Lectures Upon John 4, Table of contents
A Table of some principall Points that are handled in these Lectures.
Abstinence.
See Fasting.
Admonition.
See Reproofe.
Adoption.
A.
NO man can worship God aright till he hauehave the Spirit of Adoption, and can conceiue of God, as of his louing Father, pag. 182 Foure notes to try whether we do indeed know God to be our Father, pag 183.
Adoration, Worship. See Reuerence.
The whole worship of God, is called Adoration, pag. 111.
Admiring of men.
It is folly and sin to admire any man much, pag 40.
Affection.
He that hath an vpright heart, serues God with affection, pag. 480.
No seruice pleaseth God, that is not done with feeling and affection, pag. 198, 199.
Naturall Affection.
See Parents.
Affl…ction.
In it owne nature it is a curse, neither is it a signe of Gods louelove to all, pag. 394.
The greatest may not hope to be exempted from it. pag. 388.
All men should prepare for it; and how, 389
It is greatly profitable and necessary for Gods Elect, pag. 394.
It is no signe of Gods wrath, but of his louelove rather, pag. 398.
We may be sure God will doe vsus good by it, and remoue it when it hath wrought kindly on vsus, and support vsus in it, and giuegive a comfortable end vntounto it, pag 399.
It is a signe of election to profit by it, and the contrary of reprobation, pag 401.
In eueryevery affection we should take notice that God is angry with vsus, pag. 402.
Sixe degrees of Gods proceeding in sanctifying aff…ctions to vsus, which may be, so many notes to try whether our aff…ctions be san-ctified, pag. 40…. 40….
Extremity of it will make vsus vnfit, both to profit by the Word, and to pray. pag. 433
Alacrity.
See Cheerefulnesse.
Antiquity.
How far forth it is to bee regarded in the matter of Religion, pag 141.
It is dangerous to ascribe too much to it, 144
Our Religion is most antient, 145.
The popish plea touching the antiquity of theirs, is most vaine and insufficient, ibid.
Apostacie. See Perseuerance.
How farre forth the good things that hauehave beene in a man, may be lost, …0, 51.
A dangerous thing to fall from grace, or to decay in it, 54.
Two chiefe causes of it, ibid.
Comfort for the faithfull that liue in times of generall Apostacie, 430, 431.
Apostles.
Christ hath taught his Church the whole will of his Father by them, 207.
Apparell.
See Attire.
Appearance
of euill is to be auoided, 86.
Application.
Ministers must apply the Word, and hearers must endure it, 373, 374.
Assemblies.
See Church-Assemblies.
Assurance of saluation.
See Certainty of saluation.
Attention.
All should attend diligently at the hearing of the Word, 125. 134. 135.
Meanes to keepe our hearts attentiue from wandring in prayer, &c. 198.
Attire.
Modesty in attire required of Christians, 87.
Authority.
The wicked are apt to abuse the authori…y and credit of holy men, to the disgrace of Gods truth, 35 273.
This honour is due to Christ alone to be belieued (in matter of Doctrine) vponupon his bare Word, 149.
Nothing is to be belieued and receiued in religion, vponupon the credit and authority of any man, 1…0.
B.
Baptisme.
It is both vnprofitable and hurtfull to the wicked, 5.
The whole congregation should continue together at the Administration of it, 120.
It should be administred in the publike assembly, 12….
Blessing.
The ecclesiasticall Blessing pronounced by the Minister, is not to be neglected, ibid.
What behauiour is fittest for the people to vse then, 126.
Body.
Care is to be had euen of our body, and of the body of our neighbour, 256, 257.
The sin of them that by disorder ouer throw their health, 258.
God requires bodily seruice of vsus, as well as spirituall, 189. 190.
Christ in the daies of his flesh shewed his miraculous power most in curing the bodies of men, 445.
Brownists. See Church.
Their sinne is great in separating from our Churches, 1…7.
C.
Calling.
A man may be soundly religious, and yet follow diligently his wordly Calling, 238.
Cautions for them that leaue the workes of their Calling to follow Sermons on the weeke daies, 2…0.
Calling, how far it may be neglected, ibid.
Calling to the Ministry.
Wherein the inward calling doth principally consist, 261.
Catechising.
It is a profitable and necessary duty of the Minister, 205.
Censures of the Church.
The neglect of them towards scandalous sinners, is a great contempt done to Gods Worship, 132, 133.
Ceremonies.
Difference in iudgement about Ceremonies, should not alienate the affections of brethren, 301. 303. 30….
Ceremoniall Law. See Worship.
It was a carnall Worship, 184, 185.
It was abrogated at Christs Passion, 188.
The Ceremonies were shadowes, and we hauehave hauehave in our Worship the substance of that that was signified by them, 186. 188.
Popery exceeds iudaisme in Ceremonies and therein discouers much hypocrisie, 197, 198
Certainty in Religion.
The Elect and such as hauehave good hearts, may attaine vntounto it, 140 212. 214.
Meanes whereby we may attaine to it: 140.
Comfort for Gods people that complaine they want it, 215.
All men are bound to seeke for it, 138. 141.
They that hauehave historicall faith are certainely perswaded of whatsoeuer God hath reuealed in his Word, 332.
The faithfull are certaine that the Scripture is the Word of God, and that it is God himselfe that speaketh to them in his Word, 349.
Certainty of saluation.
All the faithfull are not in the same measure certaine of their saluation, 333.
They that hauehave the greatest certainty are not without al doubts & distrusts, 333. 348. 349.
Nor feele this certainty at all times, 336.
They that hauehave most assurance, must yet liue in feare, 334.
Yet may the faithfull in this life be certaine of their saluation, 334. 341.
All are bound to seeke for this certainty, 341. 342.
The meanes wherby it may be obtained, 343
The notes wherby true assurance may be discerned from that which is counterfeit, 345
Comfort to the faithfull that complaine they want it, 215, 216.
Cheerefulnesse.
Required in all the duties of Gods seruice, 263
It is a sin in the faithfull to be vncheerefull, …0
They hauehave iust cause to be cheerefull, and to serue God willingly, notwithstanding their infirmities, 265, 266. 461.
Chambering. See Dalliance.
Children.
They should seeke to requite their parents louelove, 391.
Christ.
He is the greatest gift that euer God gaue to man, 11.
How far He was abased for our sakes, 12.
Why he is called Christ and Messiah, 200. 202.
The benefit and merit of his death belongs not to all men, 329.
Yet is it necessary, that the benefit men receiued by him, should be expressed in most generall tearmes, 330.
Poore sinners should go boldly to him in all their distresses, 450.
We should not rest contented with any blessing, till we hauehave Christ, 14.
Notes to know whether Christ be ours, 15.
He did constantly vse prayer, and other parts of Gods worship, and why, 163, 164.
He is in the ministry of the Word to be offred vntounto all in a most generall manner, 330.
Church.
Papists giuegive more credit to it, then to the Word, 150. 348.
We may not separate from a true Church that enioyes the Word, and professeth the Doctrine of saluation, for the corruptions that are in it, 165, 166. 384, 385.
Yet may we not communicate with a true Church, in any corruption, 167.
EueryEvery man is bound to ioyne himselfe vntounto and to be a member of the true Church, 138
The profession of the true Doctrine of Christ, is the only proper and certaine note of the true Church, 167.
How farre forth the testimony of the Church helpes to bring vsus to faith, 348, 349.
Church-Assemblies.
They are a meanes of our protection & safety from all dangers, 382.
The most publike and solemne Church-Assemblies, are greatly to be esteemed and frequented, 129. 153.
The sin of such as neglect them, 128.
The greatest are hound to carry themselues reuerently in them, 117.
Circumcision.
What it signified, 180.
Comfort.
To be found in Christ in all our distresses, 450
No worldly thing can yeeld comfort to the distressed in minde, 44, 45.
The Spirit of grace and regeneration is able to doe it abundantly, and nothing else 46.
They that feare God hauehave cause to be comfortable, and vponupon what grounds, 90.
Fine rules of comfort for such as are afflicted in minde, 346, 347. See Prayer.
Commonnesse of sin.
Sin is neuer the lesse dangerous to a man bebecause it is generall, 74. 384.
How to carry our selues in euill times, when foule sins grow common & generall, 428, 429
It should trouble vsus and cause vsus to looke for some common calamity, ibid.
Company.
Haunting bad company, argues a bad heart, 87
What they should doe that liue in euill times and places, 429.
Common-Wealth.
The true causes why God spares our land though sin abound in it, 429.
Conference.
Cautions for them that conferre and moue questions of Religion, 499, 500.
Confession.
The properties required to true confession, 85.
No man is bound to acknowledge all his sins to a priest, 102.
He that is truly penitent, will be ready to acknowledge his sin, euen vntounto men, when he is charged with it, 103.
It is profitable and necessary to confesse some sins, euen vntounto men, & dangerous to hide them, 103, 104.
Conscience.
A good Conscience will breed vnspeakeable peace and ioy, 437. 438.
And assurance of a mans saluation, 343.
Constancie.
Constancie in obedience a good signe, 481.
Contentment.
Grace breeds Contentment, 3.
Controuersies.
EueryEvery Christian is not bound to study controuersies, nor to meddle with them, 136.
Yet some are, 137.
Conuersion.
No man (by nature) can doe any thing to helpe forward his owne conuersion, 20.
It is a miraculous worke of God, 29.
They that are truly religious, will be carefull to w…nne others to God, 224. 235.
Who are most charged and hauehave most opportunity to do good this way, 236.
Note of a true Conuert, 239.
True Conuerts shew great respect & reuerence vntounto their Ministers, 215.
Conuersion of man depends on Gods free grace 250.
Foure things required in them that would win others to God, 236.
Priuate Christians hauehave many waies whereby they may …in others. 245.
All men are bound to doe what they can to win others to God, 3…4.
Gods manner of working in mans conuersion is diuerse and wonderfull, 325. 326.
Country.
EueryEvery man owes a duty to the place of his birth and breeding, 351.
Credit.
A great sin for a man to be carelesse of it, 86.
Custome.
The good customes of a Church are not to be broken or neglected, 143. 144.
Yet it is dangerous (in matter of Religion) to ascribe too much vntounto it, 144.
Most men make common custome the rule of their conscience, 426.
Remedies against this corruption, 427.
D.
Dalliance.
Wanton dalliance is dangerous & sinfull, 90. Death.
Faith will make a man willing to die, 337.
EueryEvery man should looke and prepare for sudden death, 44…, 443.
Delay.
It is dangerous to put off the making of peace with God till sicknesse, 442. 443.
Delight.
Naturall and worldly meanes of delight are not vnlawfull, and what cautions are to be vsed in this, 439. 440.
Desire.
An vnfained desire of grace, is a singular grace, 9.
Fiue differences in this desire, betweene the naturall man and the regenerate, 9.
He that hath sauing knowledge will feele the want of it, and desire it, 22.
Disputing.
It is dangerous to dispute against knowne truths, 151.
Dissention.
How far forth Ministers should seek to agree, and the meanes how that may be, 301.
Difference in iudgemēts should not alienate godly mens affections one frō another, 302
Domesticall Instruction and Worship.
We should vse the exercises of Religion in our families, 157.
How and by what meanes a man should best instruct and win his family vntounto God, 241
Doubting.
Doubtfulnesse and vnsetlednesse in matters of our faith & religion is dangerous, 137. 140
Euen the doubting of the truth of ought God hath said, is a dangerous sin, 413, 414.
E.
Examination.
Christians should examine that, that is taught them, 151, 152.
And the good things seeme to bee in our selue, 53.
EueryEvery affliction should driue vsus to examine what it is that hath thus prouoked God, …04
Examples.
The examples of some men doe great hurt in hardening of others, 74.
Many make this the rule of their conscience, and remedies against this corruption, 426.
It is not safe to make the best mans examples the rule of our conscience, 428.
Exercises of Religion. See Christian domest…call worship.
EueryEvery man is bound to spend some part of eueryevery day in them, 241.
The conscionable vse of them will preserue vsus from sin, 93.
Eye.
A couenant is to be made with our eye, 91.
F.
Faith.
Motiues and encouragements to beleeue in Christ, 13, 14.
How to know whether wee hauehave truly receiued Christ, 15.
In it there is a particular application of Christ, 310.
There is great certainty and assurance in true saith, 3. 8. 332.
It workes 1 peace of conscience, 2 ioy in the Holy Ghost, 3 boldnes in prayer, 4 willingnesse to die, 335, 336, 337.
True faith is grounded vponupon the word only, & neither vponupon sense or experience, 348, 349.
Most men ground their faith not vponupon the Word, but vponupon sense onelyonly, 420.
He that hath true faith, hath an vpright heart, and none but he, 484.
Foure notes to trie it by, 484.
It is imperfect in the best, 333, 334.
It breeds in the heart true ioy, and that vponupon fiue grounds, 436, 437.
Falls of the godly.
How farre the regenerate man may fall from grace, 50, 51, 54.
Great difference betweene them and the sins of the wicked, 455. 471. 473.
Family. See Domesticall.
Sin will bring Gods curse vponupon the house and place where it is committed, 158.
Piety will bring Gods blessing vponupon our houses and dwellings, ibid.
Fasting.
Christ put no holinesse in fasting nor was giuen vntounto it, …56.
Fathers.
No cause why we should so relie vponupon the Fathers as many doe, 39.
The Papists giuegive not more due honour to them then we, 38.
What respect is to be had to our Fore-fathers in the matter of Religion, 142, 143.
We do not condemne our Fore-Fathers, 145.
Feasting.
Though it be lawfull, yet it must not be ordinary, 92.
Fewnesse of Beleeuers.
Comfort for the faithfull that liue where they hauehave few or none that ioyne with them in piety, 430, 431.
Fornication.
It is a most hainous sin, 71.
Foure causes of the commonnes of it now, 74.
Both Magistrates and priuate men should shew their zealous hatred to it, 78, 79.
Fornicators must looke for Gods iudgements euen in this life, 79, 80.
They hauehave also cause to feare the iudgement of finall impenitency & hardnes of heart, 84
We may not giuegive men cause to suspect vsus to be giuen to this sinne, and that is done foure waies, 87.
Seuen Preseruatiues from this sin, 90.
Frugality.
A Christian should be frugall, and seeke to increase his worldly estate, 238.
G.
Gestures.
Rules for bodily gestures in Gods worship, 118, 119.
Gifts.
All difference in gifts among Ministers, doth not make an inequality betweene them, because one may excell in one gift and one in another, 307, 308.
The variety and difference among Gods seruants makes much for his glory, 308.
They should bee teachable and receiue the word with all readinesse, and wherein it consisteth, 312, 213.
God hath giuen a variety of gifts to all men, not all to any one man, 308.
Variety of gifts and graces increases louelove and vnity among men, 319.
It is a sin against God, and contempt done vntounto his good gifts, not to make vse and profit of them, 320.
Gods children ought to make vse of their Ministers gifts in priuate, 321.
That gift is to be esteemed best which edifies most, 287. 291.
God.
Why he (euen the whole Trinity) is called Father, 148.
His louelove is vnchangeable, 180. 340.
The knowledg of his omni-presence, & omniscience is of great necessity and vse, 67. 70.
He hates and is seuere against the sins euen of his owne people, 95.
Gods seruants in priuate may forbeare to reprooue some, 293.
Grace.
The louelove of God in Christ to vsus is most free, 14
Grace (and the meanes therof) is highly to be esteemed, 53.
Grace may be knowne, 463.
Notes whereby grace may be knowne, 468.
The diuersity of the gifts of God in men commeth of his free disposition, 308.
H.
Hardnesse of heart.
Wicked men harden themselues in sin euen by the Word. 57, 58.
They are apt to harden their owne hearts against Gods corrections, 402.
Hearing.
A great sin to heare with delight filthy songs and talke, 88.
The necessity of constant hearing of the word 278.
Cautions and encouragements for them that follow Sermons on the weeke daies, 240.
Heare as oft as thou mayst, 172.
What behauiour is fittest at the hearing of the Word preached, 125, 126. 134.
The best way to win others to God, is to draw them to heare, 246.
Hearers.
Be willing to heare one truth as well as another, 59.
A good signe to like that Ministry best, that doth most effectually discouer to a man his sin, 112, 113.
Examine that that is taught, 152.
Paines must be taken (in foure things) to profit by that we heare and reade, 173.
Consider of the true cause, why thou profitest not by the means of grace, and be troubled for it, 250.
We may lawfully frequent that Ministry we can best profit by, 253.
Cautions for them that leaue their owne Pastors to heare others, 268. 270.
Their goodnes & badnes is of great force to hearten or discourage their ministers, 293. 295
Though they may affect some Minister more then other, yet must they reuerence & louelove eueryevery faithfull Minister, 305. 309.
They that hauehave truth of grace, will gladly, shew kindnesse to Gods faithfull Ministers, 315. 285.
The chiefe kindnesse they can shew to their Teachers, is to make vse of their gifts and obey their Doctrine, 319, 320, 321.
A good signe of Election to profit by that thou hearest presently, and by all thou hearest; yet all the Elect do not so, 305. 308.
They must yeeld honour to their Ministers, & that consists in foure things, 358. 362.
The Ministers weakenesses should not cause any to despise their Ministry, 371. 372.
They should esteeme their own minister best & the true cause why they do not, 366, 367. 342.
When they are said to receiue Gods Ministers, 374.
Try thy estate by the iudgement thou hast to discerne of sound teaching, 313.
The sin both of curious & careles hearers, 151
A dangerous signe to enioy long good meanes, and not to profit by it, 305, …06.
Praise God euen for the great variety of able teachers thou enioyest, 308, 309.
Seeke to liue vnderunder such a ministry as thou maist profit by, 199.
What hearers they be that do rightly commēd and praise their Teachers, 199.
Heare with iudgement, 291.
They should propound their doubts to their Teachers, 227, 228.
Hearers duty, 227.
Hearing men of better gifts, breeds a loathing of the gifts of their owne Pastor, …09.
It is the Hearers fault that he profits not by the meanest Minister, 309.
Hearers ought to go with an open heart, willing to learne whatsoeuer shall please God to teach them, 312.
Hearers ought likewise to go with a resolutiō to obey, what shall be taught thē of God, 312
Hearers ought not to dispute against any truth reuealed of God by their Minister, though it be contrary to their reason & humour, 312.
Hearers may not refuse information from any, though their inferiour, 312.
It argues an vngracious heart when a man cannot be perswaded of a truth, 314.
Partiality in bearers and the grounds thereof, 306, 307.
Holines of places, or things.
Though before Christs death some places were holier then others, yet now none are so, 153 150.
Reasons against popish superstition in this point, 15….
Humiliation.
It pleaseth God highly to see vsus hunbled, when he shewes himselfe angry, 403.
Hypocrisie.
The naturall man hath selfe respects in all the shewes he makes of goodnesse, 55. 58.
Many louelove Religion for their worldly aduan. tage, 56.
God cannot abide the seruice, that hypocrites do, vntounto him, 193.
Yet must they serue God for all that, 194.
There be three kinds of hypocrites, 198, 199.
He strengthens himselfe in his sin, euen by the Word. 57.
The Hypocrite is in a wofull case, 58. 465.
Yet many good things may bee in him, 467. 481, 482.
I.
Idlenesse.
It is a sin and prouocation to lust, 92.
I…wes.
The Church of the Iewes was extreamely corrupt in Christs time, 165.
The Church of the Iewes is the Mother and Primitiue Church from which all true Churches are deriued, 175. 179.
How vnlikely it is that that people should find mercy with God aboue all other people, 177.
Yet so it shall be, and the reason of it, 177, 178
How wee should stand affected to the name and nation of the Iewes, 179, 180.
Ignorance.
It is the chiefe cause of prophanes & al sin, 16
The danger of it, 16, 17. 137, 138.
How men are kept from the sense of that danger, 17, 18.
The extreame ignorance of most people, 18. 152
Wilfull ignorance will bee no aduantage to any, 424.
Comfort for the faithfull that complaine of it, …15.
The extreame blockishnesse of all men by nature, 27.
Impatiencie.
It is a iudgement that iewd men hauehave cause to feare, 83, 84.
Impenitencie.
Sin is neuer the lesse dangerous to a man, because men punish it not, 77, 78, 79. 388.
Impenitencie in sin, 68.
Infidelity.
Men are apt to belieue God, no further then they see meanes of helpe, 30.
Remedies against this corruption, 31, 32.
It is a most hainous sin, 32.
Gods people need not despaire of helpe from him in any distresse, 3….
Foure preseruatiues against the doubting of the truth of Gods Word, 415.
The danger of them that cannot belieue the Word, and that most that liue in the Church are such, 416.
And of such as cannot be perswaded of many truths though most clearely taught, 424
Infirmities.
God will not reiect the seruices of his people for their infirmities, 97.
The regenerate hauehave infirmities, but no reigning sins, 452.
All men are too apt to despise their brethren for their infirmities; see remedies against this corruption, 458.
The Lord is displeased euen with the infirmities of his children, 452.
Yet will not reiect his children for their infirmities, 452.
Intent.
A good intent how farre forth it makes mens actions good, 433.
Ioy.
We should ioy much in the conuersion and forwardnesse of others, 266. 268.
Faith breeds ioy in the heart, 336. 436.
Foure meanes of sound ioy, 436. 440.
Vaine is the ioy of all carnall men, 437.
Day of Iudgement.
Why the Lord hath appointed it to be at the end of the world, 297.
Iudgements of God.
The Lord cannot endure to see men sleight and contemne his iudgements, 403, 404.
See commonnesse of sin, and signes, and Common-wealth.
Iudging rashly.
Despaire of none so long as they hauehave the meanes, and are willing to heare, 30….
How far forth we are bound to esteeme well of all that professe the feare of God, 457, 458
See infirmities.
K.
Kneeling.
It is the fittest gesture to bee vsed in prayer, 124. 134.
The sin of such as drink healths kneeling, 134.
Knowledge.
We should labour to breed it in all we hauehave charge of, 18. 205.
The meanes to bring men vntounto it, 20. 140.
All knowledge in Religion argues not truth of grace, 21. 203. 204.
How many wicked men attaine to a great measure of it, 204.
Sauing knowledge is to be sought for, 22.
He that hath it, feeles the want of it, and desires increase, 22.
How it may be differenced from that that is naturall, …3. 206. 469.
It cannot be attained without an effectuall knowledge of sin, 64.
More is required of some then others; yet all must seeke for a cleere and certaine knowledge in Religion, 1…6.
No man can know God aright, but by his Word, and the difference of the knowledge got by other meanes and this, 160.
No vprightnes of heart without sanctified knowledge, 468, 469.
Carnall men attaine to knowledge of the truth and how, 204.
Why God imparts it vntounto them, 204.
The knowledge euen of the vnregenerate (if they belong to God) is a great aduantage vntounto them, 205.
Who know Christ, lesse regard the world, 238.
Knowledge, sanctified notes thereof, 238, 239.
The benefit of such as desire knowledge 360.
L.
Liberty.
The true knowledge of our Christian libertie in the vse of things indifferent, is a great helpe against vnnecessary heauinesse and sorrow, 439, 440.
Lectures.
On the weeke day are lawfull, …42.
LoueLove.
LoueLove of the regenerate, 480.
LoueLove of the people is true when they make vse of their Ministers gifts, and will be direrected by them, 319.
To louelove and countenance a Minister, but not to heare him, may procure a temporall reward, but no sound comfort, 321.
M.
Masters of families.
They should see that their whole family ioyne with them in Gods worship, 123.
How they should gaine louelove and reuerence from their seruants, 496.
Matrimony
Second marriages are lawfull, 7….
Though Marriage be not necessary for all, for some it is, 94.
Meanes.
The Lord doth oft both prepare mē to grace & confirme them in it, by other meanes besides his word, 417.
Of grace, not to bee despised because they seeme weake and contemptible, 32.
Both the giuing of them, and the successe of them, depends only on the good pleasure of God, 250. 253.
To sin against the meanes of grace greatly aggrauates sin, 422.
Melancholy.
Wee are bound to striue against the passion of it, 434.
The best meanes to preserue vsus from the danger of it, see sorrow.
Mercy of God.
The hainousest sins of the Elect, hinders not God from calling them, 95.
He thinkes neuer the worse of them, for their old sins, after their conuersion, 96. 97.
He reiects not their seruices for the corruptions that cleaue to them, 97, 98. 192.
He causeth their fow lest sins to turne to their great good, …8.
The knowledge of it tends greatly to the comfort of the faithfull. 99.
He will not reiect his children for their infirmities, but is therein very tender and respectfull towards them, 452.
Foure things in the Lords gracious disposition, that should mooue vsus to serue him willingly, 463.
Mercifulnesse.
We should learne to be mercifull by the example of our heauenly Father, 100.
Ministers.
They must do the work of their calling with a willing mind, 261.
Their mutuall agreement & louelove will much further the Gospell, 299.
Yet are we not bound to agree with or like of all, but we may lawfully discountenance and publikely reproue some Ministers, 300. 301.
The difference in iudgement or practise, about the Ceremonies, should not alienate the affections of godly Ministers one from another, …01. 303.
He must bee diligent and carefull to teach profitably, 367.
He must be faithfull and wherein that consists, 367. 368.
His life must be exemplary for piety, 368.
They had need be godly men, 215.
They should encourage their people to moue their doubts to them, 227.
What they should do, when the people leaue them to heare others, 271.
Faithfull ones need not feare want, but shall be sure of good reward, 8….
His chiefe care should be to see fruit of his labours, & how he may do that, 284, 289, 290.
The best hauehave been apt to be discouraged by the badnesse of their hearers, 294.
They must not enuie, but esteeme louingly and reuerently of their brothers, 297.
How far they should seeke to agree together, and how that may be wrought, 299. 305.
The Minister to which a man belongs, is not to be forsaken, 269.
Ministers that are faithfull shall be rewarded, 283.
A faithfull Minister need not be couetous for the things of this life, nor feare the malice or subtiltie of enemies, 284.
Ministers must labour to be fruitfull, 289.
Ministers encouraged by peoples forwardnes, 293.
A man may be a faithfull Minister and approued of God, though his gifts be far inferiour to other of his fellow-labourers, 309.
Ministers ought not to be daunted in the presence of any wicked in the exercise of their Ministry, 294.
Ministers ought to carry themselues so as that they may deserue respect from the people, 316.
Ministers are bound to teach the whole councell of God, 317.
Corruptions may be in the deliuery of the truth, but the Word hath no corruption in it, 317.
A Minister may tell his people of the duty they owe him, and yet not be proud, 317.
Their faults may bee publikely and sharply reproued, 300, …1.
There is an honour due to eueryevery true Minister, 360. 375.
The Lord makes high account of the honour that is done to his faithfull Ministers, and is highly displeased with the contempt and indignities done to them, 359.
This should not puffe him vp, but humble him, 361.
Foure degrees of honour due to them, 362.
They hauehave (for the most part) least esteeme in their owne country, and amongst them that are neerest to them in birth and acquaintance, 364.
How they may get and maintaine reuerence in the peoples hearts, 367, 368.
They should striue to apply them particularly to their hearers, 373.
They hauehave authority to reprooue sin in any man, 106. 360.
They must not be discouraged at the vnfruitfulnesse of their labours, 3…8.
The people looke for angelicall perfection in them, 366.
The faithfull one shall bee sure to hauehave both honour, maintenance, and fruit of his labours, 375.
Comfort for them against the contempt of their calling and persons, 376.
The fearefull estate of such as despise, or doe any indignity to them, 359. 360. 376.
Men shew respect to their Ministers and comfort them, when they make vse of their gifts in priuate, 319.
Conceitednesse is a cause they do not, 222.
The Priests had their houses neere the Temple for this end, 221.
Ministry of the Word. See Meanes.
Great is the necessity of it, 278, 279.
A sound Ministry is the strength of a State, 279
This of the new Testament is far more fruitfull then that was vnderunder the law, 287, 288, 289.
A great mercy to teach vsus by men, rather then immediatly or by Angels, 107, …42.
It is the saluation of men, and why it is so called, 2…7, 168.
How it becomes effectuall, 169.
Whom God intends to saue, he giues the ministry of the Word vntounto, and grace to profit by it, 305, 306.
God hath been wont to make it effectuall in as many as hee meanes to saue, within a short time after they hauehave first enioyed it, 324, 325.
God neuer giues it to any people, but hee makes it effectuall to saue some, 376. 289.
The ministry of the new Testament in regard of the profitablenesse of it to win soules is far more excellent then that of the old, 287
The ministy of the Prophets prepared men to receiue the ministry of the Gospell, 287.
They that esteeme of the message, esteeme of the messenger, 309.
Ministry effectuall, 28….
Ministry of the Word of great necessity, 278.
Miracles.
The chiefe end of them was (not to conuert men, but) to gaine credit to the Word in their hearts, and make them willing to heare, 37.
New formes of Gods worship and new functions were wont to bee confirmed by miracles, 378.
We need none now, 378.
Popish miracles are false and counterfeit, 379.
They are not done by the power of Christ, 449
Christ shewed his power most in curing the bodies of men, 445. 447.
Sixe points obserued in these miraculous cures 446.
Difference betweene Christs miracles, and those of the Prophets & Apostles, 447, 448
Multitude.
Faults that the common sort are especially addicted vntounto, 2…4.
It is no safe thing to do as the most doe, 427.
Comfort for the godly that are scorned for their singularity, because they will not doe as the most do, 430. 431.
N.
Name.
A man is bound to hauehave care of his good name, 86.
Why Hebrew names are vsed in the new Testament, and why we giuegive Hebrew names to our children, 202.
Nature.
See how void of all goodnesse, and full of corruption eueryevery naturall man is, 26, 28.
How much goodnesse may bee in a naturall man, 174.
Nazaret.
Why our Sauiour did shun preaching in Nazaret aboue all other places, 351, 352.
O.
Obedience.
No seruice pleaseth God but that that is done in obedience to his Word, 160.
This is a certain note of an vpright heart, 473
Seuen notes of sincere Obedience, 474.
Regenerate able to obey, 473.
Difference betwixt obedience of regenerate and other, ibid.
Others saluation to be sought, 246.
Obstinacie. See hardnesse of heart.
This greatly aggrauates sin, 422.
Most men that liue in the Church, sinne obstinately, 424.
Foure signes of a heart that is not hardened nor obstinate in sin, 423.
The fearefull state of the obstinate, 423.
P.
Painting.
Painting of the face is vnlawfull, 87.
Papists.
They are like to the Samaritans in many things, 36, 37.
They are Idolaters, & worship the diuell, 163
Parents.
Great is their affection to their children, 391.
This should confirme vsus in the assurance of Gods louelove to his children, 392.
They must take heed of ouer louing their children, and how wee may best doe them good, 392.
What respect is to bee had to the example of our parents in the matter of Religion, 143.
The hope and comfort Christian Parents may hauehave concerning their children, 180.
Their sinnes will bring Gods curse vponupon their children and what sins chiefly, 393.
What a kind of seruice and solemnity it was, 380.
Patience.
The faithfull hauehave beene very patient in affliction, and shewed it foure waies, 398.
The meanes to breed it in vsus, 398. 399.
Peace of conscience.
It is a fruit of true faith, 336.
There is a false peace, see presumption.
EueryEvery affliction should driue vsus to make peace with God, and that three waies, 404.
Peace-offerings.
What they signified, 187.
People. See Hearers.
Persecution.
None can be saued that is not willing to suffer, and euen to die for the truth, 139.
To deride a Minister, is to persecute him, 28….
Perseuerance.
The regenerate shall perseuere and are carefull so to do, 481.
He that is truly regenerate, shall neuer fall fi nally, nor totally, yea he may be in this life certaine of it, 339, 341.
Our chiefe care must be, to be best at our end, 274, 275.
Phisicke.
They sinne greatly that despise or neglect it, 256, 257.
Pilgrimage.
Reasons against it, 156.
Pouertie.
The poore that are godly hauehave no cause to murmur, or distrust God, 33.
The frequenting of religious exercises with an honest heart, will begger no man, 244.
Prayer.
Helps to keepe the heart from wandring in it, 198.
EueryEvery man must aske and cry for grace, yea all whom God meaneth to saue, shal do it, 5
Obiection against the necessity of prayer an swered, 5, 6.
All that can vnfainedly seeke to God for grace shall be sure to hauehave it, 8.
The weakest Christian should not be discouraged from prayer, 9.
Spirituall blessings rather to bee prayed for, then temporall, 9.
Faith breeds boldnesse in prayer, 336, 337.
God seemes oft to neglect the prayers of his people, and that foure waies, 407.
Comfort for Gods people in this case, 408, 409
Labour to pray so as thou maist speed, 411.
Christ himselfe vsed much to pray, 203.
God delights greatly in the prayers of his people, 193.
Affliction driues the faithfull to it, 3…6.
Promises vponupon which we should ground our faith in prayer, 407.
Three reasons why God seemes oft to neglect and reiect the prayers of his people, 408.
Signes whereby we may know God accepts our prayers, though he grant not our Suit, 410, 411.
We should inquire after the successe of our prayers, 411, 412.
Properties requisite in the prayer that would speed well, 412.
Poore sinners should goe boldly to Christ for helpe in all their distresses, 450.
Preaching, See Minisry.
A man may try his estate by the iudgement he hath to discerne of sound teaching, 113
It is lawfull to keepe Lectures, & to frequent them euen on the weeke daies, 243.
Some are bound to goe to Sermons, euen on the weeke day, 242.
Euen they that cannot, should yet desire to do it, 243.
How to iudge of the best Preachers and Preaching, 291.
The necessity of it, 278, 279, 280.
Preparation.
We can do no duty of Gods seruice wel without it, 487.
It is a great and necessary helpe for our profiting by the Word, 487.
This preparation consists in sixe points, 489.
Thinke of the euill day & prepare for it, 488
Presumption.
Lewd men hauehave no cause to hope they shall repent and find mercy, 82, 83.
They can hauehave no sound comfort in the knowledge of Gods mercy, 99. 452.
They are confident of their saluation, and the notes wherby true faith may be discerned from this presumption, 345.
Pride.
Noe sin makes vsus more odious to God, 394.
The greatest must beware they be not proud, either against God or men, 388.
All men are strangly prone to this soule sin, 295.
Affliction is a singular meane to abate it, 395
Prophanesse.
The sin of such as carry themselues prophanely in Gods publike worship, 134, 135.
Profession.
We should all be willing and ready to make profession of our faith, 349, 350.
Professours.
Poore men, young men, such as hauehave been formerly scandalous, and women, hauehave beene vsually most forward in Religion, 222.
This hath beene euer a great scandall to the Word and why, 224.
Preseruatiues against this scandall, 225.
Professours should striue to remooue this scandall, and how they may do it, 226.
Prouidence.
God by his prouidence gouernes all things; & orders them for the good of his Elect, 217.
The knowledge of this is vsefull many waies, 219.
Psalmes.
It is fit they should be sung in the Congregation, 121, 122.
How we should behaue our selues in singing them, 126.
Publike worship. See Church-Assemblies.
It is necessary all should be present at eueryevery part of it, 121. 128. 129.
To be preferred before any priuate, 129, 130. 153.
All should come to the beginning and stay till the end of it, 120. 131, 132.
Rules for reuerence in it, see Reuerence.
All may profit by eueryevery part of it, and eueryevery part of it hath good warrant in the Word 121. 122.
The whole congregation should ioyne together in it, as one man, 122, 123.
Q.
Questions, disputing. See Conference.
Neuer any prooued a good Scholler in any learning, but he that had doubts & would moue questions 322.
How far forth it is lawfull to make question of, or to reason against Gods Word, or Workes, 230, 231.
R.
Reading.
We should exercise our selues in the reading of the Word, 172. 291.
Reason.
A great sin to examine Religion by carnall reason, and to beleeue no more, then we can see reason for, 151.
Reformation.
What properties are required in true reformation and leauing of sin, 85.
Regeneration.
Notes to try it by, 5.
Religion.
There is but one true way, to saluation, 139.
It is the strength of a state, 429. 279.
Religious duties.
Great force in a conscionable vse of them to keepe a man from vncleannesse and other sins, 93.
And to breed in a man a confortable assurance of his saluation, 343.
Repentance.
There is more required to it, then most men dreame, 84, 85.
Late repentance is dangerous, 442.
Sins repented of (though neuer so many and hainous) will make vsus neuer the lesse acceptable to God, 95.
No man hath an vpright heart, that forsakes not all knowne sins, 470.
Notes to try our sincerity in leauing of sin, 471 Repentance, 470.
Repentance of regenerate and naturall men distinguished, 471.
Reproofe.
The Minister must plainely and particularly reprooue sin, 63.
Great wisdome is required in reproouing sin 63
Motiues to perswade Ministers to faithfulnesse in this, 66.
How they may make their reproofe effectuall, 66.
He that hath grace, will take reproofe well. & louelove him the better, that deales faithfully with him this way, 106. 112, 113.
Three things that keepe men from accepting it, and preseruatines against them, 106.
Though mens lewdnesse may restraine vsus from reprouing them in priuate; yet may it not their Minister from publike reproofe, 294, 295.
Men disdaine to be reprooued by such as are no better then themselues, and foure remedies against that corruption, 364, 365. 369, 370
Fret not against the publike reproofe of thy sin in the ministry of the word, 108. 373. 374.
A common sin it is and dangerous not to endure reproofe, 109.
Reuerence.
Though outward reuerence be not sufficient, yet can we performe no duty of Gods worship well, especially in publique without some signification of reuerence, euen in the outward gesture of our body, 115. 120.
Reasons for bodily reuerence in all parts of Gods worship, 116.
Rules for it, 119, 120. 125.
More reuerence should be shewed at the hearing of the Word read, then preached, 126.
We can performe no seruice to God well without feare and reuerence, 115.
S.
Sacraments.
Our Sacraements are more cleere and effectuall then those vnderunder the law, …0.
In the administration of them, we should make vse of our eye and behold what is done, 127.
Sacrifices.
What they and their manner of offering them, did signifie, 189.
Samaritans.
The Papists resemble them much, 36.
Scripture.
The vndoubted certainty of eueryevery thing that is written therein, 249.
It is much more full and perfect now, then it was vnderunder the Law, 207.
To humble and honest hearts, they are not obscure, 349. 212.
What are the causes why they are obscure, 213
Pretense of their obscurity will not excuse the neglect of reading them, 173.
Scriptures ought to bee the rule of tryall, for what is taught. 174.
Secret sins.
The Lord can discerne and is priuy to our most secret sins, 69.
Sin is neuer the lesse dangerous to a man, because it is cunningly and closely committed, 75.
Securitie.
The false ground on which ignorant & wicked men secure themselues, 76. 429.
Generall sec…rity is a signe of generall calamitie approching, 42….
Seducers.
They are cunning; and who are most in danger to take hurt by them, 138.
Seruants.
They should louelove their Masters, and desire and seeke their comfort, 492.
Sundry other duties they owe, but this is the roote of all, 493.
Cautions limiting their duty, 495.
Three things wherby they should shew their louelove to their Masters, 495.
Seueritie.
Required in the Magistrates and all Christi ans in the discountenancing & punishing of whoredome and other sins, 78.
Sicknesse. See Delay.
Signes.
It is not simply vnlawfull to desire signes for the confirming of our faith, 404.
Signes of iudgement approaching, 428, 429.
Silence.
From good words not alwaies vnlawfull, 293
Sin.
Great is the necessity of an effectuall knowledge of sin, 6…, 65.
The sins of the elect (how hainous soeuer) shal not hinder their saluation, but tend to their good, 95.
Dangerous to hide our sins, and that is done foure waies, 104.
It will bring Gods curse vponupon the house and place where it is committed, 158.
It is a most loathsome thing and defiles a man, 4.
Sathan drawes men to sin through some error of their mind, and by deceiuing them, 73.
Of sinning against the Meanes; see Meanes. It will certainely bring sorrow, 438, 452.
Sinceritie.
The Lord makes great reckoning of the vprightnesse of the heart, 465.
Necessary to examine whether our hearts be vpright, 53, 54. 481.
Notes to try that by, 53. …9. 471. 473. 476 480
The Lord delights in the weakest seruices that are done in spirit and truth, 192, 193. 465.
He that hath an vpright heart may know he hath it, 239.
We should labour by diligent examination to find whether our hearts be vpright, 465 466.
Sorrow.
Properties required in the sorrow for sin, 85.
Extremity if it will disable vsus from praying and profiting by the Word, 433.
Moderate is very profitable & necessary, 4…3.
We must striue against that that is excessiue and immoderate, 43….
Foure remedies against such, 436.
There is great difference between that of the regenerate & that of the carnall man, 437.
Sin will bring sorrow, and great sins great sorr…wes, 438.
Soule.
All mens chiefe care should bee for their soules, 450.
Speech.
To speake wickedly is a greater degree of sin then to thinke ill, 228.
Filthy speech a great sin, 87.
So is the delight to heare it, 88.
Spirit.
The spirit of God (in whomsoeuer it dwels;) is like vntounto water in foure respects, 3.
Why God is called a spirit, 196.
By the testimonie of the spirit the faithfull are assured of their saluation; and hee that hath it, may know he hath it, 339.
The Lord requires & delights in the seruice of the spirit, see Worship.
Superiors.
Disdaine not to be admonished or reproued by thy inferior, 107.
Superstition.
Papists are many waies grossely superstitious, 156, 157
Supper of the Lord.
It should bee administred in the publike assembly, 122.
T.
Talke see Speech. Tractablenesse.
A good signe of election to receiue the truth with all readinesse, 312, 313.
Affliction opens the eare and makes men tractable, 397.
We should pray for a tractable heart, foure notes to trie it by, 423.
The danger of such as cannot be perswaded of many truths, though they bee neuer so cleerely taught and confirmed to them, 424, 425.
This hypocrisie is in all by nature, that they scorne to be taught by such in whom they discerne any infirmity, 365.
Remedies against this corruption, 371
Temperance.
It is necessary euen in our diet, 92.
Temples.
Our Churches need not to be stately and glorious, as the Temple of Ierusalem was, 119.
Neither is there that holinesse to be ascribed to, or reuerence due to our Churches, as was to that Temple, 119. 154.
Neither is there that necessity of temples now, as there was vnderunder the law, 119.
Yet is it fit we also should hauehave places set apart for Gods publique worship; and (hauing such) it is no where so well done as in them, 119. 129.
Euen our Churches should be decently kept, 120. 127.
The temple of Ierusalem was a Type of Christ and how, 155.
Tentation.
We must carefully shun tentation, 89.
Tentations incident to our lawfull calling, God will preserue vsus in, 89.
Terror.
Wicked men hauehave cause to be in continuall terror, 33.
Testament. See Ceremoniall worship.
Though in temporall things, Gods people had more particular direction then we now, yet not in spirituall, 207.
The Ministry of the New Testament is more fruitfull then that was vnderunder the law, 287
VnderUnder the law God reuealed himselfe to his people moresensibly and bodily, then vnderunder the Gospell, 196.
The estate of sinners is far more damnable now then it was vnderunder the law, 291.
Thankesgiuing.
Of Sacrifices of Thankesgiuing, 187.
Thoughts.
Conscience to be made euen of them, 91.
Trouble of minde.
All men must looke to be brought one day to a painefull sight and sense of sin, and of Gods anger due vntounto it, 42, 43.
No wordly thing can content or comfort the heart in that case, 44, 45.
Meanes wherby they that hauehave lost the assurance of their saluation may recouer it, 346. 347.
V.
Vnity.
Vnity in all points among Gods seruants in this life is not to be expected, 302.
Vowes.
We should in our affliction vow amendment, & performe it when we are deliuered, 405.
W.
Walking with God.
We should labour to walke with God, & how we may know whether we do so or no, 70.
Will-worship.
No worship is to be giuen to God, but such as he likes of, and delights in, euen such as is done by the direction of his Word and in obedience to it, 160. 192.
In will-worship men serue not God, but the diuell, 161.
God requires more seruice of eueryevery man, then he hath expressely & particularly commanded him, & yet this is no will-worship, 242, 243
He that hath an vpright heart, will make conscience of such things onelyonly as God hath commanded or forbidden, 473.
Women.
How iust causes they hauehave to be humbled in themselues, 225.
How they may adorne the Gospell, 226.
Word of God.
No man can know God aright; but by his Word, and the difference betweene the knowledge gotten so, & any other, 160, 161
It is the saluation of men, 1…8, 169.
All that hauehave it are not saued by it, 169.
Saluation not to bee ascribed to any vertue that is in it, 169.
By it all other meanes of grace are made effectuall, 169, 170.
It is exceeding powerfull and effectuall to saue men, 170, 171.
We ought highly to esteeme it, 172, 173.
Notes to trie whether we esteeme and louelove it indeed, 173.
The wicked hardens himselfe in sin euen by it, 98, 99.
It is to bee esteemed a high fauour of God that we enioy it, 162.
It is the onelyonly ground of true faith, and assurance of saluation, 338.
The faith and Religion of Gods Elect, is not grounded vponupon any thing, but the word only, 348, 349. 418. 419.
Seeke good ground in the word for that thou holdest in Religion, 429.
Dangerous to doubt of the truth of it, see Infidelity.
The word to be heard on weeke daies, 241.
The word to be examined, 467.
Rules thereto. 499.
Word to be heard with heart prepared, 486.
How that may be, 489.
The word ought to bee receiued for the senders sake, 313.
Difference betwixt the good workes of regenerate and naturall men, 476.
Good Workes.
That only is a good worke, that is commanded of God, 474.
Workes of God.
Men may be prepared vntounto faith, and much confirmed in it by the workes of God, 417.
We should obserue the workes of God, and how God doth by them ratifie his Word, 417. 497.
What vse we should make of the strange workes of God, 379.
World.
By this word (sometimes) the Elect onelyonly are meant, and why Christ is called the Sauiour of the world, 329, 330.
Worldly things.
No worldly thing can satisfie or comfort the soule in distresse, 44, 45.
It is great folly to set our heart vponupon or esteeme too much of any worldly comfort, 390. 438, 439.
He that is truely conuerted makes not that reckoning of worldly things as he did before 238.
Worship of God, See
Adoration.
Ceremoniall Law.
Exercises of Religion.
Reuerence.
Most men worship not God according to his Word, 163.
Reasons for the altering of the manner of Gods worship, at Christs comming, 190. 191
No seruice pleaseth God, but that which is spirituall, 191, 192.
He requires spirituall worship more vnderunder the Gospell, then he did vnderunder the Law, 19… 197.
All the parts of Gods worship, may (in some cases) be vsed in priuate houses, 120. 129.
And are as acceptable to God in one place as in another, 156.
Christ himselfe did diligently vse to worship God in religious duties, and why, 163, 1…4.
The difference betweene Gods worship vnderunder the Law and vnderunder the Gospell, …87, 1…. 189.
God requires bodily worship of vsus as well as spirituall, but not so much as vnderunder the law, 189, 190.
Euen the wicked est men that liue are bound to worship God, 195.
Y.
Young men.
The sins that they must chiefly take heed of 224.
Z.
Zealous.
Both Magistrates and priuate men should shew their zealous hatred to sin, 78.
Zeale is required of all Christians, and what the notes and properties of true Zeale are, 260, 261 263. 267.
Zeale in the people warmes their Ministers, 295.
True Zeale will make a man to forget and neglect himselfe, 275.