Christ Inviting Sinners to Come to Him for Rest, Table of contents
THE CONTENTS OF THE Treatiſe on Math. 11.28.
CHAP. 1 Wherein, There's, 1. The Dependance of this verſe upon the former, with the Scope of the Holy Ghoſt herein. 2. The Meaning of the words. 3. The Diviſion thereof into three parts. Page 1
Chap. 2. Containing a Deſcription of them whom Chriſt invites to come unto him, which is laid down in this doctrine. That they whom Chriſt calls to come unto him, are ſuch as Labor and are heavy Laden, whether▪ 1. Ʋnder the burden of the righteouſneſs of the Law. or 2. Ʋnder the weight of their ſins. Or, 3. Ʋnder the power of any corruption. Or, 4. Ʋnder any outward trouble, or Affliction. Page 6
Chap. 3. The Burden under ſin, laid open in nine Particulars. 1. When the Soul not only apprehendeth, but is ſenſible of the Evil of Sin in the reality of it. 2. Finds all the comfort that did attend Sin before to vaniſh and come to nothing. 3. Looks upon it ſelf as loathſome, and is in▪ Some meaſure bowed to God. 4. Trembles at the leaſt thoughts and Temptations to Sin. 5. Feel Sin heavieſt, where it is indeed heavieſt. 6. Feels the weight of Sin to be ſuch, as that no Creature is able to remove it. 7 Had rather be under any burden, then the burden of Sin. 8 Doth notwithſtanding the weight thereof, juſtifie God. 9. Doth not lie ſullenly, and deſpair under it, but attend for direction from God, how it may befreed there from Page 15
Chap. 4. Two Cautions touching the Burden of Sin, 1. That 'tis no condition of the Covenant of Gace 2. That it doth not intereſt the Soul in Chriſt, nor g…ve it reſt in him. Whereunto certain Conſequences are annexed. Page 21
Chap. 5. The Reaſons of the former Doctrine. 1. Chriſt hath all mercy in him. 2. The end why he came into the world, was to give reſt to burdened Souls. 3. Chriſt himſelf was once under ſome kind of this burden. 4▪ He is to have the glory of all the eaſe which is given to ſinners. Page 24
Chap. 6. The Application, Exhorting Sinners to come unto Chriſt, with Anſwers unto certain Objections. Page 26
Chap. 7. The Burden under the Law laid open in Eleven particulars, 1. The Law Requireth of us ſuch things which we are unable to perform. 2. It Requireth abſolute perfection. 3. It Accepteth not of any of our Endeavours. 4. Ʋpon any one breach of the Law the ſinner looſeth al ability for ever keeping any part of it afterward. 5. Ʋpon any breach thereof, it preſently bindeth over the ſinner to eternal death. 6. It requireth conſtant obedience. 7. Being once broken, it cannot be ſatisfied with any after obedience. 8. It accepts of no repentance. 9. It only lays open a mans miſery, and there leaves him, without ſhewing him any remedy. 10. There is no appeal from it, nor repealing of it. 11. The more it cometh to be revealed, the more are our corruptions Stirred up. Where ſome Objections are anſwered, or Doubts reſolved. Page 31
Chap. 8. Three Concluſions ariſing from the former Doctrine concerning the Burden under the Law; Namely, 1. That man by Nature is in an evil caſe. 2. That it is a mighty work to ſave a Soul. 3. That thoſe vain thoughts wereby men think to pacifie their Conſciences, will ſtand them in no ſtead. Page 47
Chap. 9. Of the Burden of Legal Performances, What it is; With the burdenſomneſs thereof laid open in twelve Particulars. 1. There is no inward principle of doing. 2. In men that are only under the Law, there's a principle contrary to the performance thereof. 3. Such are wearied with doing, getting no ſupply of ſtrength to perform duty. 4. By their performances, they ſtil contract more Guilt upon their Souls. 5. What they do in Obedience unto the Law is only out of fear. 6. And with much ſtraitneſs of Spirit. 7. Nothing comes of ſuch Performances. 8. They that perform Duty in a meer Legal way, never attain their end, which is, peace with God. 9. They know not whether God accepts of them, or rejects them. 10. They are forced unto Duties inſtantly, preſently, and upon the ſudden, though to the hinderance of other Duties of greater concernment, Which God requireth of them, at the ſame time. 11. Though they go on toyling, yet know they not whether they ſhal hold out unto the end. 12. Their Humiliation and trouble for not doing what they ought to do, hinders them from doing what God requires. Page 50
Chap. 10. The Sad condition of ſuch as are under the Burden of Legal Performances ſet forth in Six Particulars, 1. That which ſhould be accounted their happineſs is their Miſery. 2. It is a means to cauſe hard thoughts of God. 3. It cauſeth great diſcouragement. 4. They bring an evil report upon the waies of God. 5. They keep no proportion therein. 6. They are kept off from Chriſt. Page 65
Chap. 11. Of the Burden of Corruption, And that there is Corruption in the Saints. Being a Burden. 1. Of Grief. 2. Of Shame. 3. Of Fear. 4. Of Care. 5. Of Labor and Toyl. Page 72
Chap. 12. The Burden of Coruption ſet forth in eight particular…. 1. It is a Sole burden. 2. It hath al other burdens in it. 3. It is a Continual burden. 4. It makes al other things to be a burden. 5. It is a burden to God himſelf. 6. It makes the ſins burdenſome to all others. 7. It makes him burdenſome to himſelf. 8. How greivous ſoever, we cannot be rid of it in this life. Page 81
…hap. 13. In what reſpects Corruption is a Burden. 1. In that our nature is oppoſite unto the very nature of God. 2. It preſſeth down every holy duty. 3. It affords matter for any Temptation. 4. I… hath a Root from whence all kind of ſin may ſpring. 5. It dampeth all the activity of our Graces. Page 87
Chap. 15. In what reſpects the ſtirrings and motions of coruption are very burdenſom. 1. They contitinually fight againſt the Spirit of Grace in the heart. 2. They are ſudden. 3. They are full of confuſion and diſorder. 4. They work very Malitiouſly. 5. They watch opportunity to do miſchief. 6. They are very unſeaſonable. 7. They are very prevalent. Page 92
Chap. 15. The Reaſons of the former point. 1. Becauſe corruption (when it prevails) weakens the heart. 2. By it God is diſhonored. 3. By it our holy profeſſion is ſcandalized. 4. By it they over whom it prevails, are made uſeleſs in their places. 5. Thereby the means of grace are made unprofitable. 6. Thereby our peace with God is diſturbed. 7. Thereby the aſſurance of our Salvation is ſhaken. Page 98
Chap. 16. Why the Saints feel theſe things ſo burdenſome, Namely. 1. Becauſe the life of grace is a tender and delicate thing. 2. Becauſe grace keeps the Soul in continual acting. And why God ſuffers corruption notwithſtanding the burdenſomneſs thereof to remain in the Saints, Namely. 1. That hereby be may ſhew forth his own power. 2. Hereby their Faith be exerciſed. 3. Hereby they are driven unto Prayer. 4. Hereby ſtirred up unto Repentance. 5. Hereby make known his Wiſdom. 6. Hereby manifeſt his juſtice in laying a ſtumbling block before the wicked. 7. Hereby the Saints may be induced to long more after Heaven. With two Conſequences iſſuing from hence. 1. The differences between the ſins of the godly, and the wicked. 2. Why the Saints go on ſo ſadly in their waies. Page 103
Chap. 18. Of the Burden of outward affictions, and the grievouſneſs thereof laid open in three Particulars. 1. In themſelves they are a part of the curſe of the Law. 2. They hinder much in doing Service to God. 3. They often help forward many ſtrong Temptaions. Why God wil have his Saints to be under this Burden, Namely 1. Becauſe he wil have his Servants to honor and obey him, meerly out of Love. 2. Becauſe he knoweth that thus their corruptions may be beſt mortified. 3. To be a ſtumbling block to the wicked. Page 111
Chap. 18. Chriſts Invitation of Sinners, laid down in theſe words, Come unto me. Opened in five Particulars. 1. It is to look to Chriſt as an All-ſufficient Savior. 2. It implieth an unſettledneſs upon the Creature. 3. A ſtirring of the heart after Chriſt. 4. A laying of all our burdens upon Chriſt. 5. A leaving of the Soul with Chriſt for life Page 116
Chap. 19. How Chriſt cals Sinners unto him, ſet forth in two Particulars, Namely. 1. By an outward and general cal. 2. By a Particular call to Particular Sinners. And how to know the voice of Chriſt. Page 124
Chap. 20 That there is nothing required of Sinners but to come to Chriſt, with mne Conſequences ariſing from hence, and what hath been laid down in the two former Chapters. 1. There it not any worthineſs required in ſuch as come to Chriſt. 2. The Soul needs not to be troubled about the time and and meaſure of its Humiliation before its coming to Chriſt. 3. Nor about what intereſt it hath in Chriſt, before its coming to him. 4. That the leaſt degree of Faith will give the Soul intereſt in Chriſt. 5. That the work of Faith is ſupernatural. 6. That Faith is an humbling Grace. 7. That Beleevers after their coming to Chriſt ſhould be willing to do and ſuffer much for Chriſt. 8. That they wr… are once in Chriſt, ſhal never be eaſt off. 9. That they know not what to do when they looſe their intereſt in Chriſt. Page 130
Chap. 21. Nine Rules to be obſerved in right coming to Chriſt. 1. Reſt not in outward means that lead to Chriſt, before Chriſt himſelf be enjoyed. 2. Pitch rather upon Chriſt himſelf than upon the good things of Chriſt. 3. Come with the whol ſoul. 4. Keep Chriſt continually in thine Eye. 5. Be convinced that whatſoever keeps thee from Chriſt, comes not from God. 6. Take heed and beware of all diſcouragements, and hindrances. 7. Keep the Heart ſtil tending to Chriſt. 8. Give up thy ſelf to Gods Spirit. 9. Often renew the act of coming, come often to Chriſt. Page 143
Chap. 23. Nine means to draw Sinners to Chriſt, namely, That 1. He that ca…s us is the Son of God. 2. He is our neer Kinſman, (wherein three ſtrong arguments are included. Firſt, the terror of Gods glory is taken away. Secondly, He is infinitly inclined to do good unto the Sons of men. Thirdly, In uniting the divine nature with the humane, he hath done a greater work than to ſave a ſoul.) 3. He is the mediator. 4. He deſerves that we ſhould come to him. 5. The ſoul gets infinite good by coming to Chriſt, inſtanced in four particulars. 6. We are miſerable in our ſelves. 7. Chriſt will certainly receive them that come to him, which is opened in three particulars. 8. We ſtand in great need of Chriſt. 9. The not coming to Chriſt will aggravate all other ſins. With an anſwer unto ſome Objections. Page 156
Chap. 23. The Doctrine ariſing from the dependance of the promiſe upon the Invitation, That God will have us when we are coming to Chriſt, to have reſpect to our ſelves. Page 179
Chap. 24. Of the reſt promiſed by Chriſt in general: And that there is no Reſt for a Soul out of Jeſus Chriſt. Page 186
Chap. 25. Six Reaſons of the former Doctrine. 1. The ſoul out of Chriſt is departed from God. 2. Every man by nature is an enemy to God. 3. Every man by nature is bound over to the juſtice of God to anſwer to what be can charge him with. 4. In a m…n out of Chriſt there is every thing to diſquiet him. 5. Every one out of Chriſt is condemned. 6. Such every moment may be plunged into a gulf of Wrath. Page 196
Chap. 26. Containeth, I. A further conſideration of the reſtleſs condition of men out of Chriſt, from Prov. 23.34. II. Five Reaſons thereof. 1. They are under the curſe of God. 2. All creatures are their enemies. 3. All the waies of Gods providence are againſt them. 4. All their beſt ſervices are rejected. 5. They have no refuge for comfort. III. Two concluſions from the premiſes. 1 Moſt men live and periſh in blindneſs. 2 There is an inſufficiency in al things out of Chriſt, to give reſt; with the Reaſons thereof. Page 205
Chap. 27 The inſufficiency of every thing beſides Chriſt to give reſt to the Soul is further enlarged, with ſeveral choice Conſiderations Page 210
Chap. 28. Of the Reſt that a Beleever hath by Chriſt from the guilt of ſin, laid out in ten Particulars. 1 Chriſt takes upon himſelf al the ſin of them that come to him, & ſtands charged with them before his father. 2 He ſatisfieth for ſin. 3 The wrath of God is appeaſed. 4 He is continually at the right hand of his Father to intercede for Sinners that come to him. 5 Their Souls are ſprinkled with the blood of Chriſt. 6 The Soul at the firſt coming to Chriſt, is made perfectly righteous before God. 7 Chriſt not only undertakes for al the ſins paſt, but for al the ſins to come. 8 Guilt ſhal never return, when it is once taken off. 9 The ſoul at its firſt coming to Chriſt is cloathed with the righteouſneſs of Chriſt. 10 Such are ſure that the day of judgment ſhal be the Solemnity of their abſolution· Page 218
Chap. 39 The deliverance from the Law by Chriſt ſet out. 1 Privatively in five Particulars. 2 Poſitively in five Points more Page 228
Chap. 30 The Reſt that beleevers have from the burden of the Law by coming to Chriſt, laid out in ten Particulars. 1 They do not ſtand or fal for life by the Law. 2 The Law-giver is the Redeemer. 3 The leaſt ſpark of Grace is accepted. 4 Their wil ſhal be accepted as the deed. 5 Obedience is required in a ſweet and gentle way. 6 The grace of God in Chriſt doth melt the heart. 7 Their ſins make them an object of Gods pitty. 8 They have Chriſt to undertake for them as a ſurety. 9 They are delivered, and yet ſatisfaction is made to the Law. 10 They have aſſurance that they ſhal never forfeit the covenant of grace they are under by Chriſt Page 234
Chap. 31 Containeth divers Conſequences from the reſt Beleevers have from the burden of the Law. And Leſſons they are taught from thence Page 249
Chap. 33 Of the reſt from Legal performances, and the ſeveral waies how this reſt comes from Chriſt, viz. duties are delightfull to the ſoul, becauſe Chriſt renders God unto the ſoul in a gracious way. 2. They are not performed as ſatisfactory, but as teſtimonies of love and thankfulneſs. 3 Chriſt himſelf offers up the duties to God. 4 They are performed from the Law in the heart. 5 They have the Promiſes joyned with them Page 262
Chap. 35. Two other waies whereby the former point is cleered, with ſome conſequences from the ſame, and the uſe of the whol. The Firſt way is, that whilſt the ſoul is performing duty, the ſtrength of it is continually renewed. Secondly, The ſoul hath the love of God ſhed abroad into the heart. The firſt Conſequence is happineſs of a Chriſtian here. Secondly, Hence cometh the perſeverance of beleevers. The uſe of all is to exerciſe much faith in Chriſt Page 285
Chap. 36 Sheweth the Reſt, from the remainder of Corruption to be Sanctification, and that to be a great Reſt, Laid open in ſix particulars. 1 It is the right temper of the heart. 2 In it the ſoul doth in great part attain its end. 3 In it the ſoul lives the life of God. 4 It raiſeth the ſoul above the region of al troubles. 5 It turnes every thing to good. 6 It is the beginning of Glory Page 291
Chap. 37. Sheweth that Sanctification is only IN Chriſt Page 297
Chap. 38. Sheweth how our ſanctification cometh from Chriſt in ſix particulars. 1 It was the end of his coming to deſtroy the works of the Devil. 2 He is the great Ordinance appointed by God to ſanctifie his people. 3 His death is appointed to mortifie ſin. 4 By him the curſe upon the heart is taken away. 5 By his union with Beleevers, being the head of the ſecond Covenant. 6 In Chriſt are the ſtrongeſt arguments for holineſs that can be Page 300
Chap. 39 Containing two ſtrong Arguments in Chriſt for holineſs. Firſt, In him the ſoul ſees the greateſt breach between it and God by reaſon of Sin. Secondly, In him it ſees the greateſt Hatred of Sin in God. Page 313
Chap. 40 Shewing how Sanctification comes from Chriſt, in ſix Particulars more. 1. It is he that reveals the Father to the Soul. 2. Through Chriſt the Love of God is ſhed abroad into the heart. 3. All the Promiſes are made to us through him. 4. In him all the Ordinances are effectual. 5. He ſends the Spirit into the heart. 6. Chriſt Rules in the heart Page 317
Chap. 41. Six Conſequences from the former Doctrine I. The difference between beleevers and the ſtate in Adam. II. We ſee the difference between Civility and true holineſs. III. We ſee the reaſon why ſo many Vowes and Covenants to live holily come to nothing. IIII. It is impoſſible for any to be a member of Chriſt, and not be holy. V. Be not hindred from comming to Chriſt, albeit you have not ſo much holineſs as you deſire. VI. Hence we learne how to Ʋnderſtand Chriſt aright. Page 327
Chap. 42. Containeth an exhortation to come to Chriſt wherein Three hindrances are removed, And ſix encouragements laid down. Firſt, The Union between Chriſt and a beleever. Secondly, From the great Love of Chriſt, Thirdly corruption is the burden of Chriſt as wel as of a ſinner. Fourthly, He healed the bodies of many, he will much more the ſoul, Fifthly he knows what it is to be Tempted. Sixtly, It is for the Honor of the Death, Reſurrection and life of Chriſt to give Holineſs. Page 337
Chap. 43. Containes the concluſion of the former doctrine of Sanctification, with divers directions how to come to Chriſt for holineſs. I. Be ſenſible of the want of it. II. Be not ſatiſfied with the ordinances further then you meet with Chriſt. III. Come not ſo much for comfort and peace as for holineſs. IV. Be ſenſible of new ſupplies. V. Converſe with Chriſt in the Goſpel Page 341
Chap. 44▪ Sheweth that a beleever hath Reſt in Chriſt in al troubles he can meet with in the world, which is laid out in four Particulars, 1 All afflictions are at his diſpoſal. 2 In him the curſe is taken away. 3 They ſtand with Gods love. 4 They are meaſured by God. Page 348
Chap. 45. The Reſt beleevers have from Chriſt in outward afflictions diſcovered in four Particulars more 1. They ſhall be to good ends, 2 They ſhall be ſanctified to the good of beleevers. 3. God is preſent with his people in Chriſt, 4 There is abundance of preſent good in affliction. Page 360
Chap. 46. Containeth the concluſion of the laſt doctrine in the two former Chapters, ſhewing how unbeſeeming a thing it is, for a beleever to be troubled in affliction. Page 366
Chap. 47. Sheweth that beleevers are often under inward affliction, and ſpiritual deſertions. Page 368
Chap. 48. Containeth Seven Directions how a beleever may get Reſt from Chriſt in ſpiritual Deſertions. Firſt, Look upon Chriſt as once in the ſame condition. Secondly. Look to Chriſt as ful of Grace and Goodneſs, Thirdly, Look to Chriſt as an advocate at the right hand of God. Fourthly, Look to Chriſt for fulfilling the promiſe of ſending the comforter. Fifthly, Go to Chriſt as at firſt in thy Converſion. Sixthly, Keep good thoughts of God. Seventhly, Reſolve never to take Reſt in any thing elſe beſide Chriſt. Page 371
Chap. 49. Sheweth that beleevers have not only Reſt in but Reſt alſo from afflictions. Page 379
Chap. 50. Five markes of true reſt in Chriſt. I It is not but upon diſcovery of glorious things the ſoul knew not before, II. It comes upon the ſoul, ceaſing from its own work. III. It makes the beleever active for God. IIII. Reſt in thoſe things wherein Chriſt. reſted V. True Reſt wil abide the trial of the word. Page 382
Chap. 51. Eight means to get and keep Reſt in Chriſt. 1 Beware of ſecret Sins 2 Be thankful for what good God hath given thee 3 Judg not thy ſelf in time of temptation 4 In trouble wait upon God in the uſe of means. 5 Meditate much upon the promiſes 6 Proportion humiliation to thy comfort. 7 Be throughly grounded that thou art in Chriſt. 8 Improve the Reſt thou haſt to God, by doing much work to him Page 388
CHRIST INVITING SINNERS TO COME TO HIM.
MATTH. 11.28.
Come unto me al ye that Labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you Reſt.