, ought to love one another.

Wee] Argum. 9. Wee owe this gratitude to Christ, who hath laid down his life for us, and our Brethren, that wee bee ready to pour out our lives for the good of the Church, or our Brethren: Therefore so much the rather ought wee sincerely to affect them, and perform the inferiour duties of love towards them.

Vers. 17. But whose hath this worlds good, and seeth his Brother hath need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Argum. 10. Confirming the former; They who do not so love their brethren, as to communicate of their substance to those that want, being moved to it out of bowels of mercy, are Hypocrites, and far from that love, which is ready to lay down its life for the brethren.

Vers. 18. My little children, Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed, and in truth.

Hence is inferred the Exhortation it self; that they testifie their mutual love in deed, and in truth, and not in words, and in tongue onelyonly.

Vers. 19. And hereby wee know that wee are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

Argum. 11. By love of the brethren, as by the fruit of sincere Faith, wee know that wee are sincere, or truly faithful, and born of God: Therefore wee ought to love the brethren.

Before him] Argum. 12. By love wee shall confirm our confidence with God, and shall from this effect of Faith help conscience in the conflict of Faith, to the giving of us a testimony of our absolution and justification by Faith: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

21. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have wee confidence towards God.

Hee confirms this Argument by comparing of a watchful and an evil conscience, in this verse, in the effects of condemnation; with a good conscience, in the following verse, in the effect of absolution: as when an evil conscience condemneth him, that is altogether void of brotherly love, the sentence of condemnation is ratified by God the supream and omniscient Judge, until they flye unto Christ; so on the other side, when a good conscience (which howsoever it accuse us of imperfection) doth not condemn us, as if wee were altogether destitute of this fruit of persevering in brotherly love, wee retain a confidence of going to God, as our Father in Christ: Therefore by following after brotherly love, wee shall assure our hearts before him, as it is, vers. 19.

Vers. 22. And whatsoever wee ask, wee receive of him, because wee keep his commandements, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Argum. 13. Conscience of brotherly love gives confidence of obtaining those good things, which wee ask of God according to his will; because wee can reason from our endeavour of keeping and doing Gods Commandements (which are pleasing to him) that wee are of the number of those that are true beleevers, who through Faith in Christ, are in favour with God, and whose prayers God doth not reject, as hee doth the prayers of Hypocrites, and wicked men: Therefore yee ought to follow after brotherly love.

Vers. 23. And this is his Commandement, that wee should beleeve on the name of his Son Iesus Christ, and love one another, as hee gave us commandement.

Argum. 14. Confirming the former, and answering an objection, Lest any man should abuse the things spoken before to defend the merits of works, or justification by works. The Commandement concerning brotherly love, is consequently included in the precept of saving Faith, which is to bee placed upon Christ. For when God commands Faith in Christ, which works by love, he also commands that wee should love one another: Therefore if any man have respect to the Precept concerning Faith in the Son of God, it is necessary also that hee have respect to the command touching mutual love, and that hee obey it: Therefore yee ought to follow after brotherly love.

Vers. 24. And hee that keepeth his Commandements dwelleth in him, and bee in him; and hereby wee know that hee abideth in us, by the spirit which hee hath given us.

Argum. 15. In whom there is an indeavour to obey the commands of God, and namely the precept touching Faith in Christ (which worketh efficaciously by brotherly love, hee hath communion with God, and knows that hee hath communion with him by the free presence of the Holy Ghost; which spiritual presence hee may know by its effects, viz. from a desire in him to obey Gods command, concerning lively Faith in Christ working by love: Therefore yee ought to follow after brotherly love.

p. 313CHAP. IV.

IN this Chapter the Apostle is wholly in establishing their Faith, and in stirring up their love towards the brethren. The Chapter contains two parts: In the first he exhorts to try the spirits, that they may beware of Impostors, to vers. 7. In the other hee again provokes them to brotherly love, to the end.

Vers. 1. Beloved, beleeve not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false Prophets are gone out into the world.

The occasion of mentioning the Spirit of God, in the last verse of the former Chapter, hee exhorts them to beleeve no spirit or doctrine coming from any spirit, before they have examined and proved whether it bee of God. The Arguments of the Exhortation are six.

Argum. 1. Many false Prophets or Hereticks are risen, and are now gone out openly into the world: Therefore yee ought not to beleeve any doctrine, unless it bee first examined.

Vers. 2. Hereby know yee the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesseth that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God.

Argum. 2. Yee have a rule ready, whereby, as by a touchstone, yee may examine every spirit, or the doctrine of any spirit, whether it bee of God. This is the first part of the Rule, whatsoever spirit doth seriously and truly confess the person of Christ, according to the divinity wherein it did exist from eternity, and according to the humanity, which hee truly assumed in his incarnation; and doth also seriously acknowledge him to be the Christ, according to all his offices, and attributeth to him alone the whole glory of a perfect Saviour, this spirit, or this doctrine is of God.

Vers. 3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Iesus is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of Antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world.

This other part of the Rule is negative, Whatsoever spirit, or whatsoever doctrine doth not really and firmly confess Jesus Christ after that manner, viz. as is above-said, but doth diminish any thing from his person, or from his offices, or his virtue, or efficacy, for the beginning, or most fully perfecting salvation for us; hee is not of God; but it is the spirit of Antichrist, which spirit is now already in the world, although it hath not as yet so prevailed, that it can erect a Throne to it self, openly in the Church: Therefore seeing yee have this Rule, yee ought not to admit any doctrine, unless it bee examined.

Vers. 4. Yee are of God, little Children, and have overcome them: because greater is hee that is in you, than hee that is in the world.

Argum. 3. Your victory, as touching seducers, is as certainly ready, as if it was already gained: Therefore tryal being made, yee need not fear to contend with them.

Of God] Hee confirms this Argument by three Reasons from God.

Reas. 1. Yee are elected and regenerated by God: Therefore yee shall certainly overcome seducers.

In you] Reas. 2. Yee have the Spirit of God dwelling in you, whereby yee may discern, and beware of impostors: Therefore yee shall certainly overcome them.

Greater] Reas. 3. The Spirit of God dwelling in you is more powerful than the Devil, that spirit, the seducer that is in the world, or in wicked deceivers: Therefore yee shall certainly overcome them.

Vers. 5. They are of the world, therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

Argum. 4. By answering an objection, yee ought not to bee troubled, that the lying world hearkens to the lyes of seducers; for those seducers are of the world, and teach lyes, which are pleasing to the world, but on the contrary, yee ought the more diligently to beware of, and shun seducers, by how much the more the world is addicted to them: Therefore yee ought to try the spirits, whether they bee of God, and not admit any doctrine without examination.

Vers. 6. Wee are of God: hee that knoweth God, heareth us, hee that is not of God, heareth not us: hereby know wee the Spirit of Truth, and the spirit of errour.

Argum. 5. By preventing an objection, Seeing that wee Apostles and sincere teachers have our doctrine and effectual calling from God, both to the Faith of Christ, and to the preaching of Faith; it is sufficient that Gods elect, or those that are taught by him should hear our doctrine, although perhaps the number of them may bee but small: Therefore hear us, and tryal being made, reject the spirit of errour.

Hee that is not of God] Argum. 6. It is the property of a man not renewed, who hath not as yet any communion with God, not to adhere to our Apostolical doctrine, but to beleeve seducers. And this is the sign, whereby any one may be discerned, whether hee bee lead by the spirit of errour, or of truth; For hee that hath not hearkened to the doctrine of the Apostles, is lead by a spirit of errour, but if hee shun errours, and hath constantly adhered to the Apostles doctrine, hee is lead by the spirit of truth: Therefore yee ought to prove and discern the Spirits, that yee may beware of seducers.

The Second Part.

Vers. 7. Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God: and every one that loveth, is born of God▪ and knoweth God,

The other part of the Chapter follows, wherein hee exhorts to brotherly love. The Arguments of the Exhortation are twenty.

Argum. 1. Love towards the brethren is from God, viz. as a special gift which is given onelyonly to the elect: Therefore ought yee to endeavour after it.

Everyone] Argum. 2. Confirming the former; Hee that is indued with love towards brethren, as brethren, is of the number of the regenerate: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after love.

Knoweth] Argum. 3. Hee that exercises love, knoweth God, i. e. believes in him, and loves him: Therefore yee ought to love the brethren.

Vers. 8. Hee that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is Love.

Argum. 4. Hee that is altogether without love towards the brethren, doth neither beleeve God, nor love him. The reason of this is, because God is love; All love as to his essence, altogether lovely in himself, and in his Image every way altogether loving us, and the author or efficient of all love in all his children: so hee that is void of love, cannot know God: Therefore yee ought to endeavour after love.

Vers. 9. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his onelyonly begotten Son into the world; that wee might live through him.

Argum. 5. Confirming the preceding Reason, God hath so loved us, who are now his people, that hee hath sent his onelyonly begotten Son, that wee being freed from death by his sufferings, might obtain eternal life: Therefore wee ought to love his adopted Sons, or our Brethren.

Vers. 10. Herein is love, not that wee loved God, but that hee loved us, and sent his Son to bee the propitiation for our sins.

11. Beloved, if God so loved us, wee ought also to love one another.

Argum. 6. Confirming and illustrating the former, God hath freely loved us, unworthy, and undeserving, and also enemies, who have not onelyonly not merited his love, but p. 314have, no, not first desired it, but God hath first loved us, and that most exceedingly, by sending his Son, who offered up himself a sacrifice for the expiating of our sins, and for the obtaining all the gifts, which are necessary for the preparing of us to the possession of eternal life. From whence it follows, that wee ought to exercise brotherly love one towards another. Vers. 11.

Vers. 12. No man hath seen God at any time, if wee love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Argum. 7. Although God is invisible, who could never with corporeal senses bee seen of any in his essence, yet if wee love one another, wee have communion with him, and hee dwells in us: Therefore wee ought to follow after love.

Perfected] Argum. 8. From our love of Brethren, our love is perfected towards God, or demonstrated to bee sincere; such God accepts and approves: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 13. Hereby know wee that wee dwell in him, and hee in us, because hee hath given us of his Spirit.

Argum. 9. Wee have not onelyonly communion with God, but wee are also brought to a certain knowledge and perswasion, as touching our communion with God, and mutual inhabitation, from this, that God hath given his Spirit, or the spirit of love to us, from which spirit hee himself cannot bee separated: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 14. And wee have seen, and do testifie, that the Father sent the Son to bee the Saviour of the world.

Argum. 10. From the experience of the Apostles, to this sense; Although no man hath seen God at any time, yet wee Apostles have seen the effect of the greatest love in him, viz. that the Father hath sent his Son to bee the Saviour of the world, or all his elect children, dispersed throughout the whole world, neither can wee conceal from men so much good, but out of the love which is in us towards the elect Brethren, wee testifie boldly concerning that love of God towards men: Therefore all the faithful ought to do the same, every one according to his measure.

Vers. 15. Whosoever shall confess that Iesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and hee in God.

Argum. 11. Inferred from the former, and confirming it; because, not onelyonly the Apostles, but also whoever hee bee, who out of love to God, and the Brethren, shall confess both in word and deed, the excellency and virtue of Jesus Christ the Son of God, as wee do; hee hath communion with God, as well as wee: Therefore yee ought to follow after brotherly love.

Vers. 16 And wee have known and beleeved the love that God hath to us; God is love, and hee that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Argum. 12. Also from the experience of the Apostles, to this sense; We Apostles, being perswaded by experience and faith, as touching Gods love to us, are constrained both to bear him witness (that hee is love it self, both in himself, and towards others) and to love him and his children: Therefore all the faithful, who beleeve, and have experienced the same, ought to do likewise.

God is love] Argum. 13. Seeing that God is love it self, whosoever constantly abides in the Faith of divine love towards him, and in the endeavour both of exercising love towards God and the Brethren, hath constant communion with God, and God with him: Therefore that this communion may remain firm, yee ought to follow after brotherly love.

Ve…s. 17. Herein is our love made perfect, that wee may have boldness in the day of judgement, because as hee is, so are wee in this world.

Argum. 14. Both that love of God towards us, which is to bee beleeved, and that love of God which is to bee exercised towards God and the Brethren, is known to bee perfect and sincere, and is urged to bee fulfilled by us, for this end, that wee may stand without fear before God in the day of judgement: and as now thinking of that day, wee may have boldness, as if wee were now standing at Gods tribunal: Therefore wee ought to follow aft…r brotherly love.

As hee] Argum. 15. Giving a reason of the former; from the love of God found in us, wee firmly gather, that wee in this life are beloved of God, and are made conformable to God in this world, who is love: And therefore wee may bee perswaded, as by a certain sign, that wee are of the number of those, to whom there is no condemnation in the life to come: Therefore yee ought to follow after brotherly love.

Vers. 18. There is no fear in love, but perfect love ca…eth out fear, because fear hath torment; hee that feareth, is not made perfect in love.

Argum. 16. Confirming the former. The love of God apprehended by faith, and kindling love in us towards God and the Brethren, doth so confirm us in a sure belief touching our salvation, that wee do not fear wrath and judgement: and by how much the perswasion of Gods love towards us doth the more ardently excite in us the endeavour of loving God and our neighbour; so much the more strongly the fear of condemnation is cast out, at leastwise that which is joyned with torment.

Feareth] Argum. 17. As a conclusion deducted from the former Argument; whosoever is tormented with the fear of condemnation, is not strongly enough confirmed in the belief of Gods love, and the exercise of love towards God and the brethren, but wan… further en…rease, and exhortations, that hee may proceed in love to a fuller certainty: Therefore all that perceive in themselves this imperfection, ought to endeavour after the love of the Brethren, from …he perswasion of Gods love towards them.

Vers. 19. Wee love him, because hee first loved us.

Argum. 18. The love whereby wee love God, is not the cause of the love whereby God loves us, but an after effect: Therefore let us endeavour from the perswasion of Gods love towards us, more and more to love God, and by how much the more vehemently wee endeavour to love God in himself, and offering himself in his children to bee loved by us, wee shall bee so much the more confirmed of his love towards us: Therefore yee ought to follow after love.

Vers. 20. If any man say, I love God, and …teth his Brother, hee is a lyer. For hee that loveth not his Brother whom hee hath seen, how can hee love God whom hee hath not seen?

Argum. 19. The boasting of love towards God is vain, where there is not love to the Brethren, because Gods grace doth not work the love of God, without love of the Brethren: Therefore, &c.

For hee] Hee confirms this Argument by this Reason; Because wee are more moved to love by sight, than by hearing: hee that loveth not his Brother whom hee hath seen, and the Image of God in him, hee cannot love God, whom hee hath not seen: Therefore the boasting of love towards God is vain, where love of the Brethren is wanting.

Vers. 21. And this commandement have wee from him, that hee who loveth God, loveth his brother also.

Argum. 20. The same authority of God hath conjoyned the command of both, requiring of all that love God, that they love their Brethren also: Therefore yee ought to love the Brethren.

CHAP. V.

THe principal scope of the whole Epistle, and especially of this Chapter, is propounded, vers. 13. viz. that those who beleeve in Christ, may know that they have eternal life, and that knowing they have life, they may more and more believe in Christ. Of the Chapter p. 315there bee two parts: In the first hee describes the marks of those that are true beleevers, or born again, who have right to eternal life, with an inchoate possession thereof, to vers. 6. In the second hee propounds the Arguments to move us to beleeve in Christ.

Vers. 1. Whosoever beleeveth that Iesus is the Christ, is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him.

The marks of those that are true beleevers, or born again, and live sincerely, are six.

Note 1. Hee that is truly faithful, or begotten of God, beleeves seriously that Jesus is the promised Christ, viz. the Redeemer of the world; for whosoever solidly receives this truth, and applies it to himself, acknowledges it in his heart (as the Scripture requires) is born of God.

And every one] Note 2. Hee so loves God, that hee loves the Brethren, or those that are begotten of him.

Vers. 2. By this wee know that wee love the children of God, when wee love God, and keep his commandements.

Note 3. Those that are truly faithful, do so love the Brethren, that they also love God, and out of love to God, they endeavour to keep his commandements.

Vers. 3. For this is the love of God, that wee keep his Commandements, and his Commandements are not grievous.

Note 4. Explicating the former; They that are truly faithful, demonstrate the sincerity of their love, in endeavouring to observe Gods Commandements out of love to him, so that his commandements, how much soever they bee hard and unpleasant to the flesh, yet they are not grievous, but such as they desire most willingly to perform.

Vers. 4. For whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith.

Note 5. Giving the reason of the former; They that are truly faithful, or born again, do overcome the world, that is, they overcome whatsoever opposes it self to the Spirit of God, viz. deceits, inticements, and the terrours of the world, and all hinderances, which may draw them from obedience to Gods commandements; so that their conflicts bee daily, yet they do not yeeld, but are sure to triumph, as conquerors, as often as their enemies oppose them.

And this] Note 6. Explicating the former; They that are truly faithful, do not lean to their own strength in warring against the world, but on Christ by Faith, who hath overcome the world in their behalf, and doth administer strength to them for the overcoming the world, which is the most certain, excellent, and compleat way to conquer.

Vers. 5. Who is hee that overcometh the world, but hee that beleeveth that Iesus is the Son of God?

The reason of the victory got over the world by Faith, is, because it is impossible, that any one should overcome the world, unless it bee hee, that (despairing of himself) by Faith leans on the sole truth and strength of Jesus Christ, as of the omnipotent Son of God, who hath not onelyonly overcome the world for his, but doth also make all his conquerors.

The Second Part.

Vers. 6. This is …ee that came by water and blood, even Iesus Christ, not by water onelyonly, but by water and blood: and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the spirit is truth.

The other part of the Chapter follows, wherein hee proves that wee ought to beleeve in Christ, as in the Son of God. The Arguments are fourteen.

Argum. 1. Because Jesus Christ is hee, who when hee came, brought with him the solid substance of Legal Ceremonies, as to that which chiefly belongs to the abolishing of sin. For hee came with water, or with that holiness in himself, and virtue for the sanctifying his, which was signified by water, and washings, in the old Law, to be in the Messias that was to come, when he came. And hee came with blood, or with a full expiation of their sins, by the propitiatory Sacrifice of his blood offered on the Cross, for the taking away of the sins of his people.

Not by water] Hee confirms that, because Christ came not with one propriety of a Mediatour, which is the Sanctity of his Person, and virtue of sanctifying his, signified by water, or legal washings; but hee comes also with another propriety, which is expiation, and full reconciliation, signified by the sprinkling of blood, or by the slaying of beasts. The admirable symbole of which conjunction was the flowing of water and blood out of his side on the cross, as our Apostle hath diligently observed in his Gospel, Chap. 19.34. That wee may all know, that whom Christ justifies, hee also sanctifies; and on the contrary, those whom hee sanctifies, the same hee also justifies: Therefore yee ought to beleeve in Christ.

The Spirit] Argum. 2. The spirit witnesseth the same, i. e. the manifestation of the spirit in divers gifts poured forth upon Christs Disciples, witnesseth that Christ is the Son of God, and by its dictate makes this firm in the hearts of those that are faithful: Therefore yee ought to beleeve in Christ.

Truth] Hee confirms this Argument, that the Spirit in these operations is true, and far from all deceit, because it commends nothing to us besides the Word of God, or Truth it self.

Vers. 7. For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.

Arg. 3. Because as the three persons of the God-head, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost are one in essence, so they also consent together in witnessing to confirm this one thing, That Jesus Christ is the Son of God. For the Father witnesseth of him: (1) Pronouncing with an audible voice, both in Christs Baptism and Transfiguration, that he was his beloved Son, in whom hee was well pleased. (2) In the works which hee gave to Christ to finish, Iob 5.16.36. Furthermore the word bears record of Christ, that is, Christ (wherein hee is God) bears record of himself, being incarnate, that hee is the Son of God: partly affirming that very often with a lively voice, partly making it manifest in his whole doctrine, that hee is the same which came out of his Fathers bosome, and laid open his counsel touching mans salvation; Hee that cometh from above; hee that cometh from Heaven, is above all, Ioh. 4.31. (3) The Holy Ghost bears record, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, partly by his descending upon him in his Baptism, partly by his descending upon his Apostles and Disciples in the day of Pentecost, partly by inspiring the doctrine of Christ into the Pen-men of the Scripture, and by commending it to the world, that it might teach men, and perswade and confirm them touching that truth, as truly divine: By which hee may gather a Church, and lead it into all truth to eternal life, These three are said to bear record in Heaven; (1) Because they immediately bear witness from Heaven, as from their Throne. (2) Because the Majesty of these witnesses chiefly shines in Heaven. (3) Because this testimony is not heard, observed, acknowledged, unless by souls lifted up to Heaven. (Lastly) Because this testimony for the most part is perfected in Heaven, although it should never bee received on earth: Therefore yee ought to beleeve in Christ for his testimonies sake.

Vers. 8. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the Water, and the Blood: and these three agree in one.

Argum. 4. Because three witnesses in earth consent together, to prove that Christ is the Son of God, viz. the Spirit, and the Water, and the Blood, which are called p. 316witnesses in earth; (1) Because this testimony is mediate, and is produced out of the works which are to bee seen in the earth. (2) Because uttering of this testimony is written in men that are in the earth, and is acknowledged by the Visible Church. (Lastly) Because this testimony doth not onelyonly sound in the Church, but also utters its voice amongst the men of the world, and is heard of them to their conviction: For (1) The Spirit or manifestation of the Spirit partly in miraculous gifts (which are shed abroad in the Church) even to the amazement of the world for many years after Christs ascention: Partly in ordinary gifts, which as yet flourish in the Church, and suffice both to testifie, that Christ (who is preached amongst us) is God; and to draw an acknowledgement from them, who are without the Church, that God is in us who beleeve in Christ, 1 Cor. 14. Furthermore, the operation of the Spirit in the hearts of the faithful doth so quicken the words of Christ, and by them doth so instruct, comfort, and confirm the elect, that it leaves no doubt as touching the Divinity of Christ.

As for Water, which is the virtue of Christ, sanctifiing his, it so expresly speaks of Christ, that those also, who are without the Church, seeing the light of good works in Christians, are forced to glorifie our Father, and the Father of Christ, who is in Heaven; so that also being even perceived in women, it brought their unbeleeving husbands to God, who at the first did not acknowledge the Word of God, 1 Pet. 3.1.

Lastly, As for Blood, which is the price of redemption, and the virtue of Christ expiating sins, and reconciling men to God, that blood speaks better things, than the blood of Abel, so that it makes the consciences of the faithful quiet and peaceable, and opens a way to the Throne of God, and so confirms their hearts against the world, and all things which are evil in it, that they may bee bold and able to resound even with their own blood, this testimony to those enemies that hear them, in the midst of torments with joy, Rev. 12.11. Therefore wee ought to beleeve in Christ as the Son of God.

Vers. 9. If wee receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: For this is the witness of God which hee hath testified of his Son.

Argum. 5. For the sake of the testimonies of faithful and true men wee beleeve their assertions: Therefore for the sake of the testimony of God, which is greater, testifying of his Son, we ought to beleeve in Christ as the Son of God.

Vers. 10. Hee that beleeveth on the Son of God, hath the witness in himself; hee that beleeveth not God, hath made him a lyer, because hee beleeveth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Argum. 6 Hee that beleeves in Christ, as the Son of God, is so much rectified, that hee rests in the witness of the Spirit in…ardly confirming this truth of the Divine Word. Therefore, &c.

Hee that beleeveth not] Argum. 7. Hee that doth not beleeve in …hrist, as the Son of God, doth really accuse God of a lye, because hee rejects the testimony concerning his Son, as if it were false: Therefore wee must beleeve in Christ as the Son of God.

Vers. 11. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Argum. 8. Those that beleeve in the Son, have right to eternal life, which is in the Son, as in the Fountain, Procurer, Giver, and Conserver, given to them by grace, and confirmed by the constancy of Gods testimony: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 12. Hee that hath the Son, hath life, and hee that hath not the Son, hath not life.

Argum. 9. Hee that truly embraces the Son by Faith, hath also eternal life, not onelyonly as to the right of it, but also to … inchoate possession; and hee that hath not the Son by Faith, or seeks life in another, rather than in him, is destitute and shut out from all spiritual life: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 13. These things have I written unto you that beleeve on the Name of the Son of God, that yee may know that yee have eternal life, and that yee may beleeve on the Name of the Son of God.

Argum. 10. For this end all these things are written to the faithful from the Holy Ghost, by the Apostle the Pen-man, that they might bee certain that they have eternal life already, and might more and more beleeve in the name of the Son of God: Therefore yee must beleeve in Christ.

Vers. 14. And this is the confidence that wee have in him, that if wee ask any thing according to his will, hee heareth us.

Argum. 11. Hee that beleeveth in Christ, hath confidence in his approaches to God in prayer, and that hee shall have Gods favourable ear in every petition, which is put up according to the will of God: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 15. And if wee know that hee heareth us, whatsoever wee ask, wee know that wee have the p…titions that wee desired of him.

Argum. 12. Explicating and unfolding the former; Hee that beleeves in Christ, by knowing that God will bee propitious to him in his lawful or well-ordered petitions, hee may also bee certain that the petitions which hee hath offered according to the Promises of God, are already granted by him, before they bee finished; and so hee may bee assured of the success of his prayers: Therefore for this cause yee ought to beleeve in Christ.

Vers. 16. If any man see his Brother sin a sin which is not unto death, hee shall ask, and hee shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a si… unto death, I do not say that hee shall pray for it.

Argum. 13. Hee that beleeves in Christ, not onelyonly praying for himself, but also out of love for his sinning brethren, shall bee heard, to whom, through the merit of sin, declining to destruction and perdition, God will, if hee bee but asked by a faithful man, restore him to life: Therefore, &c.

Not unto death] Hee excepts in case of the sin of the Holy Ghost, When a Professor of the Faith, or a Brother, as to the external communion of the Church, falls into open Apostacy from the Faith of Christ, and maintains cruel ha…red against the Gospel, and those that are faithful, against the light of conscience illuminated once by the Holy Ghost; hee commands not to pray for him that commits this sin, when it may bee discerned. It is called a sin unto death, because eternal death follows that sin, and hee that falls into it, remains in it without repentance, until hee is thrust down into Hell.

Vers. 17. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not unto death.

Hee explains what hee had said, that although all transgression of the Law is sin, wherefore it deserves the wages of death, yet death follows not all sin; because all kind of sin is remitted, except this sin, which is called blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which was never remitted to any, nor never shall.

Vers. 18. Wee know, that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not: but hee that is begotten of God, keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Argum. 14. Hee that is regenerate, or truly beleeves in the Son of God, is kept that hee sin not this sin, yea, nor doth hee lye alwaies intangled in any sin, but by the grace of God, and virtue of Gods seed remaining in him, keepeth himself, lest the Devil touch him to death with his sin: Therefore yee must beleeve in Christ.

Vers. 19. And wee know that wee are of God, and the whole world lyeth in wickedness.

Hee applies this Argument by way of assumption from the proposition, to their comfort, and the comfort of the faithful, to which hee writes, and confirms it by five Reasons, viz. that the faithful whereunto hee writes are kept together with hims…lf, and shall be preserved in Faith and Obedience of the Gospel.

p. 317Wee know] Reas. 1. Wee are certainly perswaded of our regeneration: Therefore wee are perswaded that wee shall not sin that unpardonable sin, neither shall bee in bondage to it, but shall bee freed from the Devil, fully through Christ.

The World] Reas. 2. Those that are of the world, are onelyonly in the power of that malicious Devil, that hee may throw them headlong out of one wickedness into another: Therefore wee who are translated out of the world into the Kingdome of God, are not in the power of that malicious one, but shall bee preserved as the free-men of God.

Vers. 20. And wee know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that wee may know him that is true: and wee are in him that is true, even in his Son Iesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Reas. 3. Wee are certain of the coming of Christ our Redeemer into the world, who hath enlightened our minds with his grace, and hath given us true Faith in God: Therefore wee shall not sin unto death, but shall bee preserved.

And wee] Reas. 4. Wee have communion with God and Christ, wherein wee are, and dwell by Faith: Therefore wee shall bee untouched by that sin.

This is] Reas. 5. Christ is the very true God, and Life eternal, who in himself is Life, and the fountain of life, to be communicated to the faithful, and also the Procurer, Giver and Preserver of it: Therefore wee are certainly perswaded of our perseverance and eternal salvation.

Vers. 21. Little children, keep your selves from Idols. Amen.

For the conclusion of the Epistle hee proposes a short admonition, that they have a care, and keep themselves from Idols, in the plural number, and that from all sorts of Idols, which after any manner might thrust themselves into the place of truth, or of the true God, to draw them from beleeving of the true Doctrine, or from the true worship, or obedience of God, under any pretence whatsoever: and that so much the more, because these Idols may bee obtruded upon the faithful by the Devil and his Ministers, and by all possible cunning: Therefore hee the more diligently commands them to watch, and to keep themselves from them, lest they should bee in any wise polluted by them, but by name, that they beware of Images, wherein Antichrist will glory, and by these deceive the world.