A practicall commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and vses upon the first Epistle generall of John by ... John Cotton ...

Doct. If the Apostles saw and heard these things of the word of life, then blessed were they, Luke 10.22, 23.

Why? Because of his comely beauty, and goodly proportion? no, Isa. 53.2. and then Judas had been an happy man, as happy as the rest of the Apostles. But the Reasons are these.

First, By this means they had a greater measure of knowledge, Luke 10.22, 23. he expounded to them the secrets of the Kingdome of God, Mat. 13.11, 16. Mark 4.34. hence is that of the Samaritan woman, John 4.34. hence it was that John Baptist was more excellent than others, Mat. 11.11. So that as Solomons servants were happy, 1 Kings 10.8. so much more Christs Disciples, who saw and heard a greater than Solomon.

Secondly, Their Faith also by this means was more strengthned in the truth of this great promise of the Messias, which had been deferred so long, John 20.29. It is many times an exercise to Faith, to be commanded, to believe what we see not, but to see what we belive not, is a great strengthning to a weak Faith. Again, a greater measure of knowledge, is a notable means of a greater measure of Faith. And if you object against this, Heb. 11.2.

I answer, That the meaning of the place is this, that though things be not seen, yet Faith maketh them evident; not that whatsoever we believe by Faith is not seen, Stephan saw and believed the same, Acts 7.55. There is a threefold light, of Sense, of Reason, of Faith, when a thing is obscure to both the former, Faith will make it evident.

Thirdly, Their Peace of Conscience also, hereby was more setled and e∣stablished, Luke 2.29, 30. for he saw now Christ was come to accomplish

that work of reconciliation, which before was promised, and to make up our Peace with God; In these regards the glory of the second Temple was greater than that of the former, Hag. 2.10. the second Temple wanted five things of the former, Aarons Rod, the Pot of Manna, Ʋrim and Thummim, fire from Heaven, and yet it was greater than the former, because these three, Knowledge, Faith, and Peace of Conscience, were so much increased, not to a few, as it was before, but generally, even to the simple.

Ʋse 1. Hence we have just occasion to meditate of our blessednesse also, above that of the old Church, for all those grounds of the Apostles blessed∣nesse, by seeing and hearing Christ, remaine to us, as, 1 Means of Knowledge clearer to us than to the old Church, by the Apostles preachings and writings, we even see Christ crucified, Gal. 3. 2 Means of stronger Faith. 1. Because of greater means of Knowledge. 2. Because that is already accomplished to us, which they hoped for. 3. Means of setling greater Peace, seeing Christ is not onely come to make our Peace (as he was to Simeon) but hath already done it; And therefore a shame it were for us to be more Ignorant, Faithlesse, perplex∣ed in conscience, than they were, and therefore for

1. Knowledge, let us be no longer babes, 1 Cor 14.20. the times re∣quire it, Heb. 5.12. Isa. 11.9. 2 Faith, let us strengthen it,

First, For Promises past, we have not now received them.

Secondly, For Promises to come of the resurrection he so long foretold, was at last seen, and then belongs to us, that

1. Blessings, John 20.29. 2 Joy, 1 Pet. 1.8 3 Peace, let that pos∣sesse and rule us, Col. 3.15. in life and death, as it did Simeon.

Ʋse 2. To Stir us up to pity the Estates of such poor people, as sit still in darknesse and in the shadow of death, having no means of Knowledge, of Faith, of Peace, John 7.49.

Ʋse 3. How great then is that blessednesse prepared for us in Heaven? where we shall see Christ as he is, and then

1. Our Knowledge shall be perfect, 1 Cor. 13.12. 2. Our Faith shall be joyned with Fruition, yea we shall see what we believe, 1 Cor. 12.12. 3. Our Peace shall be passing understanding, Phil. 4.7. unspeakable and glorious, 1 Pet. 1.8. (á fortiori.)

It is good to feed on these spirituall joyes, and then these carnall delights will soon grow out of tast and relish.