Lectures Upon Psalm 51, Index
An Alphabeticall Index of the principall matters contained in this Booke.
A.
Affections.
THe necess…y of good affections.
489
Affliction.
In all distresses, … to God by prayer, and seeke comfort that way.
59
In all afflictions we must cleare and acquit God of all rigour and injustice.
245
Every child of God must looke for affliction.
253
God hath a speciall hand in all afflictions.
256
God afflicts his people in love.
257, &c.
Think of affliction …
260
Willing bearing of affliction is a means to mortifi… corruption.
322
We may in two respects judge of mens sinnes ly their affl…ction.
559
We may therein offend two wayes.
Ibid & 560
Though the afflictions men indure be in their owne nature punishments yet are they not so to all men.
664, 665
Afflictions inflicted upon the godly for sinne are not properly punishments, but chastisements.
665
In extreame affliction our case will be wofull without Christ.
684
Six remarkable things concerning affliction.
Ibid. & 685
He that hath Christ may be safe and comfortable in any affliction.
686
Almsdeeds.
Motives to them.
116, 117, &c.
How to be performed.
Ibid.
How faulty men are this way.
119, &c.
Anabaptists.
Confutation of their errours touching infants.
281
Application.
Hearers must apply the Word to themselves.
39
Ministers must apply the Word particularly to the people.
44. &c
Every man must labour to have Christs blood sprinkled upon his heart, and applyed to him
614, &c.
Assurance.
Labour to get assurance that Christs blood was shed for us.
617, 618
Many deceive themselves in this, and the danger of this deceit.
620
Signes of false assurance,
628, 629
Signes of true assurance.
621, &c.
Every Christian hath the Word to assure him in particular, that he is in the state of grace.
623
Means to get true assurance.
632, &c.
Attention.
We must diligently attend to what we heare.
36, 37
Beneficence.
Gods children are ready and carefull to do good, and to be usefull to others.
121—125
Birth.
No cause to be proud of parentage or birth.
28…
Blessinge of God.
The godly have beene often confirmed in assurance of Gods love, by the experience of Gods favour to them in temporall blessings.
645 689
True believers may take great comfort even in these outward blessings.
688
Such things as are blessings in themselves, are not so to wicked men
686
They have no spirituall title to them.
687
To them they are fruits of Gods common love, not of his speciall.
Ibid.
Catechising.
A speciall meanes to breed sound knowledge.
789
Censoriousnesse.
Men are apt to thinke them greatest sinners, whom they see most afflicted.
557
The folly and wickednesse of it.
560, 561
Charity.
The knowledge of Gods love in pardoning us, should provoke us to forgive those that have wronged us.
111
Signes whether we have indeed forgiven such as have wronged us.
114, 115
Charity is a speciall fruit of the Spirit.
747, 748
Signes of it.
748, &c.
Towards all men.
748, 752
Towards our enemies.
752, 753
To them that feare God.
754, 755
We love no man unlesse we love his soule, and unfeignedly desire his salvation.
803, 804
Children.
To honour and reverence their parents.
284
Parents should do their uttermost to breed grace in their children.
287
Children owe honour and subjection to their parents, be they never so poore.
291
Correction necessary for children.
293
Christ.
The riches of Gods grace appeares to his people in Christ in five regards.
103, 104
No mercy to be hoped for from God, but in and through Christ.
596
Though salvation were not free to Christ, but he paid dea… for it, yet is it to us free.
600, 601
Every one should labour to know that Christ is his.
607
Motives to that.
608, 609
Signes that Christ is ours.
610, 611
Meanes to get this assurance.
611, 613
Esteeme of Christ above all, and labour to be found in him.
683, &c.
All men shall not have benefit by Christ, but few in comparison.
744, &c.
The reason of that.
745
Church.
We should be affected with the miseries of the Church, and bow.
562, &c.
Pray for the Church.
567
OnelyOnly the Church hath benefit by Christ.
744
Nor all within that.
Ibid.
Church-Assemblies.
Being come into them, we must set our selves as in the presence of God.
35
Their sin which behave themselves unreverently in them.
36
That sleepe ordinarily there.
708, 709
That absent themselves from them.
710
Reverence due in them in three regards.
709
The fulnesse of them a comfort to Gods children.
800
Civill-honesty.
In it selfe a good thing, pleasing to God, and such as he useth to reward.
692, 693
The great sinne of Professors that are defective in that.
694, 695
Yet no sound comfort to be found in this alone.
695, 696
Comfort.
Ministers must take care to comfort such as are afflicted in conscience, though the greatest part of their audience stand not in need of the word of consolation.
135, 136, 459, 649, 650
Reasons to perswade such as are afflicted in mind to give way to comfort.
137
God intends good to his children, by with-holding comfort from them for a time.
142
Comfort for those that complaine and mourne for their unprofitablenesse in the use of Gods ordinances.
595
Of their doubtings and infidelity.
647, 648, 654, 680, 682
Common-wealth.
A great sin to be all for ourselves, and to have no care of the common good.
125
We must seeke the good of it.
806
The Gospell brings blessings to it.
806, 807
Communion.
Their sin that forbeare it, because they are out of Charity.
113
Because we come not to it rightly humbled, wee depart without comfort.
265, 266
There's great force in that to work assurance of Gods favour in Christ.
635
And constancy in the truth.
797
Concupiscence without consent is sin.
306
Conference.
We should conferre of what we heare specially in our owne families.
40, 41
Good in trouble of mind to make knowne our case to some faithfull friend or Minister.
151
Confession.
He that truly repents, will willingly confesse and bewaile his sin.
158
He that can rightly and truly confesse his sins, may be sure to find mercy in the pardon of them.
159, 160
The Reasons why Gods people have beene so willing to confesse their sinnes, and why the Lord hath so much delighted to see them do so.
161, 162
How farre forth confession of sinne in private to a Minister, or other friend, is not necessary.
163, 164
How farre forth it is profitable and fit.
164, 165
Those whose sinnes are publike and scandalous, must be willing to make publike confession and profession of their repentance.
171, &c.
Three cautions touching this.
171
Confession of our sinnes to God is of all other most necessary and usefull.
191, 192
Five meanes whereby we may be enabled to confesse our sinnes aright.
196, &c.
Five properties of sincere confession of sinne.
198, 203
Conscience.
Thy conscience will one day bring thy secretest sinnes to thy mind.
207
And smite thee for them.
208
No comparison betweene the pleasure of sinne and that.
209
A good conscience a speciall meanes to make us beare affliction comfortably and patiently.
272
And to get assurance of Gods favour.
409, 410 638, 641
Make conscience of every truth.
793, 794
Conversion.
The power and goodnesse of God to us, in it is admirable.
342, &c.
God hath set a time for every mans conversion, we must count the present time that.
345
Reioyce in the truth of grace wrought in thee.
346
In it a change and reformation wrought in the whole man.
414
Three cautions.
415, 416
Conversion is to be ascribed wholly unto God and the mighty working of his grace.
503, &c. 519
The work of grace in the conversion of man is most free.
510, 511
God in denying the meanes of conversion or grace of conversion to any, doth them no wrong because he is a solute Soveraigne.
519, 520
In that he denies effectuall grace, to profit by the meanes to most, he manifests his free grace and mercy to his elect
520
God in conversion, not onelyonly offers grace, but con…ers and in…useth that grace into the will, that actually inclines it.
524
Covetousnesse.
True saith will subdue it.
733
Curiosity.
Take heed of affecting the knowledge of curious, intricate, and unprofitable points.
785
This discerned three wayes.
786, 788
D.
Death.
ONe chiefe thing that should make the faithfull willing to die, is that then they shall sin no more, but be freed from all possibility of falling away.
11, 324, 325
In the best an unwillingnesse to die.
325
Delay.
Presently set upon the practice of what you have learned out of the Word.
43
Seeke speedily the pardon of sin.
9…
Without delay make thy best use of the meanes of conversion.
346
Desire.
Vnfained desire to please God a signe of uprightnesse.
438, 439, 463
Five differences between the desires of the godly and the wicked.
442, 443
Signes to know a true desire of grace.
465
Doubting.
All doubting is not a signe of infidelitie
242
Yet a dangerous signe not to bee able to believe the Word nor to be troubled with infidelity.
Ibid.
Or to dispute against the Word.
243
Comforts for such of Gods children as doubt they are hypocrites.
461
A man may be in the state of grace though hee perceive it not.
650, 651
He that finds least comfort in himselfe, yet should rest upon Christ.
653
E.
Enemies.
WE must love them, and expresse it in eight duties.
752, 753
Errours.
Corruption in iudgement the most dangerous corruption.
779, 780
The faithfull may erre in matters of smaller moment.
780, 781
Yea in fundamentall points for a time.
782
We must shun the hearing, and con…erring with seducers.
784
Examination.
Christians should daily examine their wayes.
197, 198
A meanes to get and increase assurance of Gods favour.
641, 643
Example.
Great force in example.
298
Experience.
It is profitable to call to mind the signes of grace we had in former times.
643
And the speciall Experiments wee have had of Gods love in temporall blessing▪
644
But specially in spirituall things.
645
Exercises of Religion.
Every man is to spend some part of every day in them.
320
Conscionable use of them is a meanes to mortifie corruption.
321
F.
Faith.
WIthout faith we cannot beare afflictions patiently, but having it, we may.
266 267
How to trie it.
268
Diverse effects of it.
627
True faith is operative.
626
Comfort for such as complaine of the weaknesse of it.
269
Till faith come into the heart, no sin can be mortified, but when it commeth, it will mortifie sin.
326, 327
Two reasons of that.
327, 330
We must exercise and make use of our faith.
330
Faith the root of all true piety and love to God.
397
There may be true faith where there is no assurance of salvation.
411, 650, 652
Wherein the nature of true faith consisteth.
411, 413, 653
It will bring comfortable assurance in the end
413
The inward instrument to sanctifie the heart.
731
All men by nature unable to believe.
746
Falls of the godly.
The truly regenerate may fall fearefully into odious sinnes.
8
Why the Lord suffers his people to fall.
9, 10
The best have therefore great cause to feare.
10, 11
Means to keep us from falling
11
Take heed of declining in the least matters.
795
When they are fallen, they cannot rise up again of themselves.
13
Comfort against tentations of falling away.
352, 357
Differences between the falls of the elect and others.
355, 556
Their sinne is great that rejoyce to heare and speak of them.
552
And theirs that embolden themselves to sin by them.
554, 557
Why the falls of the godly are recorded in the Word.
555
Family.
True converts will have a care to reforme their families.
288, 630
Such as have children and families, are charged with the soules of them.
289, 481
Must answer for their open pro…anenesse and contempt of religion.
711
Fast.
Humiliation necessary in every fast, and for what causes we should be humbled.
311, 313
Feeling.
A man may be in the state of grace, and highly in Gods favour, though be feele is not, nor have the comfort of it.
140, 141
Feare of God.
That may be well done, that is done cut of feare of Gods judgements.
387
But it must be such a feare as is mixed with love.
388
A man may be subject to slavish feares ▪ and yet truly love God.
392
Reasons of it.
393, 394
We must strive against these feares.
395
6 Means to overcome them.
396, 734, 735
He that is in the state of grace, must be affraid to sin
569 570
Must feare every degree of sin, must continue in this feare
Ibid
Faith the root of it.
741
Freedome of will.
How dead we are by nature.
305, 517, 518
Wicked men have no true desire nor wi…l t… have grace, and to be saved
454, 455
Wicked men may forbeare many sinnes, and doe much more good than they do.
457
He that doth what lieth in him, is nearer to salvation, than another naturall man.
458
The naturall man is able to …ve to men, and to himselfe but not to God.
518
G.
God.
HIs omnipresence and omniscience.
221, 222
His holinesse.
222
His Maiesty.
223
His goodnesse and bounty.
224
Gods love.
Wicked men are perswaded God loveth them, and hee doth indeed with a common love.
398
Faith assures us of Gods speciall love.
400
Rest not in common favours, but get assurance of Gods speciall love.
401, 402, 687, 688
Motives to seeke for assurance of Gods speciall love.
402, 406
Meanes to get it.
406, &c
Grace.
We are bound to give God thanks for his restraining grace in others. 337. In our selves.
339
Saving grace is of a permanent and durable nature.
428
Gospell.
The preaching of the Gospell is the outward instrument whereby the Spirit workes sanctification.
732
H.
Hearers.
TO love and reverence Gods Ministers.
22, 167
What Ministry they should most prize.
22, 23
Yet must they esteeme reverently of the meanest faithfull Minister.
23
Reproo…e of hearers that love not their Ministers person.
24
That discourage their Ministers.
480
That regard not his Ministry.
24, 169
The danger of such as neglect to heare.
26
That heare without profit.
27, 528
Many complaine without cause they cannot profit by the Word.
528
What the true causes are men profit not by the Word.
529
What they must do that have long enjoyed the Ministry of the Word and cannot profit by it.
530
Hearers must examine what they heare.
790
How wee may heare with profit.
30, &c. 742
1. What we must do before.
30, 35, 792
2. What in hearing.
35, 39
3. What after.
39, 44
Resort to Ministers for resolution.
43
Heart.
Grosse sinnes harden the heart.
14, 15, 16
Hardnesse of heart a …earefull judgement.
16
Meanes to deliver and preserve us from it.
16, 17, 735
Make conscience of the first stir…ings of thy corruption there.
317
When God hath a mans heart it is a signe of uprightnesse.
438, &c., 463
Signes that the purpose and desire of the heart is right.
465
Honour.
Whom God accounts truly honourable.
286
Hope.
A sound hope that when wee shall die wee shall goe to heaven, a speciall meanes of patience.
270
Signes of a true hope.
271
Humiliation.
The knowledge of our naturall corruption is of great force to humble us.
308
We have cause to be humbled when wee have performed our best duties.
309
When we go before God in prayer.
Ibid.
Specially at fasts.
311
And at the Sacrament.
574
Seeking assurance of Gods favour with an humbled soule, is a speciall meanes to obtaine it.
408, 647
Humiliation for sinne a speciall meanes to obtaine sanctified knowledge.
498
He that is in the state of grace …ath more cause to be humbled for his grosse sinnes, than any other man
573
Foure benefits of …ound humiliation.
574
The humbled soule most capable of mercy.
647, 648
None fit to receive Christ but the humble, and such as find themselves utterly void of all grace.
691
Hypocrisie.
The best are apt to suspect themselves to be hypocrites.
460
Comfort for such.
461
Many things in an hypocrite, better than in any meere naturall man.
697
An hypocrite may go farre.
698, &c.
The good things in them not to be misliked and scorned.
699
In some respects the hypocrite is worse, and in worse case than the open profane person.
719
Signes of an hypocrite.
720, &c
I.
Idlenesse.
A Great sinne for any man to live idly and un-profitably.
125
Idolatry.
It is a good thing and pleasing to God to hate Idolatry.
712, 714
Ignorance
Is a sinne that much provokes God.
494
It is a signe one is under Sathans power.
496
Such a one easily seduced.
Ibid.
Such an one is full of doubts and feares.
497
Infants.
Every Infant so soone as it is borne or conceived, is guilty of sin in the sight of God, and deserveth to be damned.
277
In what respects called Innocents.
Ibid.
And said to be holy.
278
How severe God hath beene in his judgements towards some Infants.
279, 280
The originall corruption of Infants consists in three things.
Ibid
Observe Gods judgements on them.
281
The sin that is in Infants is derived to them from their parents.
282
Infidelity.
The hainousnesse of that sin.
146, 147
Notwithstanding Infidelity discerned and bewailed, a man may trust in Gods mercy.
648, 682
Infirmities.
Foure notes to discerne a sin of infirmity from a reigning sin.
709
Ioy.
The humble-hearted man hath great cause of Ioy.
138
Gods children have cause to be comfortable, and to serve God with alacrity.
364, 365
He that truly believeth he is justified by Christ, must needs rejoyce in him.
675, &c.
Their great sin that do not.
680
Iudgements of God.
The Lord sheweth his severity more in this life, against the sinnes of his owne people, than of the wicked.
1. He afflicts all them. 2. Begins with them. 542, 543. 3. He usually makes them examples. 544. 4. His judgements are wont to be heavier and sharper on them.
545
This be doth to keep them from sin and perdition
546
He getteth himselfe glory from wicked men two wayes, by the Examples of his severity towards his owne children.
547, 548
Iustification.
By Christ we are fully and perfectly delivered and freed from all our sinnes.
315, 316
All true believers are perfectly cleansed from their sinne… and pure in Gods eyes.
655
The reasons of it
660, 661
Foure maine differences betweene justification, and sanctification.
656, 659
How perfectly a true believer is discharged of all his sinnes, appeares in 5 points
659
We cannot be justified by inherent righteousnesse.
669, 670
Reasons of it.
670, 671
We are justified by Christs righteousnesse imputed to us.
672
Objections answered.
674
The knowledge of this, that Christ hath purchased for us the pardon of our sinnes, a sufficient ground of comfort. 677. and so is the knowledge of this, that Christs perfect obedience is imputed to us.
Ibid.
K.
Knowledge.
A Good signe to desire to know the whole will of God in all things that concerne us.
423, 786, 794
Saving knowledge is the principall worke of Gods grace in the conversion of man.
472
It is the foundation of other graces.
473
It is the seed of other graces.
475
All Gods people must seeke for saving knowledge.
483
Signes of sanctified knowledge.
485, &c
1 The Word the onelyonly object of it. 2. Specially such parts of it as are most usefull and profitable for our selves 485. 3. It is cleare and certaine. 4. There's no fulnesse nor satiety in it.
486
It works 1 humilitie 487. 2. Good affections. 488. 3. Reformation of hearts and li…e 489, 490. 4. Strengtheneth against tentations.
491
Motives to seek knowledge. 1. It concernes one as well as another, to have knowledge in Religion, and in the Scriptures.
492, 493.
2. It is a duty required of God.
Ibid. 494
3 It is a comfortable signe of Election, and uprightnesse o… heart
495
4. It keepeth us constant in Religion, and from danger of seducers
490, 788
5. It makes us walke boldly and comfortably.
497
Meanes. 1. Be sensible of ignorance. 2. Be truly humbled; or sin 498. 3. Depend upon an ordinary and sound ministry 499. 4. Read the Word. 5. Meditate. 6. Conferre. 7. Pray, 501. Receive the Word with an honest heart.
792
No man by naturall abilities can attaine saving knowledge without supernaturall grace.
512
This cure not perfected in this life, nor so perfectly in some as others, but shall be perfected in heaven.
514
Naturall mens knowledge not sufficient to salvation.
515
The work of grace enlightning the understanding, is extraordinarie and rare
516
This workes most free: no reason of it, but only Gods good pleasure.
Ibid.
…abour to understand every thing we do in Gods service.
583
Danger of them that make light account of knowledge.
598
L.
Labour.
WE cannot performe any spirituall service unto God without labour.
34
Love of God.
The love of God is the root of all true obedience.
386
The true love of God, a certaine signe of an upright heart.
388 389
No wicked man doth indeed love God.
390, &c.
There may bee true love of God in them that are much exercised with slavish feares.
394
Love that is wrought in men towards God by his common savours is unsound.
398, 399
Faith the root of it.
742
Every one that hath the Spirit of Christ, loves God above all
798
Gods honour must be dearer unto us than any thing.
809
M.
Magistrates
HAve great opportunity to honour God in their places.
631
Maliciousnesse.
True faith will subdue it.
733, 734
Meanes.
God is the giver of all meanes, and of the vertue in them to do us good.
72
Meditation.
Meditate on that we heare.
40
Memory.
We should be carefull to remember what we heare.
39
And to keepe Gods favours in remembrance.
646
Mercy of God.
The onelyonly ground the best can have for hope of pardon is Gods mercy.
102, &c.
Gods mercy most free.
107
In him bowels of mercy.
107, 108
We must not rest in this, to know that God is mercifull, but labour to know that his mercy, yea a speciall mercy belongs to us.
126
Five differences between it and common mercies.
126, 127
Five notes to know whether it belong to us.
127, 128
Five notable effects, that the assurance of Gods speciall mercy worketh in the conscience
129, 130
The vilest sinner, if he feele his sin, and desire to turne to God, need not doubt of finding mercy with him.
130, &c.
Gods mercy to us in the things that concerne this life
224, 225
In things that concerne our soules.
225, &c.
Learne to be mercifull by example of Gods mercy.
115
Ministers.
Why the faithfullest Ministers are so hated.
46, 47
What properties should be in the Minister that desires to do good specially in reproving sin.
48, 52
Ministers should not be given to suits and contentions
51
What manner of men Ministers had need to be.
166.167
Ministers must chiefly labour to bring the people to knowledge, to ground and stablish them in it.
481
By what means he may do that.
482
Ministers have great opportunity to honour God.
631
Ministers teaching by warrant of Gods Word, are to be obyed.
724
A man that hath no truth of grace in himselfe, may be a meanes to conver… others.
805
Ministry of the Word
The means which God hath sanctified, and by which he hath been wont to worke repentance and grace. 18. and knowledge. 499. and constancy in the truth.
796
What mighty works it hath wrought, and the reason it hath done so.
18, 21
We should resolve to live under it, and why.
23, 24, 48
To be accounted a chiefe blessing.
25, 478, 800, 804
That the best, that applyeth the Word particularly, and reproveth sin boldly.
44
A principall work of mercy, to procure or provide that for a people.
479
It is Gods speciall and free favour, that any of us enjoy the sound Ministry of the Word
503 507
That the Ministry of the Word is effectuall to conversion, is to be ascribed onelyonly to the Spirit.
507, 509
They are in a fearefull estate that enjoy not the Ministry of the Word.
526, 527
And also they that enjoy it, and cannot profit by it.
528
A great mercy to enjoy the Ministry of the Word, but specially, when we profit by it.
531, 532
We should rejoyce in this.
802, 803
Modesty.
The people of God dare not speake boldly nor immodestly of filthy actions.
6
Mortification.
Seven meanes of it.
317, &c.
We may with confidence go to Christ for helpe against our spirituall infirmities.
331
Objections against that answered.
335
Faith the onelyonly means of mortification.
732
Musicke.
Three things to be observed concerning the Musicke they had in the worship of God under the Law.
3
N.
Neighbours.
HOw we came to make our selves guilty of the sinnes of others.
179, &c. 219
We are bound to desire and procure (so farre as in us lieth) that all men may have the means of knowledge.
477, 478
O.
Oath.
GReat care to be had in taking an oath and keeping it.
183
The common sinne, in taking an oath so carelesly, and making so little conscience in keeping it.
184
Occasions of evill to be shunned.
318
Officers
Bound to present infamous and scandalous persons.
182
They sin that keep men from publike pennance.
187, 188
Obedience.
Be willing to yeeld passive obedience unto God.
245, 249
Conscionable care to please God a sure note of uprightnesse.
378
True obedience is universall.
419, &c. 724, 726
Yet speciall care to be had of those things God hath given us speciall charge of.
422
The onelyonly rule of true righteousnesse is the Word.
380, &c.
How the upright man sheweth equall respect to all the commandements.
423, &c.
Forth the root of it.
737, 741
Five notes of Evangelicall obedience.
754
Obedience must be done in a right manner.
433, &c.
Oppression.
Against such as are undoers of others.
124
Originall sinne
Is derived from the parents, and why.
282, 283
For this sinne (above all others) God may justly ab…orre us, and we have most cause to bee humbled in our selves.
301, 303
Three motives to perswade us to seek deliverance from it, and two meanes.
313, 317
Consider Gods mercy and goodnesse towards us in that regard.
336
P.
Papists.
THeir errours touching originall sinne.
305, &c.
Touching justification.
662, &c.
Parents.
To be humbled for the corruption and sinne that appeares in their children.
286
Parents should use their utmost indeavour to breed grace in their children.
287, &c.
Diverse motives.
Ibid.
Means Parents must use to save their childrens soules.
291, &c
Parents must maintaine their authority over their children,
291
How they come to lose it.
292
Their sin in neglecting to keep them in awe.
293 294
They must instruct their children. 1. Instilling betimes the beginnings of knowledge. 294. 2. Acquainting them with the practice of Religion. 295. 3. Bringing them to the publike worship. 4. Examining them how they profit.
Ibid.
They must be carefull to give them good example.
298
They must take heed how they place them at schoole, in service, in mariage.
299
They must pray for them.
Ibid.
Parents using these meanes, need not doubt they shall lose their labour.
300
Patience.
We have need of it.
250
Seven notes of it.
251, &c.
Motives to it.
253, &c.
Meanes.
260, &c.
Perseverance.
Study to persevere unto the end.
12
The marvellous mercy of God to bee acknowledged, in the perseverance of any in the state of grace
347, 352
Take heed of declining and falling f…om grace.
431, 432
The regenerate elect child of God ca…ot sin so hainously as every unregenerate man may do.
533, &c.
Constancy in the true Religion is a signe a man hath the Spirit of Christ.
766, &c.
God hath given great testimony to this.
76…
The faithfull have found much comfort in …t.
…
They whom the Spirit hath taught, … persevere in the truth.
…
Motives to constancy in the truth.
7… ▪ 7…2
Meanes to it.
782
Though it be ascribed to the Lord alone, yet he worketh it by meanes, and will have us to bee agents in this worke.
783
Predestination.
Gods decree of Predestination is most righteous.
248, 249
Prayer.
Gods people in all distresse must seeke for comfort from God by prayer.
59. &c.
Extremity of affliction should not keepe us from it
63, 64
Nor sense of our owne vilenesse.
64, 65
Nor inability to pray.
68, 69, &c
Nor a conceit that it's to no purpose to pray.
69 &c.
Prescript and set formes of Prayer may bee used.
68
Why God delayes to answer the prayers of his servants
75, 76
What we must then do.
78, &c.
God gives often a gracious answer to the prayers of his servants, though they perceive it not
76
Five severall wayes God shewes respect unto, and gives a gracious answer to his peoples prayers.
76, 77
Six principall faults that use to blemish and weaken our prayers.
81, &c. 637
Five notable encouragements to prayer, specially in inward afflictions.
153
Prayer a speciall meanes to get grace to beare afflictions comfortably and patiently.
273
Long prayers not unlawfull, so it be with foure cautions.
310
Prayer a meanes to conquer corruptions.
322
And to get assurance of Gods favour in Christ.
636
A singular good thing to keep a constant course in prayer.
700
Faith e…ableth us to pray well.
743
Practice.
Presently set upon the practice of what wee have learned.
43
Making conscience to practise what we have learned, meanes to establish us in the truth.
792
Preaching of the Word.
Is a meanes to bring men to Christ.
19
The godly man will rejoyce in the plentifulnesse of it. 801 for three reasons.
803, 809
Preaching necessary now.
813
Obiections against it answered.
810, &c.
Preparation
To the hearing of the Word, wherein it consists.
30, &c.
Presumption.
Take heed we sin not, presuming that we shall repent before we die.
15
The vanity of those conceits which keepe many from being troubled with their ….
89, 93
Hypocrites use to be confident.
377
Presume not to sin, because of the fals of Gods people.
554, &c.
The danger of Presumption.
620, 625, 744
Signes of it.
628, 629
Private duties.
Secret confession of sinne, most necessary, convenient, and beneficiall.
193, 195
Psalmes.
The titles of them not to be omitted as superfluous and impertinent.
1
Why committed to the chiefe Musitian.
4
Singing of Psalmes an ancient and excellent ordinance of God.
4
How Psalmes should be sung.
6
Punishment.
The consideration of punishment may cause a faithfull man to mourne and grieve for sinne, and to be afraid of it.
218
Christ hath satisfied as well for the temporall as eternall punishment due to our sinnes.
662, 663
Though the afflictions men induce be in their owne nature punishments, yet are they not so to all men.
664, 665
Profanenesse.
In some respects the open profane persons case is worse than the hypocrites.
718
Profession.
Live so as men may be witnesses of thy goodnesse.
418
He that hath assurance that Christ is his, will pro…esse and declare himselfe openly to bee Gods servant.
627
We may hate the sinnes of professors, but not hate them for any goodnesse they professe. Three notes whereby we may see many hate professors for their goodnesse.
716, 717
Prosperity.
He that hath not Christ, can have no comfort in his prosperity.
686
Great is their folly that preferre worldly things before Christ.
690
R.
Regenerate.
THe sinnes the regenerate fall into, are in sundry respects greater than the sinnes of others.
539, 542, & 548, 552
God will plague sinne as much in them as in any other in the world.
540, 541
In this life he sheweth more hatred to the sinnes of such, than to the sinnes of other men.
542, &c.
The goodnesse in the regenerate man, in three respects surpasseth the goodnesse in the morall man or hypocrite.
729, 730
Religion.
That's the true Religion that gives the whole glory of mans salvation to the free grace and mercy of God.
110, 523
The truth we have received by warrant of the Word, and teaching of the Spirit, we should be constant in.
525, &c. 766, 767
A grievous sinne to insult against Religion for the faults of the professours of it.
553, 554
True Religion grounded on the Word
767
No certainty in Religion, but by the teaching of the Spirit.
773, 774
True Religion brings great blessings to the Church and State.
806, 807
Repentance.
A great comfort that thou hast repented.
17
The sin of such as keep men from publike pennance.
187, 188
The sin of such as sin, and refuse publike profession of their repentance.
189, 191
They that have truly repented them of their sinnes, cannot easily forget them, but are apt to think of them.
203, &c.
The chief thing that should make us hate sin, and mourne for it, is the offence and dishonour done to God.
219▪ 220
The sinning against so good a God should humble us.
227
Notes of sincere repentance.
232
Five things required in true repentance.
605
Faith the root of repentance.
740
Reproofe.
The Minister must plainely and particularly reprove sin.
44, &c. 707
The reasons for the necessity of reproofe.
46
In foure things the Ministers wisdome in reproving sinne, must appeare.
49, 50
And his love in three.
51
Reasons why men cannot indure reproofe.
52
Their folly appeares in …oure things.
53
Five Obiections answered against such Ministers.
54, 57
Dangerous not to indure the Word of reproofe.
244
Righteousnesse.
Five things to be granted touching inherent righteousnesse.
667, 668
Yet cannot a man be iustified by that.
669
Inherent righteousnesse a great ground of comfort.
677, 678
S.
Sabbath.
THough the outward observation of the Sabbath be the least, yet God is highly pleased with it, and promiseth to reward it.
701, 705
The things required for the right observation of it.
708, 710
Sacriledge
Is a great sinne.
724
Sadnesse.
Christians should beware of sadnesse and feare.
137
Salvation.
The whole glory of mans salvation is due to the Lord alone, and his free grace.
521, 522
Though it be free to us, Christ paid deare for it.
600, 601
Sanctification.
Whom the Lord iustifies, he sanctifieth, though this be not so perfect as the former, yet is it more sensible to us because we are agents in it our selves.
316
Foure maine differences betweene sanctification and iustification.
656, 659
Sanctification is not in the same measure in all true believers.
657
Nor perfected in this life.
658
None can be sanctified till he be iustified.
730
Faith the inward instrument whereby God sanctifieth the heart.
731
Reasons of it.
738, 739
Scandalous sinners.
We should do our best indeavor to bring scandalous sinners to open shame and punishment.
182, &c.
Officers chiefly.
Ibid.
How …arre private Christians may go in this.
185, &c.
Scripture.
We must esteeme reverently of every part of Scripture, though we cannot at first reading or hearing profit by it.
2
The duty we owe to those parts of the Word we cannot understand, standeth in six points.
2, 3
The holy Scripture of the Old Testament was kept in the Sanctuary and Temple.
4
It is the onelyonly rule of true righteousnesse.
380, &c.
The absolute perfection of the Scriptures appeares in six particulars.
381, 384
All Gods people have equall interest in the holy Scriptures.
493
All truths necessary to salvation are plainely and clearely set …wne in the Scriptures.
512, 513, 768
Security.
Against secure sinners.
209, 214
Selfe-denyall.
To renounce our selves, and with humbled soules to cast our selves upon the …ree mercy of God in Christ, is the way to obtaine comfort.
647
Service of God.
Their solly which re…use Gods service because it is an heavy bondage.
444, &c.
Reasons why men re…use Gods service.
445, &c.
Gods service the most comfortable life.
448
Foure things to be considered in the gracious disposition of our Master that maketh us chearfull in his service.
451
Sight of sinne
How far forth the discovering of sin to us is a blessing.
340
How far forth a judgement.
341
Sincerity.
The Lord desireth and highly esteems truth and sincerity of …eart, and …oure reaso…s for that.
368, 371
It stands us all upon to … diligently whether our hearts … up…ight, and th…ee motives to that.
372, 376, 466
He that hath any one s…ving and sanctifying grace, hath certainly an upright heart.
376
Even the aptnesse that is in us to suspect our selves least our hearts should be unsound, is a good signe of uprightnesse.
376, 719
So is the conscience we make of Gods commandements, and to lead a godly life.
378
Meanes to attaine sincerity and uprightnesse of heart.
469, 470
Care to keep our selves un…potted of every sin, is a signe of sincerity.
726
So is this, when our maine intent and aime is to please God.
728
Sinne.
One sin drawes on another.
14
Pardon of sin is more to be desired, than deliverance from any outward misery.
84, &c.
Sin the greatest evill.
85
Sinnes are debts.
86
Sin is filthenesse.
87
Motives to seek pardon of sin.
94, 95
Pray daily for it, though we be justified.
666
Comfort from the pardon of sin.
677
Meanes to obtaine it.
96, 97, 98
Notes whereby to know sin is pardoned.
100, 101
How the assurance of pardon is lost.
99
The godly man remembreth his sin with griefe.
203, &c.
Three great mischiefs of scandalous sinnes that abound where the Gospell is preached▪
175, 178
Learne to be afraid of sin.
207, 569
Every sin is a transgression of Gods Law.
220
A contempt done unto God.
221
Foure attributes of God by which it appeares that we are chiefly to mourne for our sinnes, because God i… offended.
22, &c.
No sin veniall., or lightly to be accounted of.
228, 229, 233, 234
Yet are some greater than others.
230, &c. 549, 552
Three causes of actuall sinnes.
282
The godly man hath most cause to be afraid of sin.
571
Foure things to be observed in the passion of Christ that do notably set forth the odiousnesse of sin.
601, 604
Five meanes to make us esteeme sin as it ought to be esteemed of.
605, 606
Speech.
Filthy speech becommeth not Christians.
6, 7
Spirit of God.
Five notes of the holy Spirit dwelling in us.
150, 151
The Spirit is the mark on Christs sheep, whereby they may know they are his.
747
By the fruits of the Spirit, they may know they have the Spirit.
Ibid.
Where the Spirit dwels, it perswades them in the truth of religion.
771
This no private Spirit.
775
Strictnesse
Maketh not Christs yoke intolerable.
235
All precisenesse and strictnesse in small matters is not hypocrisie.
236, 581, 714
Answer to them that blame professours for their scrupulousnesse.
715
T.
Trouble of mind.
Diverse obiections of men in that case answered.
139, &c.
Take heed of seeking helpe in this case by false wayes.
144▪ 145
Tentations to despaire to be resisted, and how.
145, 146
How to recover our selves, and to overcome such tentations.
148▪ &c.
Truth.
When a thing is said to bee done or spoken in truth.
368
W.
Watchfulnesse.
A Meanes to get assurance of Gods favour.
641, &c.
Wicked men.
L…wd persons are a curse to the place they live in.
124
Have no cause to stumble at this, that God is so apt to passe by the s…ips of his children.
361, 363
Wicked men must pray, and do other good duties, and they may receive good the… by three wayes.
363, 364
We must love their persons, and yet shew detestation to their vices.
749
Works.
Good works the fruits of Gods sanctifying Spirit in us, good grounds of hope and comfort.
104, 105
The maine foundation of any comfort in them, is wholly in Gods mercy
106
Why no man can make them the maine ground of his comfort.
Ibid.
God doth greatly respect the poore and imperfect services of his people, and three reasons for that.
357, 361
Good works must be performed in a right manner.
433, 438
Word of God.
The Lord must be justified in whatsoever he hath spoken.
238
We must believe it.
239
Allow and approve of it as just.
240
Take it to heart.
Ibid.
The Word a speciall meanes to enable us to beare afflictions christianly.
263
To mortifie our corruptions.
321, 322
Why so much is ascribed in Scripture to the Word it sel…e, and to the Ministry thereof.
507, 509
The least thing God hath appointed in his Word may not be neglected.
577, 579
Try our estate by the Word of God.
624, 625
The Word a speciall meanes to get comfortable assurance that Christ is ours, an ….
633, 634
A singular good thing to love the Word.
700
Worship of God.
We must depend upon the direction of the Word for ….
581
Conscience to be made of the outward parts of Gods Worship and exercises of R…ligion.
581, 582
We must labour to understand every thing we do in the service of God.
583, 589
Els we shall receive no good by it.
584, 585
In every part of Gods Worship labour to find God with us in it.
587, 588, 591
Foure motives to stirre up this …are.
591
Foure means to make Gods Ordinances effectuall.
592, 593
We must not neglect Gods Ordinances though we find no fruit.
594
Gods solemne Worship, and conscionable use of his Ordinances, a meanes to worke, …, and recover assurance that Christ is ours.
632
True love of God will appeare towards his Worship.
799
Z.
Zeale▪
EVery one that … the Spirit of Christ, must needs be zealous for God and his worship.
799
FINIS.
End of the text · Arthur Hildersham, Lectures Upon Psalm 51 (1635)