The Marrow of Divinity, Table of contents
A Table of all the Questions, and Cases of Conscience that are handled in this Volume.
CHAP. I. About the abstinence in the use of Lawfull things.
WHether may a man sin in the use of Lawfull things? p. 1.
Why is there so much danger in the use of lawfull things? p. 1.
What instances may be given to shew how men abuse their lawfull liberty, with the hazard of their soules? p. 2.
What meanes may we use to prevent our abuse of these lawfull things? p. 3.
CHAP. II. About actions, Naturall, Civill, Recreative, Religious, &c.
What makes an action good? p. 5.
What are the ingredients requisite to make an action good? ib.
What things can make a good action to become evill? p. 6.
Can any thing we do be good, when all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags? ibid.
CHAP. III. About Adoption.
How many sorts of sons are there? p. 7.
How manifold is Adoption? ibid.
How manifold is internall Adoption? ibid.
What is the manner of Adoption begun here in this world? p. 8.
What are the benefits, and comforts that flow to us from hence? ibid.
How may we know our Adoption? ibid.
What duties are we taught from the consideration of our Adoption? p. 9.
What are the means of our Adoption, both internall, and externall? ibid.
What are the marks of the inward Baptisme? ibid.
How may the mistery of our Adoption be conceived of? ibid.
How may the glory of our Adoption appear to be so great? ibid.
What kind of persons must we be to attain to this Adoption? p. 10.
What are the marks whereby we may know our selves to be Adopted by God? p. 11.
How must the Adopted Children of God carry themselves here? ib.
What may we doe to attain the Spirit of Adoption, and to keep the lively sense of it in our souls? ibid.
What are the signes that we have the Spirit of Adoption? ibid.
How may we preserve the witnesse of the Spirit of Adoption? ibid.
CHAP. IV. About Adoration, or Worship.
What is Adoration? p. 13.
What are the principall grounds of it in the heart? ibid
How manifold is Adoration? ibid.
What is Religious Adoration, and what is to be considerd in it? ibid.
VVhat is civill adoration, and what is to be considered in it? ib.
To what things Adoration is due, and in what manner? ibid.
What Adoration is due to God, and what Caveats are to be remembred therein? and why? p. 14.
Object. But I intend not to worship the image, but God therein? ibid.
Object. God was worshipped before the Ark? and Subjects kneele before the Chaire of State? ibid.
What vertues are required in Religious Adoration? ibid.
What Adoration is due to the Creatures? ibid.
Whether any be due to the evill Spirits? what is due to good Angels, and to men? p. 15.
May not Religious, or mixt Adoration be given to them? ibid.
What Adoration is due to the Saints departed? ibid.
Whether any Adoration belongs to the unreasonable Creatures, or to the works of the Creatures, as to images, &c. ibid.
CHAP. V. About Adultery.
What Adultery is, and whether when the man, or Wife commit Adultery, the bond of marriage is dissolved? p. 17.
How tentations to Adultery may be prevented, and withstood? p. 18.
By what means may we preserve our chastity? p. 19.
CHAP. VI. About Affections, or Passions.
How many kinds of Affections be there, and what are sensuall affections? p. 21.
Whether sensitive Affections are to bee abandoned, or only moderated? ibid.
What are the rationall Affections? ibid.
How may it be proved that there are Affections in the highest part of the soule? p. 22.
How it may be proved that these rationall affections are motions of the will? ibid.
Are these so elevated above the body, that they have nothing to do with it? ibid.
Why must our Affections be carefully looked to, and ordered according to Gods VVord? p. 23.
How may we know to what Passions we are most inclined? p. 24.
By what degrees are the Affections wrought on? ibid.
Why wicked mens Affections may be farre wrought on, and yet come short? p. 25.
How shall wee know whether wee are rightly Affected towards Christ? ibid.
Why we should be carefull to have our Affections set right? p. 26.
How to prove that Affections in themselves are not sinfull? p. 27.
How are unmortified Passions to be subdued? p. 28.
How may Affections be divided? ibid.
Wherein consists the sanctified exercise of those Affections which embrace their Object? ibid.
What may move us to affect that which is good? p. 29.
Is it not mercenary to serve God upon hope of reward? ibid.
Wherein stands the sanctified exercise of those Affections that fly from their Object? ibid.
What may move us to shun that which is evill? ibid.
It is not servile to forgoe sin for fear of punishment? p. 30.
May the state of our soules be discerned by our affections? ibid.
Why are our Affections oft so flat, when our judgements are convinced? ibid.
What rules may direct us in the Government of our Affections? p. 31.
VVhy should Affections be kept within their bounds? ibid.
How may immoderate Affections be prevented or cured? ibid.
VVhy should we try, and carefully govern our affections? p. 34.
VVhether may the strength of grace consist with the want of those strong affections which men have at their first conversion? p. 35.
In what Cases may Christians want strong affections? and whence it comes to pass? p. 36.
VVhat must we doe when we have lost our first affections? p. 37.
CHAP VII. About Afflictions.
VVhat is Affliction? and why God suffers his Children to be afflicted and distressed? p. 39, 40.
But what shall we say to extraordinary afflictions? and sundry Objections answered, p. 40, 41.
Other reasons why God suffers his children to be greatly distressed. p. 41.
What designs hath God in afflicting his Children? p. 44.
What may comfort us in afflictions? p. 45.
What further may comfort us in afflictions? p. 46.
How must we prepare for afflictions? ibid.
What may we do to know the meaning of Gods rod? ibid.
How shall we know that our afflictions are for triall, and instruction, and not for sin? p. 47.
How to finde out that particular sin for which God corects us? ibid.
How may we quiet our hearts in affliction? ibid.
How our afflictions are said to be short? p. 48.
What are the benefits of receiving our afflictions as from God? ibid.
VVhat is to be feared when afflictions are heavy and long? ibid.
How shall we bear afflictions rightly, and be sure to profit by them? and whence this wisdom to profit by them is gotten? p. 49
VVhat are the ends of afflictions? ibid.
VVhether all afflictions are evill in their own nature? and whether simply evill? p. 50.
How afflictions come to be good? ibid.
How we may prepare our selves to conflict with Afflictions? ib.
VVhat may move us patiently to bear such afflictions as God layes on us? p. 52.
How Gods love is manifested to us in afflictions? p. 53.
How will it appear that afflictions cannot hurt Gods Children? p. 54.
How God intends, and works our good by afflictions? p. 55.
VVhat comfort the consideration hereof may bring us? ibid.
How may we know that our afflictions are trials, and not punishments? ibid.
Objections answered. p. 56.
VVhat further helps are there to comfort us in afflictions? p. 57.
CHAP. VIII. About the Angels.
VVhat are Angels? and what titles the Scripture gives them? p. 59.
VVhat are the principall properties of the Angels? p. 60.
VVhat are the Offices of the Angels? p. 61.
VVhy doth God use the Ministry of the Angels about us? p. 63.
VVhy are they tender keepers of Gods Children? ibid.
VVhat comfort doth the Consideration thereof bring to us? ibid.
VVhence then comes it to pass that Gods Children fall into inconveniences? ibid.
What may this Guardianship of the Angels teach us? p. 64.
What need we the guard of Angels, seeing God can doe it without them? ibid.
What is further to be learned from hence? ibid.
What excellencies are attributed to the Angels; ibid.
Wherein should we imitate the Angels? ibid.
What further comfort may the nature, and Offices of the Angels afford us? ibid.
How are the Angels imployed? ibid.
How else their Ministry is used? p. 65.
How manifold is the knowledge of the Angels? p. 66.
CHAP. IX. About Anger, Wrath, Passion, Malice, and Revenge.
How many sorts of Anger are there? p. 67.
What is good anger, and what bad? ibid.
Why is anger placed in the heart? ibid.
How must we act anger? ibid.
How may it be proved that there is a good anger? ibid.
When is anger rightly ordered? p. 68.
What are the properties of holy anger? ibid.
How we are to stir up holy anger in our selves? p. 69.
Why is anger rightly to be ordered? p. 70.
What are the kinds of disordered anger? ibid.
What motives may disswade us from sinfull anger? p. 71.
Objections whereby men plead for anger, answered? p. 74.
By what means is corrupt anger to be mortified? ibid.
What further means may we use to subdue it? p. 76.
What means may we use to supplant it? p. 77.
How may we cure anger in others? p. 78.
How is vicious, and virtuous anger differenced? ibid.
What other causes be there of sinfull anger? ib.
VVhat are the evill effects of sinfull anger? p. 79.
How may we cure anger in others, by seeing it in our selves? p. 80.
What is hatred, and whence doth it proceed? ibid.
Is there no good use of hatred? what is the chief use of it? p. 81.
What are the hatefull effects of it? ibid.
How may it be prevented or cured? p. 82.
How is immoderate anger a sin? p. 83.
CHAP. X. About Anger in God.
What is Anger in God? how to prove that there is anger in God? p. 85.
Why is there anger in God? why are Judgements called Gods anger? ib.
Why is Gods anger so terrible? p. 86.
How may Gods anger be diverted? ib.
Why will repentance doe it? ib.
How is Gods anger turned from his Children, when yet they finde the effects of it? p. 87.
How such may know that Gods anger is turned from them? ib.
How God is said to be angry with his children? ib.
What is anger in God? p. 88.
VVhy doth God poure out his anger upon sinners? ib.
CHAP. XI. About the Antinomian Errours.
VVhether Gods Children should see any sin in themselves? p. 89.
VVhether is the Law given as a Rule to Believers? ib.
Objections Answered. p. 90, 91, &c.
How may our Justification be evidenced? p. 95.
Other Objections Answered, p. 96, 97.
CHAP. XII. About Apostacie.
VVhat is Apostacie? how many sorts are there of it? p. 99.
How far may a Childe of God Apostatize? ib.
VVhere then is grace in such an one? p. 100.
VVhence proceeds the back-sliding of the godly? ib.
VVhat are their sins that cause this back-sliding? p. 101.
VVhat means may they use to prevent it? p. 102.
VVhat may move them to avoid the deadness which causes it? ib.
VVhat may quicken them? p. 104.
How do temporary Believers wither, and fall away? ib.
What is the danger of Apostates? p. 105.
VVhat are the signs of falling in grace ib.
VVhat means may prevent Apostacy? ib.
What motives may encourage to the use of those means? p. 106.
How may we lay a sure foundation to prevent Apostacy? ib.
CPAP. XIII. About Apparell.
How are we to use Apparell? p. 109.
Wherein stands decency in apparell? p. 109.
Whether Ornaments of gold, silver, &c. may be used? ib.
Objections answered? ib.
What cautions are to be observed in the use of such Ornaments? p. 110.
How many sin in apparell? ib.
What are the proper uses of apparell? ib.
What is further to be considered in the use of apparell? p. 111.
What Rules are to be observed in preparing it? ib.
How shall we know what is necessary? and who shall judge of it? ib.
VVhen is apparell fitted to the body? ib.
Whether may we take up strange fashions? p. 112.
VVhat Spirituall use may be made of apparell? ib.
Why must we take heed of pride in apparell? ib.
What other reasons against excess in apparell? ib.
Though we weare fine apparell we are not proude? p. 113.
We doe it to please our husbands? ib.
We doe but what most doe? we would leave it if others would? p. 114.
May we not labour to hide deformities in our bodies? ib.
VVhy may not women paint their faces? ib.
CHAP. XIV. About Assurance.
What is Assurance? what the degrees of it? how may it be certainly discerned? p. 117.
How may assurance be attained? and retained? p. 119.
What may move us to labour for assurance? ibid.
How may it be proved that we may be assured of our salvation? p. 120.
How are we assured of our salvation▪ or how may our graces be known to be true? p. 121.
Objections answered, ib,
What testimony is that of the Spirit? p. 122.
Whether may the single testimony of our Spirit assure us? and what if we have neither of them? p. 123.
What if after all our endeavours to get assurance there is nothing but darkness? ib.
What are the special sealing times? p. 124
What use must we make of assurance when we have it? p. 125
Why do Papists oppose this Doctrine? p. 126
Objections against it answered. p. 127
How can assurance stand with that humble esteem that we should have of our selves? p. 128
But this is a Doctrine of Libertie? answered. p. 129
What diligence must we use to get assurance? p. 130
Why doth it require such diligence? p. 131
What kind of diligence is required? p. 132
Why doth it deserve our best diligence? ib.
How do the Scriptures prove that it may be attained? p. 133
How Gods Spirit can witnesse now that there are no Revelations? ib.
What must we do when these testimonies are wanting? ib.
How shall we know our Adoption and Election? p. 134
Whats the difference between assurance and presumption? p. 135
How else may it be proved that assurance may be gotten? Objections answered. p. 137
CHAP. XV. About Astrology, and seekers to Astrologers.
Who are Astrologers? p. 139.
How may it be proved to be unlawful? ib.
Whether the stars be certain signs of things to come? p. 141.
Whether there be any certaintie in their Art, because sometimes they hit right? ib.
Whether Moses and Daniel were learned in this Art? p. 142.
Stars are powerful, why then may we not Divine by them? ib.
Who may be said to practice this unlawful Art? p. 143.
Who be countenancers of it? ib.
How, and when are Astrologers tollerated? p. 144.
How many sorts of foretelling things are there? ib.
Are these Diabolical predictions lawful? ib.
But many times they foretell the truth? p. 145.
What use may be made of what is said against them? ib.
May Charmes be used wherein there are good words? p. 146.
May we not enquire of Astrologers for future events? and why not? ib.
What are the evils of it, and what further reasons against it? p. 147.
CHAP. XVI. About Atheists, and Atheisme.
How many sorts of Atheists be there? p. 148.
How a man comes to be an Atheist? p. 149.
How doth a man set up a false in stead of a true God? ib.
How are men made Atheists? ib.
In whom are Atheistical thoughts that there is no God? p. 150.
How doth a man by thinking deny God in his heart? ib.
How do we turn the true God into an idol? p. 151
What is the fruit of this thought that there is no God? ib.
What is Atheism in practice? ib.
What is Atheism in judgement? ib.
What are the signs of Atheism? ib.
What other damnable thoughts have we concerning God? p. 152
What are the cursed fruits of this Atheisme? ib.
Where do the thoughts of distrust most assault us? ib.
What is the danger of such thoughts? ib.
CHAP. XVII. About Baptisme.
What are the principles about Baptisme? p. 153
What argument may be brought from Circumcision for the Baptizing of Infants? ib.
Whether is sprinkling sufficient in Baptisme? p. 154
How is Baptisme a means of cleansing? Objections answered. ib.
What kind of means of grace is Baptisme? p. 155
Whether is Baptisme necessary to salvation? ib.
Wherein do the Papists erre about the Doctrine of Baptisme? ib.
Wherein do the Anabaptists erre about it? p. 156
What is the inward washing in Baptisme? ib.
Must the word necessarily go along with Baptism? ib.
Is it lawful to Baptize without a Sermon? p. 157
How many parts be there of Baptism? ib.
What benefit have we by Baptism? ib.
Are all baptized persons regenerated? ib.
How is Baptism called the Laver of regeneration? p. 158
To whom is Baptism the washing of the new birth? ib.
How may children be baptized which want faith? ib.
What profit have they by Baptisme which believe before? p. 159
How may parents in Faith present their children to God in Baptisme? ib.
What use should we make of Baptisme when we come to age? p. 160
How may the lawfulnesse of Infant baptism be proved? p. 161
Objections answered. p. 162, &c.
About Dipping, whether it be necessary? p. 165
How is Baptisme necessary? p. 166
Are all that die without it in the state of damnation? Objections answered. p. 167
Whether are sureties necessary? p. 168
Whether may children of excommunicated persons be baptized. ib.
What reasons may be rendred for the affirmative? p. 169
Whether have bastards right to Baptisme? Cautions to be observed therein. p. 170
How many waies is Baptism taken in Scripture? ib.
What is considerable about the matter of Baptisme? ib.
What is the sign and thing signified in it? what the Analogie between both? ib.
What is it to baptize in the Name of the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost. ib.
What is done in baptisme? p. 171
What actions belong to God in this Covenant? ib.
What is the action of the partie baptized? ib.
May it not be administred in the Name of God? or of Christ? ib.
VVhat are the ends of baptisme? p. 172
Whether doth the efficacy of it extend to all sinnes, and to our whole life? ib.
Whether doth it abolish original sin? ib.
What difference between the godly, and ungodly, if sinne remain in all? ib.
How doth baptisme confer grace? ib.
Whether doth it imprint an indelible character upon the soul? p. 173
Whether may Lay-persons baptize? ib.
The example of Zipporah answered. ib.
Whether is baptisme by a wicked man, or heretick true baptisme? p. 174
Who are to be baptized? Objections against Infant baptisme answered. ib.
Whether the children of profest Papists may be baptized; Or of profane Christians? p. 175
How oft, and in what place baptism is to be administred? ib.
What use are we to make of our baptisme? ib.
CHAP. XVIII. About Blasphemy.
What is Blasphemy? p. 177
What is blasphemy against the holy Ghost? ib.
How many waies doth blasphemy break out? p. 178
How may we prevent, or cure tentations to blasphemy? ib.
How doth the hainousnesse of the sin of blasphemy appear? p. 179
How comes Satan to tempt Gods children to blasphemy? p. 180
How many sorts are there of such Hellish suggestions? ib.
How are we to resist those blasphemous suggestions? ib.
What is another kinde of blasphemous tentations? p. 181
What is Satans chiefest scope in these tentations? ib.
How may we comfort our hearts against these blasphemies? ib.
How may we know that they are from Satan, and not our own thoughts? ib.
How may we be freed from these Blasphemous thoughts? p. 182
Objections answered. p. 183
CHAP. XIX. About our Bodies?
What is the state of our bodies in this life? p. 185
How doth it appear that our bodies are vile? ib.
Is there no glory belonging to our bodies? ib.
How can our bodies be base for which Christ died? ib.
Shall these vile bodies be raised up at the last? p. 186
Who shall raise them up? ib.
What lessons may this teach us? p. 187
When shall this blessed change be? ib.
How shall our bodies be fashioned to Christs glorious body? ib.
What lessons may this teach us? p. 188
How may our bodies be made serviceable to our minds, and instruments of Gods glory? ib.
Why should we be careful of the health of our bodies? p. 189
How may our bodily health be preserved? ib.
How doth serenity of minde preserve our bodily health? ib.
How is a sober diet a means to preserve it? ib.
What should such do as use a spare Diet? ib.
How doth exercise conduce to bodily health? ib.
How may bodily health be repaired when its decaied? p. 190
What just honour is is due to our bodies? p. 191
How manifold is the care of our bodies? ib.
CHAP. XX. About Borrowing and Lending.
What rule must the borrower observe towards the lender? p. 193
How may the borrower hurt the lender in his outward estate? ib.
Why must the borrower restore the thing lent as good as it was, or make it good? ib.
What must he do when he is disenabled by Gods hand to do it? p. 194
What if the Lender be dead, and none left to require it? ib.
How else may the borrower sin in borrowing? ib.
How may the lender sin in lending? ib.
What if the borrower dissembled, pretending that he was able to repay when he was not? or being able, refuses …o pay what he borrowed? ib.
Whether is it lawful to lend upon Usury; ib.
VVhether may money meerly considered as the price of all other commodities, be let out for profit? p. 195.
CHAP. XXI. About Brethren, and Brotherly Love.
Are all Gods Children Brethren? and why so? p. 197.
VVhat comfort may the consideration hereof afford? and what duties may it teach? ib.
VVhat evills must they avoid upon this consideration? ib.
How shall we know who are Gods Children, and so our Brethren? p. 198
VVhat good shall we get by them? ib.
Why should we love them? ib.
How shall we know that we love them unfeignedly? ib.
VVhat are the impediments of Brotherly love? ib.
How may the ferventness of our love be known? ib.
VVhat may nourish love amongst godly brethren? p. 199.
VVith what kind of love must we love them? ib.
VVhat must we doe that brotherly love may continue? ib.
CHAP. XXII. About Buying, and Selling.
What Rule must the Buyer observe? p. 201.
How may he sin in Buying? ib.
What is to be thought of Jacobs Buying the birth-right? ib.
What rule must the Seller obserue? and how so to doe as not to sin? ib.
How the Seller may sin by hurting his neighbour? p. 202.
VVhether every man may make the best of his own? ib.
How are we to prise commodities that we are to sell? ib.
VVhether may we sell as dear as we can? ib.
VVhether must the seller make known the faults of what he sells to the Buyer? p. 203.
VVhat generall rules are we to observe in Buying and Selling? p. 204.
VVhether may we raise the price for giving dayes of payment? ib.
VVhat must the Seller do if he be caused to call for the money before those dayes? ib.
How farre doth a fraudulent bargain binde in point of Conscience? p. 205.
Whether may we buy stollen goods? ib.
What must we observe in generall in our dealings with others? p. 206.
VVhat Rules in particular are we to observe? ib.
VVhat evills are to be avoided in our dealings with others? ib.
What duties are required in buying and selling? ib.
How to avoid sin in buying and selling? p. 208.
CHAP. XXIII. About our Callings and Vocations.
Ought every one to have a Calling? p. 209.
Is it a sufficient calling to be a Servingman? ib.
How must we behave ourselves in our callings? ib.
Must rich men that need not, have a calling? ib.
How else may it be proved that all must have callings? ib.
Why must we use faithfulness, and diligence in our callings? ib.
Why is diligence in a calling so acceptable to God? p. 210.
Doe all that are diligent please God? ib.
How is Consciencious walking in a calling a furtherance to a godly life? ib.
What else may move us to diligence in our callings? p. 211.
Whether may a man change his particular calling? ib.
How may we live by Faith in our callings? p. 212.
Why is it necessary to live by faith in them? ib.
What are the acts of Faith herein? ib.
How may we live by Faith for successe in our labours, which are above our strength, or means? p. 213.
How many sorts sin about their callings? ib.
What must we propose to our selves in following the duties of our callings? p. 214.
What other Rules are to be observed in our particular callings? ib.
CHAP. XXIV. About our holy Calling, or Vocation.
Of how many sorts is the Calling of God? p. 217.
Of how many sorts is the generall calling? ib.
What is the externall calling? what the internall? ib.
VVhy is Conversion termed our calling? ib.
What are the effects of it? p. 218.
Wherein appears Gods great mercy in our calling? ib.
How may we walk worthy of our calling? ib.
Why should we be carefull to know our calling? ib.
Doth a Christian always know that he is called? p. 219.
How may it be proved that we may certainly know it? ib.
By what signs may it be known? ib.
How may we be made partakers of it? ib.
VVhat may move us to embrace Gods call ▪ p. 220.
How may it be described? ib.
How manifold is it? ib.
What are the parts of effctuall calling? p. 221.
VVhat is the means of it? ib.
VVhat necessity is there of it? ib.
VVhy should we carefully attend upon the VVord? ib.
But if we be converted, why should we hear so oft? p. 222.
VVhether is not this calling the same with sanctification? ib.
VVhat is the nature of the call of God? ib.
VVherein doth the necessity of this call appear? p. 223.
How is it a ground of Faith? ib.
VVhat are the parts of inward calling? ib.
VVhat are the fruits of effectuall calling? p. 224.
VVhat are the marks of it? ib.
What are the signes of it? ib.
CHAP. XXV. About cares of the World.
How manifold are the Cares of the world? p. 225.
How may we arm our selves against them? p. 226.
Object. I should not take so much care were it not for my Children? p. 228.
Why should we not be carefull about worldly things? ib.
CHAP. XXVI. About Charity, Beneficence, and mercy.
What is Charity? p. 229.
What is Beneficence? ib.
Are these duties required of all? ib.
VVho are the object of Beneficence? ib.
VVhat are the properties of it? ib.
How must we shew our chearfulness in giving? p. 230.
VVho should be the Object of it? ib.
From what causes should charity arise? p. 231.
How may we best perform works of charity? ib.
What are the right ends of charity? p. 232.
What must we give? ib.
How much should we give? p. 233.
VVhat rules must we observe therein? ib.
VVho may give? and that lawfully? ib.
VVhether may the wife give without her husbands consent? p. 234. &c.
Sundry Objections about it Answered? ib.
To whom are Alms to be given? p. 236.
VVhat order must we observe in giving? ib.
In what manner may we best give? p. 237.
Whether may we give at our doors? ib.
What may we think of them that give Alms at their death? ib.
How may the Alms of Christians be differenced from those of worldlings? p. 239.
How many waies must we express our Charity? p. 240.
VVhen must we forgive debts? ib.
How must we relieve by free lending? ib.
Are Alms-deeds Arbitrary, or an act of righteousness? ib.
VVhat other Arguments may provoke us to Charity? p. 241.
Many Objections Answered? p. 242, &c.
VVhat else may move us to Charity? Objections Answered? p. 244.
Doth God take notice of our works of Charity? p. 245.
VVhat may move us to perseverance therein? ib.
What warrant had the widow of Sarepta to relieve the Prophet before her self and son? p. 246.
Is a man to prefer a godly stranger before his brother that is not so? ib.
Whether are we to relieve many strangers, before one godly man in want? ib.
Why is giving to the poor a duty? ib.
What shall we be the better for our bounty? ib.
How may we be enabled to works of mercy? p. 247.
From what must we save that we may have to give? p. 248.
How much must we lay aside? ib.
Objections Answered. ib.
What may further move us to Charity? p. 250.
What are Spirituall Alms? ib.
What is Christ meaning when he saith, Lend looking for nothing again? p. 251.
Why must we so lend? ib.
Why is it blesseder to give then to receive? p. 252.
What is it to be a giver? what to be a receiver? ib.
CHAP. XXVII. About Chastity.
Who may be said to be Chast? p. 253.
VVhat hurts Chastity? ib.
VVhen are inward lusts most vile? ib.
VVhat are the inward, and outward things that hurt it? ib.
VVhat are the remote provocations to it? ib.
What are the nearer provocations to it? p. 254.
May we labour to cover deformities in our bodies? ib.
How may we preserve our Chastity? ib.
VVhat is Chastity? p. 255.
CHAP. XXVIII. About Children.
What is the best course to have comfort in our Children? p. 257.
VVhat may move Parents to labour after it? ib.
Wherein especially doth their duty consist, that they may finde this comfort? ib.
Whether children should be taught the Scriptures? p. 258.
How must children manifest their reverence to their Parents? ib.
Whether we may call any upon Earth Father? ib.
VVhat if children be more wealthy, and honorable then their Parents? ib.
Whether children should ask their Parents blessing? ib.
Objections against it Answered. p. 259.
VVhat other duties doe children owe to their Parents? ib.
VVherein consists their obedience? ib.
Wherein their Parents consent is necessary? ib.
Why must Parents consent be had in their marriages? p. 260.
What if they urge them to marry such as they cannot love? ib.
VVhat if they neglect to provide them matches in due time? ib.
Other cases about their marriage Answered? ib.
Wherein consists Childrens active obedience to their Parents? p. 261.
What if Parents mistake in matters reproved, may not a childe make answer? ib.
What is the extent of childrens obedience to Parents? ib.
If children yield better reason, may they not refuse to obey? ib.
What is further required of children to their Parents, and what rules therein? p. 262.
What duties doe children owe to their Parents after death? ib.
How must children perform all duties to their Parents? p. 263.
Must equall respect be shewed to both Parents? ib.
Whether the Father must be preferred before the Mother? ib.
What if one commands what the other forbids? ib.
Whether Stepfathers in Law must be obeyed? ib.·
Objections Answered. ib.
Must children be subject to Guardians, and Tutors? p. 264.
VVhat arguments may move children to be subject to their Parents? ib.
What if children be grown in years, and not under their Parents Government? ib.
Whether are many children a blessing? ib.
May Parents make void a Contract made by their children, without or against their consent? ib.
Whether is marriage made without Parents consent valid? ib.
What Rules must Parents observe in giving names to their children? ib.
Who are too curious herein? ib.
Who are too careless? p. 265.
Why must there be such care had in naming them? ib.
When is it fittest to give names to our children? ib.
How far are children that are married, or called to publick Offices bound to obey their Parents? ib.
What generall Rules are there to observe in obeying their Parents? ib.
CHAP. XXIX. About Christ.
What are we to conceive of the Incarnation of Christ? p. 267.
How may this knot be untied? ib.
How may we understand it? ib.
What is further to be considered about it? p. 268.
What is the nature that is assumed by the Son of God? ib.
What is further considerable about Christ? ib.
What else? p. 269.
What are the parts of Christs Priestly Office? ib.
Why must Christ be a propitiation for our sins? ib.
What satisfaction did Christ as our surety bind himself to perform? p. 270.
What was the principall debt? ib.
Why must he be man? ib.
Why must he be God? ib.
How may that appear? ib.
What other debt were we liable to, which we must discharge? p. 271.
Why must Christ be more then man? p. 272.
How is the Redemption purchased by Christ conveyed to us? ib.
What else is required? p. 273.
How may this Mystery be further opened? ib.
What is further to be considered herein? p. 274.
What are the bonds of this Mysticall union betwixt Christ and us? ib.
What is further to be considered in Christ? ib.
What is considerable about Christs Kingly Office? p. 275.
What are the speciall branches of the Kingdom of Christ? ib.
How doth he work this upon earth▪ ib.
How doth he exercise his Kingly Office towards the Church Triumphant? ib.
When doth Christ first live in a Christians heart? p. 276.
Why must Christ be Emmanuel, God with man? ib.
VVhy must this God and Man be one Person? ib.
How doth Christ make us friends with God? ib.
How shall I know that this Emmanuel is God with me? ib.
VVhat benefits have we by Gods taking our nature upon him? ib.
How could the death of one satisfie for so many millions? p. 277.
How doth friendship between God and us arise from hence? ib.
How shall we know that we have comfort in this Emmanuel? ib.
Whether is Christ God, seeing he saith his power is given him? p. 278.
Wherein consists the power of Christ? ib.
Wherein doth Christs dominion over all, especially the Church appear? ib.
If Christ hath all power, why is the Turk and Pope so prevalent? p. 279.
Why is Christ called often an Head? ib.
Are all given to Christ to be redeemed by him? ib.
But the son of perdition was lost, therefore some that were given to Christ? p. 280.
Did Christ fully finish the work that was given him to doe? ib.
In what particulars did that work consist? ib.
If Christ hath done all, what need wee do any thing? p. 281.
What are the properties of the work that Christ hath finished? ib.
What else are we bound to believe concerning Christ? ib.
In what particulars will it appear? ib.
Why must we believe that Christs fulness is for us? p. 282.
Whether did Christ die for all men? ib.
How may we prove that he died only for some? ib.
Why then doth the Scripture speak so universally of Christs death? p. 283.
Doe Reprobates receive any benefit by Christs death? p. 284.
How else may we prove that he only died for some? ib.
How then may we know whether we have interest in Christs death? p. 285.
What priviledges have the Godly by Christs death? ib.
What benefits have we by Christs Ascention, and Exaltation? p. 286.
Who is the great Lord Keeper of the Saints? ib.
What doth it imply where Christ is said to be sent into the world? p. 287.
What necessity was there of Christs sending? ibid.
What is considerable about Christs Priestly Office? p. 288.
What are the properties of Christs Sacrifice? p. 289.
How is Christ the cause of our Sanctification? ib.
Did Christ doe as much for one Believer as for another? p. 290.
Objections against believing in Christ Answered? ib.
Whether Christ loves a strong Christian more then a weak? p. 291.
Is there no difference between Believers in respect of the fruits of Christs death? ib.
What is considerable about the glory of Christ? ib.
Why should Christ pray to his Father, who could do what he pleased? p. 292.
What is the difference between Christs Prayer and ours? ib.
Why is Christ said to have no form or comliness? p. 293.
Whether was Christ beautifull in his outward feature? ib.
How did God hide his face from his son seeing he loved him always? ib.
What are the parts of Christs Office? and why in such an Order? ib.
How is Christ a Mediatour? p. 294.
Doth it not imply inferiority? ib.
Objections Answered. ib.
What are the effects, and consequents of the personal union in respect of Christs Manhood? ib.
In what estate did Christ exercise the Office of his Mediatorship? p. 295.
What are the degrees of Christs exaltation? ib.
What is Christ now doing in glory? p. 296.
How doth he there execute his Priestly Office? ib.
How the Kingly part of his Office? ib.
How was Christ revealed under the Old Testament? ib.
What arguments will prove Christ to be true God? p. 298.
How far forth are Christs actions to be imitated by us? p. 302.
How is the whole work of our salvation carried on by Christ? p. 303.
CHAP. XXX. About the Church.
What is meant by the word Church? p. 305.
In what sence is a Church taken in Scripture? ib.
VVho is the builder of the Church? p. 306.
VVhy doth Christ build it? ib.
Hath Christ a speciall propriety in it? ib.
How and why is he said to be the Lord of his Church? ib.
VVhether are our Parochiall Assemblies in England Churches of Christ? p. 307.
How is the Church called Gods Peculiar? ib.
Why is the Church compared to a woman? p. 308.
VVhat duties doth this Relation of a Spouse to Christ teach us? ib.
How must she please her Husband? p. 309.
What priviledges hath she as the Spouse of Christ? ib.
How many the true Church be known? 310.
Is the true Church of Christ alwayes visible? p. 311.
VVhat Reasons may be rendred for it? ib.
VVhat conclusions may be laid down concerning the visibility of the Church? p. 312.
Are not all christians bound to pray for the peace of the Church? p. 313.
VVhat must we pray for in her behalf? ib.
what is further included in our praying for the Church? ib.
How must all this be done? ib.
Who are bound to do it? ib.
Why must we pray for the peace of the Church? p. 314.
How may we so pray for it as to be sure to prevaile? ib.
What means may we use to further us herein? ib.
Why is the Church called a Mother? p. 315.
Where are we to seek for her? ib.
Are all bound to joyn themselves to some particular Congregation? ib.
VVhat Church must we joyn our selves to? ib.
May we joyn with such a Church as tollerates the wicked, and opposeth the godly? ib.
Is it lawfull to gather Churches out of true Churches? p. 316.
Is it lawfull to separate from a Church because of some Errors, and defects? ib.
VVho is the Head of the Church? p. 317.
In what nature is Christ the Head of the Church? ib.
Objections Answered. ib.
What may be learned from the consideration hereof? p. 318.
Wherein consists the similitude betwixt Christ, and an Head, and the Church and a body? ibid.
VVherein consists the agreement between the head and Members? ib.
What is that body whereof Christ is the Head? p. 319.
VVhat else may be learned hence? ib.
Whether may the Church faile? ib.
VVhat are the infallible marks of a true Church? p. 320.
CHAP. XXXI. About Circumspection, and Circumspect walking.
What is it to walk Circumspectly? p. 321.
In what Scripture Phrases is it commended to us? ib.
What things are required to it? ib.
What may further us in this exact walking? p. 322.
Why is it so necessary? ib.
How may we provoke our selves to it? p. 323.
What other considerations may stir us up to it? ib.
Why must we be watchfull over our selves? p. 324.
Why over others? p. 324.
VVhat benefit have we by it? ib.
What are the impediments of it? ib.
What is this circumspection? p. 325.
Wherein doth it consist? ib.
How must we watch over our eyes? p. 326.
How over our ears? ib.
How over our pallats? ib.
How over our sence of touching? p. 327.
How over our tongues? ib.
How over our works and actions? ib.
What must we principally aim at in our Christian watch? p. 328.
VVhat may move us to this circumspect walking? ib.
What means may enable us to it? p. 329.
CHAP. XXXII. About the comforts of Gods people.
Have Gods people alwayes Comfort inwardly? p. 331.
VVhy doth God sometimes hide his face from them? ib.
How may we finde comfort in our spirituall distresses? p. 332.
Why should we seek it? ib.
Hath God comforts for us in all distresses? ib.
Whence is the strength of Gods Children? ib.
What are the comforts of God? ib.
when doth God most comfort his? ib.
VVhence is it that Gods Children oft want comfort? p. 333.
CHAP. XXXIII. About comforting others.
What Rules must we observe in comforting others? p. 335.
What are the best means whereby we may comfort others? p. 336.
Why should we be so carefull to comfort others? p. 337.
How is God the Father the Author of our Comfort? ib.
How is God the Son the Author of it? ib.
How is God the Holy Ghost the Author of it? ib.
CHAP. XXXIV. About comforting afflicted Consciences.
How shall we comfort such as are dejected with a sight of their sins, and want of grace? p. 341.
How may true desires be discerned from false? p. 343.
How may one that is distressed in minde be comforted? p. 345.
How must we proceed in applying the promises to such? ib.
What if we finde him not humbled? p. 346.
How must comfort be administred? ib.
VVhat are the false wayes? ib.
Why are they false? ib.
VVould not God have all to be saved? ib.
Did not Christ reconcile the world to himself? ib.
VVhat is the right way of administring comfort? p. 347.
VVhat are the grounds? ib.
How may it be proved? ib.
Ob. The desire of good is naturall, therefore God will not regard it? ib.
How may godly sorrow be discerned? ib.
What if a man cannot reach to such a sorrow? ib.
How may the party distressed be brought within the compass of the promise of salvation? ib.
That the promise may have good success, what Rules must we observe? p. 348.
What is the speciall distress arising from the Divine Tentations? ib.
What are the occasions of this Tentation? ib.
What are the effects of it? ib.
What remedies must be used to comfort such ib.
What if the party be so distr…cted that he cannot perform any good duty? p. 349.
What tokens of grace are we to enquire after in such? p. 349.
How many distress of minde from outward affli…ions be remedied? ib.
We could bear afflictions from God, but ours come from men that hate us? p. 350.
How is God with us in afflictions? ib.
What are the fruits, and benefits of afflictions? ib.
How are afflictions good in regard of their quality? ib.
How may a distressed soule be supported when God deferres deliverance? ib.
What if our afflictions continue unto death? p. 351.
How shall we be able comfortably to endure the pangs of death? ib.
How may we prepare our selves for death? ib.
How may we discern whether the joyes of the Spirit be in us? p. 352.
What helps are to be used in the time of death? ib.
What are the helps in practice? ib.
How shall we bear with comfort Satanicall molestations? p. 353.
VVhat if our Houses were molested with evill Spirits? ib.
What must we doe when we are molested with blasphemous thoughts? p. 354.
VVhat will cure this grievous malady? ib.
How shall we know whence they arise? ib.
What remedies must be applyed? ib.
How may distresse of minde arising from our own sins be cured? p. 355.
What if a man after repentance, fall into some great sin again? ib.
What must we doe when troubled for want of grace, and obedience? p. 356.
But my heart is hard, my faith mixed with infidelity, &c. p. 356.
Can God accept our works that are so imperfect? ib.
How doth the body cause trouble of mind? p. 357.
What are the effects of Melancholly? ib.
What is the difference between Melancholly, and trouble of Conscience? ib.
How must the Melancholly be cured? ib.
How do alterations in the body cause trouble of mind? ib.
VVhat remedies are to be used in these cases? p. 358.
CHAP. XXXV. About self-commendation.
Is it lawfull for a man to commend himself? p. 359.
In what cases is it allowed? ib.
Is it not oft condemned in Scripture? p. 360.
How then shall we know when its lawfull? ib.
CHAP. XXXVI. About Communion with God.
What is it to be in Communion with God? p. 363.
What are the signs of it? ib.
How may we know it, by the Spirit that is given us? ib.
By what signes may we know that the Spirit is given us? ib.
How shall we know that we sincerely abide in the truth? p. 364.
Did not the Divel and Hypocrites confess Christ? ib.
How shall we know when we fiducially confess Christ? ib.
How may we know that we dwell in Gods love? p. 365.
How shall we know that we walk in the light? ib.
How did Christ walk, that we may know whether we walke so? ib.
How shall wee know whether we keep his Commandements as we ought? ib.
CHAP. XXXVII. About Communicating in other mens sins.
How many wayes may we Communicate in other mens sins? p. 367.
How many wayes is sin countenanced? ib.
Why are Superiours guilty of such sins as they permit? p. 368.
How may such keep themselves free from other mens sins? ib.
What may move us to avoid communicating in other mens sins? ib.
How else may we communicate in other mens sins? ib.
Are not all guilty some way of the sins of the times? p. 369.
May we in any case rejoice in another mans sin? ib.
CHAP. XXXVIII. About the Choice and use of Company.
What Rule must we observe in the choice of our Company? p. 371.
Why must we make use of good company? ib.
What reasons may be rendered for it? ib.
May we keep company with such as are civil? p. 372.
May we not converse with unregenerate friends, kindred, &c? p. 373.
What must we doe when in good company? p. 374.
What in wicked company? ib.
What is meant by not familiarly conversing with the wicked? p. 375.
Why may not such be made our companions? ib.
What if Husband, Wife, &c. are wicked? ib.
How else can you prove that the wicked are not to be made our companions? p. 376.
May we then have no dealing with them? ib.
Why must we carefully watch over our selves in company? ib.
What Rules must we observe for our carriage in company? ib.
How may we attain wisdom herein? p. 377.
How shall we be furnished with matter to edifie one another? ib.
What if we cannot thus furnish our selves? ib.
Why must we be so carefull herein? ib.
What if for all this we cannot bring our hearts to it? ib.
What if we meet with such scornfull persons as will not endure it? ib.
Why else should we so carefully shun evill company? p. 378.
What must we do that live in bad times, and places? ib.
Whether is company better then solitariness? ib.
How may it be proved? ib.
What benefits redound hereby to the Chuch, and each particular member? p. 379.
How must we prepare our selves, before we goe into company? ib.
What must our carriage be in company? p. 380.
What if accidentally, or of necessity we fall into ill company? ib.
Why at other times must we carefully shun it? ib.
Whom must we consort our selves withall? p. 381.
What other arguments may move us to make choice of good company? ib.
CHAP. XXXIX. About Confession.
Is Confession a duty required by God? p. 383.
What is confession? ib.
What must we confess concerning Christ? ib.
What else in reference to Christ? ib.
When must we make confession? p. 384.
How are we called publickly to it? ib.
When by a Church? ib.
How are we called to it at the constitution of a Church? ib.
How at our admittance into a Church? ib.
How may this be proved? ib.
How are we called to it by a Magistrate? ib.
When are we called to it privately. ib.
Why ought we to confess with the mouth? p. 385.
How must this confession be made? p. 386.
But Paul saith, Hast thou faith, have it to thy self, &c? ib.
Whether may a man go to Mass, reserving his heart to God? ib.
What is then to be thought of the case of Naaman? p. 387.
But if I goe not to Mass, I shall give offence to the Papists? ib.
Whether may a man, especially a Minister fly in persecution? ib.
But persecution is good, therefore it may not be eschewed? ib.
Is it not sent of God, how then may we fly from it? ib.
Is not flight a kind of deniall of Christ? ib.
Christ Bids us not to fear them that can kill the body? ib.
When may a Minister or other fly? p. 388.
What if his people will not suffer him to fly? ib.
When may we not fly? ib.
Whether being imprisoned, may we break prison if we can? ib.
CHAP. XL. About Confession of Sin.
Is confession of sin a necessary duty? p. 391.
May not a wicked man confess his sins? ib.
How then shall we distinguish such from the confessions of the godly? ib.
VVhy must we remember, and confess our sins? ib.
Must we confess in particular? p. 392.
VVhy must we do it? ib.
Is it a duty to confess to men? ib.
In what cases must this be done? ib.
Must we confess every sin to others? p. 393.
To whom must we confess our faults? ib.
But hereby we may lie under a blot? ib.
In what manner must we confess to men? ib.
VVhy are we so backward to confess our sins? p. 394.
VVhy should we confess it, seeing its not to be named amongst Saints? ib.
CHAP. XLI. About carnal confidence.
What Carnal confidence is forbidden? p. 395.
What are the reasons against it? ib.
Why are we naturally so prone to it? ib.
Why are we so taken up with it? ib.
How shall we know our confidence to be carnal? ib.
How may we prevent, or cure it? p. 396.
What is confidence? ib.
What is the onelyonly subject proper for a mans confidence? ib.
CHAP. LXII. About the Conflict between the flesh and Spirit.
How will it appear that there is such a Conflict in every regenerate person? p. 397.
What is this Spirituall conflict? ib.
What are the causes of it? ib.
Why doth not God perfect our sanctification at the first? ib.
How doth it make for Gods glory? ib.
How is it profitable for our good? p. 398.
What are the essentiall causes of this conflict? p. 399.
How then are we freed out of our miserable condition? p. 400.
What is the formal cause of this conflict? ib.
How can such utter enemies dwell together without destroying each other? p. 401.
VVhat is this combate, and the manner of it? ib.
What doth the flesh aime at in lusting against the Spirit? ib.
VVhat is the manner of this conflict in the severall faculties of the soule? p. 402.
Hath not the Church a promise to be guided into all truth? p. 403.
What is this conflict in the affections, and sensual appetite? p. 405.
VVhat are the effects of this conflict between the Flesh and Spirit? p. 406.
VVhat effects doth it produce in the will, and desires? ib.
What in the action, and works? ib.
How shall we distinguish between the fight in the unregenerate, and regenerate? p. 407.
Whether is this conflict in every regenerate person? p. 410.
VVhat are we to think of Infants, and Idiots? ib.
VVhether is it in all alike manner, and measure? ib.
Is it not sometimes weak in strong Christians? ib.
What is the success of this conflict between the flesh and Spirit? p. 411.
What is considerable about the foils which the Spirit sometimes suffers? ib.
How far may the flesh prevaile against the Spirit? ib.
May not true saving grace, be utterly lost, at least for a time? p. 412.
Have not some of the Saints lost degrees of their graces, as David, Peter, &c? p. 413.
VVill not this Doctrine of Perseverance imbolden to security? ib.
What else is considerable in the success of this conflict? ib.
How is it that some Eminent Professors quite fall away? ib.
What may encourage us in this conflict against the Flesh? p. 414.
VVhat may move us to set upon this enemy? ib.
By what means may we be enabled to overcome it? p. 415.
VVhat Rules must we observe for this end? ib.
What tends to the weakening of the flesh? ib.
What passages must we stop to keep back provision from the Flesh? p. 416.
What sins do most strengthen the flesh, which we must chiefly watch against ib.
Is it enough to restrain the flesh from things unlawful? p. 417.
VVhat other extream is to be avoided? ib.
How else may the Flesh be subdued? ib.
With what weapons must we fight against it? ib.
How else may we secure our selves against the flesh? p. 418.
By what other means may the Fesh be subdued? p. 419.
How may the Spirit be strengthened to obtain the victory? p. 422.
What sins most wound and weaken the Spirit? p. 423.
How may we chear up the Spirit in this conflict? p. 424.
The Flesh, and Spirit being but qualities, how can they be said to fight together? p. 426.
How doth the lust of the Flesh shew it self? ib.
What are the contrary actions of the Spirit? ib.
Why is there such a contrariety between the flesh and Spirit? ib.
But naturall men also have a combate in them? p. 427.
Have all Believers this combate in them? ib.
What are the effects of it in the godly? ib.
Whether good works are sins? Objections Answered. ib.
CHAP. XLIII: About Conscience good and bad.
What is Conscience? p. 429.
What is the common subject of Conscience? ib.
What is the end, or office of Conscience? p. 430.
What is the Scripture word for Conscience? ib.
VVhere is the fear of Conscience? ib.
VVhy is it seated in a man? ib.
VVhat is the office of Conscience? ib.
How manifold is the witness of Conscience? p. 431.
What is a good Conscience? ib.
What makes up a good conscience? ib.
How doth an evill conscience faile in its proper works? ib.
What must concur to the renovation of conscience; ib.
What since mans fall is counted a good conscience ib.
What other definitions of conscience? ib.
How many sorts of a good conscience are there? p. 432.
What goodness must concur to the making of it up? ib.
VVhat then is a truly good conscience? ib.
What must it be purified from? ib.
How must it be purified? ib.
What must conscience be pacified from? ib.
What must conscience be pacified by? p. 433.
What are the Offices of conscience? ib.
How many sorts of good conscience are there? p. 434.
How many sincerity of conscience be known? ib.
Is there not a sinfull tenderness of conscience? p. 437.
Can all that suffer say, that they suffer for conscience, and for God? p. 440.
what rules are to be observed in the suffering for a good conscience? p. 441.
What is the benefit of a good conscience? p. 442.
What is the danger of an evil conscience? p. 444.
Is it so hard to get a good, and escape an evill conscience? ib.
May Conscience be quiet, and yet not good? p. 445.
How manifold is hardness of heart? ib.
What are the marks of an ill troubled conscience? p. 446.
How may we know a good troubled conscience? p. 447.
VVhat are the marks of an erroneous conscience? ib.
What may quicken us to get, and retain a good conscience? p. 448.
How may a good conscience be gotten and preserved? p. 449.
VVhat are the signs of a good conscience? p. 451.
How hath Originall sin polluted the conscience? p. 452.
How is blindness and stupidity of conscience discovered? p. 453.
How can we sin against knowledge, and conscience, seeing we cannot will evill? ib.
How may a counterfeit conscience be discovered? p. 454.
How is conscience defiled when troubled, and awakened? p. 455.
Is it not a blessed thing to come well out of the pangs of a troubled conscience? p. 457.
What is the difference between a troubled, and regenerate Conscience? ib.
What may cause trouble of conscience, and yet come short of saving motives? ibid.
What are the false wayes that a wounded conscience is prone to take? ib.