Exposition of John 17, Table of contents
The Analyſis and Context of the Prayer and Chapter, pag. 1, 2, 3.
Ver. 1 Doctr. The words of Chriſt very remarkable, p. 4.
Reaſons. In reſpect of the
Author whoſe they were, as being the words of him that was
1. The Fathers Son and wiſdom.
2. Our great Prophet and Preacher. p. 5.
Matter what the words were, as being
1. Goſpel-words.
2. Spiritual words of life and Salvation. p. 6.
Manner how they were ſpoken; viz. with grace, authority and power, p. 7.
1. Ʋſe. Therefore Chriſts words to be highly valued, in his
Goſpel,
Meſſengers, p. 8.
2. Doctr. The very geſture and utterance of prayer and ſuch like circumſtances to be conſidered, p. 10.
Reaſ.
1. Being apt to promote and further ſpiritual ſervice, p. 11.
2. Expreſs and teſtifie the affections of the heart.
1. Ʋſe. Condemns the neglect of outward bodily worſhip, p. 12.
2 Direct.
1. We are not bound to the ſame geſtures as they of old, p. 13.
2. Reverend geſtures ſhould be moſt obſerved in publike.
3. Uſe ſuch as may further, not hinder ſpiritual ſervice.
4. Take heed of hypocritical geſtures.
2. Vocal prayer when neceſſary and requiſite, p. 14.
3. Doct…. God the Father of Chriſt, and ſo apprehended by him in prayer.
Expoſ. Sons by
Creation, p. 15.
Adoption, p. 15.
1. Ʋſe. Conſol. Being Sons of God in Chriſt.
1. He will hear us.
2. He will provide for us, p. 17.
3. He will protect us.
2. Ʋſe. We muſt therefore obey him as Lord, as being our Lord by
1. Creation.
2. Redemption.
3. Covenant-obligation. p. 19.
3. Ʋſe. Wonder at his love that would give his Son.
4. Ʋſe. Learn we to apprehend God as Father. 1. Motive. This aſſurance will advance our Confidence. 2. Will increaſe our importunity with God. 3. Will make us hopeful of audience and ſucceſs. 4. Will comfort us againſt our defects and imperfections in prayer, p. 22.
5. Marks of Gods Children. 1. They are like him in holineſs, mercy, &c. 2. Have the Fathers Spirit. Signs of that— p. 24.
4. Doctr. God hath his ſet time of doing: and we ſhould know that to be the fitteſt time, p. 28.
1. Ʋſe. Condemns thoſe who appoint a time to God for the execution of his works, p. 29.
2. Ʋſe. Be not haſty with God but wait. 1. For he waits for us. 2. Is not ſlack but active. 3. The fault is in us. 4. Gods hour will come, p. 30.
5. D ctr. It hath been the Fathers deſign and purpoſe to glorifie his Son Chriſt, p. 32.
Confirm. 1. From the Titles given to Chriſt. 2. From his names in reference to Chriſt. 3. Place at his right hand. 4. Authority and Power given him.
5. From his offices of higheſt honour; King, Prieſt and Prophet. All good to the Church being by him only
1. Procured. p. 34.
2. Revealed. p. 34.
3. Diſpenſed. p. 34.
6. From his being qualified with fitting gifts, p. 35.
Reaſ. As the Recompence of his ſufferings. 2. That the Father may be glorified in the Son, p. 36.
1. Ʋſe. Terror to thoſe that diſhonour Chriſt.
1. To Unbelievers that refuſe him.
2. To ſelf-ſeekers and unſanctified perſons, p 39.
3. To them that ſlight the Spirit of Chriſt.
4. His M…ſſengers, p. 40.
5. To thoſe that forſake Chriſt and fall away from him.
2. Ʋſe. Comply with God to glorifie Chriſt. Not only with but againſt our own honour, p. 42.
Motives 1. All things made to that end. 2. It is the way to be honoured. 3. It is moſt acceptable to God, p. 44.
6. Doctr. Chriſts deſire to glorifie the Father, is to this end, that he may bring glory to the Father, p. 46.
Reaſ. He was therefore Mediator, and the Fathers ſervant. 2. As God, he is one with the Father, p. 48.
Ʋſe. Deſire good things, but in reference to Gods glory.
1. Then we may be ſure to ſpeed, God himſelf being concerned, p. 49.
2. Chriſt will intercede for us, p. 49.
2. Ʋſe. Give God the honour of our gifts.
"How Chriſt hath power over all fl…ſh, by his
Legiſlative power, p. 53.
Judiciary power, p. 53.
7. Doctr. All mankind under the authority of Chriſt, as he is man and Mediator of the Church, p 52.
Chriſt hath power of
paſſing ſentence upon all fleſh.
executing ſentence upon all fleſh.
Ʋſe. They taxed who ſubmit not to Chriſts Authority and Law. As
1. Unbelievers, their
1. Sin. Againſt
God,
Chriſt, p. 56.
2 Danger.
2. The Uncharitable or Diſobedient, p. 58.
Arguments againſt them, p. 59. None free from the Law, p. 60. Believers are under the power of the Law, p. 61, 62. The Law how not given to the Righteous, p. 63.
2. Ʋſe. Chriſt being our only Lawgiver doth not diſcharge our obedience to men, p 64. Our faith and conſcience not ſubject to men.
3 One man not to cenſure and judge another without Authority. 4. Ʋſe. Againſt private revenge, p. 66.
Direct. againſt ſelf-revenge. Put away
1. Carnal luſts.
2. Carnal reaſons and provocations, p. 68
Thereby you
1. Invade Chriſts property.
Hinder Chriſt from doing vengeance.
3. Give place to the Devil.
4. Provoke Chriſt to take vengeance on you, p. 67.
6. Ʋſe. Comply with Chriſts authority and endeavour to pleaſe him. p. 69.
7. Ʋſe. Terror to wicked men; Comfort to the godly, p. 70.
8. Doctr. Chriſts authority over all Feſh is chiefly for the benefit and ſalvation of his own people, p 72.
Reaſ. His Mediatorſhip was to that end. 2. The wicked might have been deſtroyed, but not his people otherwiſe ſaved, p. 74. 3. The Father out of love inveſted him with this power. 4. His authority remains but ſo long till his people reap good by it, p. 75.
1. Ʋſe. Our encouragement to ſtoop to this authority of his. 2. Miniſters directed how to uſe their power received from Chriſts, p 76.
3 Ʋſe. His Judgements executed not ſo much for the deſtruction of Enemies, as the preſervation of his friends, p. 77.
4. Let the wicked have better thoughts of Chriſt, that he came not for their deſtruction, p. 79.
5. Believe the certainty of ſalvation. 6. Ʋſe. How we are bound to be thankful to the Father and the Son, p. 81.
9. Doctr. They that are Chriſt's have life from Chriſt, p. 82.
Life of
Sanctification, p 83.
Juſtification, p. 83.
Ʋſe. Examination. 1. Quickned by Chriſt are ſtrangely altered. 2. Long after ſpiritual food. 3. Are acted by the principles of that life.
4. They live to Chriſt, not unto themſelves, p. 85. 2. Ʋſe To be thankful to Chriſt.
Ver. 2 1. Doctr. The life which Chriſt beſtows upon his people is eternal.
Confirm. 1. For it hath no inward principles of frailty. 2. No outward force can prevail againſt it to deſtroy it, p. 87.
1. Vſe Supports us againſt temptations and fears of failing. 2. Comfort againſt the frailty of natural life, p. 89.
3. Vſe. Not content with this life, ſeek for that which is eternal by 1. Endeavouring for the light of knowledge. 2. Saving faith. 3. Attending to the Goſpel.
2. Doctr. Eternal life is Chriſts free gift, p. 91. Reaſ. that life being by thoſe that are his
1. Unbought, p. 92
2. Unſought, p. 92
3. Unthought, p. 92
1. Ʋſe. It ſhould encourage all to come to Chriſt for life. 2. Fear not to loſe this life.
Ver. 2 3. Doctr. God the Father gives ſome to Chriſt in ſpecial manner, p. 97.
Reaſ. All the world is the Fathers by Creation. Vſe. Strange that the Father ſhould give, and Chriſt ſhould accept of ſuch a gift.
2. Vſe. The Elect cannot periſh. 1. Such a gift being not vain. 2. Chriſt will not loſe or reject ſuch a gift.
4. Doctr. Chriſt as Mediator hath power to give life to ſuch as are ſo beſtowed, and to none elſe, p. 101.
Reaſ. He being the Fathers Miniſter and Servant. Vſe. 1. Deſpair not of thoſe that are dead in ſins, p. 103.
2. Be not proud of their Proſperity and high condition in the world, nor caſt down with affliction, p. 104.
3. Vſe. Chriſt came not to quicken and ſave all men.
Ver. 3"Knowledge, how life eternal. Doctr. The life of Grace which is eternal, is begun in holy Knowledge, p. 108.
Confirm. For the great impediment to life is ignorance. 2. Chriſt the Efficient gives it by working in us Knowledge. 3. Knowledge and the Goſpel the inſtrumental means of life. 4. Gods firſt work in us is the englightning our underſtanding, p. 109.
1. Vſe. Learn to value Knowledge. 2. Sad condition of the ignorant. 3. Labour for holy knowledge. Follow Chriſt in his Goſpel—
Ordinance, p. 114.
Grace, p. 114.
Duty, p. 114.
4. Vſe Do what you can to inſtruct others, Preaching Faith.
2. Doctr. The knowledge in which eternal life conſiſts, is the Knowledge of God and Chriſt too, p. 116.
1. We muſt ſo know God as to fear and obey him. 2. That is but vain without the knowledge of Chriſt, p. 117.
Reaſon. 1. For that is but the knowledge of our Creation, in which we were loſt. 2. Without this we know not God as reconciled, p. 119. 3. Without knowledge of Chriſt we know him not as ours. 4. We do but know him without Faith, p. 120.
Ʋſe. 1. The dangerous ſtate of Heathen people. 2. Let Miniſters inſtruct their people, in ſuch a knowledge, p. 122. 3. Labour to know Chriſt. Motives 1. Till then you can be aſſured of no bleſſing from God. 2. You can have no bleſſing in love, 123. 3. No duty you do to him can be accepted. 4. You can hope for no pardon of ſin. 5. Cannot come to God with boldneſs, 124.
"What meant by the only true God, p. 126. viz. the whole Eſſence of the Godhead.
3. Doctr. That the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoſt is the only true God, p. 128.
Reaſon. For he only hath being of himſelf. 2. He is the living God. 3. None can do that which he doth. 4. He only is Eternal.
1. Ʋſe. Be ſtirred up to confirm your faith of this. Motives. 1. For then the more and better we ſhall walk with him. 2. Serve and obey him. p. 130.
Direct. 1. Give full aſſent to the Scriptures. 2. Know him to be above all other Gods. 3. Be reſolved & not doubtful of this point. 4. Pray for faith in this particular, p. 133.
2. Ʋſe. Obey, ſerve and honour him as the true God, p. 134.
3. Ʋſe. Let us have no other God but him only, p. 135.
Serve the Lord and not
Idols, p. 136.
Times, p 138.
Luſts; neither your own, nor that of others, p. 139.
2. Fear none but him. 3. Truſt in him alone, p. 140.
4. Ʋſe. Learn from hence to be at unity among our ſelves. 5. Learn to ſee our happineſs of having choſen him for our God, p. 141.
4. Doctr. That Chriſt is the Apoſtle or Meſſenger of God, p. 142.
Explication. 1. Sent from God and from heaven. How poſſible, p. 143. 2. Into the world. 3. The errand on which he was ſent, viz. to
make peace.
preach peace.
4. Therefore fitly qualified with
1. Authority.
2. Ability. Fulneſs of
Merit to make peace, p. 145.
Spirit to preach peace, p. 145.
1. Ʋſe. Admire the mercy of the ſender. 2. Of him that would be ſent. Void of fear and conſtraint, p. 147
2. Be all intreated to receive and entertain him: For 1. His errand is your buſineſs. 2. It's for your good and advantage. 3. The Father expects you ſhould honour his Embaſſadour and Son. 4. He will avenge the refuſers of him. 5. This Meſſenger can prevail with God for you, p. 149.
Direction. 1. Receive him ſo as to hearken to him. 2. To believe in him. 3. To obey him, p. 150.
5. Doct. Whoever wil be glorified with God in heaven, muſt glorifie him firſt on earth, p. 152
Reaſon. It is the everlaſting counſel and decree of God. Ʋſe. 1. Againſt vain expecters of future glory, p. 153.
2. Ʋſe. Learn to glorifie God here. 1. By a vocal declaration. 2. By a real repreſentation in what you
1. are, p. 154.
2. do. p. 154.
Gods glory how to be our aim in all.
Ver. 4 1. Doctr. That Chriſt was ordered by his Father in the work he did in this world, p. 156.
Expl. Chriſt was ſo ordered in his works of
Satisfaction. His obedience
Active, p. 157.
Paſſive, p. 158.
Application. p. 158. As by the
1. Promulgation of the Word.
2. Internal operation of the Spirit, p. 159.
Reaſ. 1. Chriſt was the Fathers creature. 2. The Fathers ſervant, p. 160.
1. Ʋſe. Admire the humble condeſcenſion of Chriſt. 2. Learn to be humbled in like manner, and to ſuffer willingly, p. 161.
3. Ʋſe. Some do the good, others the evil which God hath not given them to do, p. 162. Danger of neglecting Gods order, p. 164.
"How Chriſt had finiſhed the work before his Paſſion, p. 165.
2. Doct. Chriſt did not do his work by halves, but went through with it, p. 166. Sufferings of Chriſts body
Natural,
Myſtical.
1. Ʋſe. Who guilty of adding to the works of Chriſt. 2. Let us perſevere in our work and finiſh it. Five Motives hereunto, p. 169.
Ver. 5"What glory Chriſt prayed for. Doct. Chriſt as Man in ſome meaſure partaker of the divine glory.
1. By the grace of union. 2. By the grace of diſpenſation from the Father, p. 173.
1. Ʋſe. Know the advancement of our nature in the Perſon of Chriſt. 2. Their perſonal advancement that belong to Chriſt, partly in
1. Fruition.
2. Aſſured expectation.
3. This ſhould make us deſpiſe the ſhame of this world. 2. So to walk as not to be a ſhame to Chriſt, p. 174.
Ver. 6"How Chriſt had manifeſted Gods Name. Doct. Chriſt made an abſolute and compleat diſcovery of his Father to the people;
1. By his Perſonal appearance in the fleſh. 2. By his Word and Goſpel. 3. By his Spirit, p. 178.
2. Q. Why Chriſt only makes this diſcovery? R. 1. None but he is able. 2. None but he is fit to make this diſcovery, p. 180.
3. Q. Why the diſcovery he makes is ſo full and abſolute. R. 1. As being the faithful Prophet of his Church. 2. That the diſcovery may be effectual.
1. Vſe. The ignorant inexcuſable. 2. Learn to bleſs his Name for this diſcovery. 3. Grow up in the knowledge of this Name made known, p. 182.
4. Vſe. Be ſatisfied with the diſcovery which Chriſt hath made; ſearch not beyond it. Pride, Sin, Danger, vanity thereof, p. 184.
5. Vſe. Walk worthy of this diſcovery. i. e. Deſpair not under ſin or miſery, p. 185.
2. Doct. Some the Father giveth to Chriſt out of the world. 2. A certain number of them. 3. Being once the Lords, they are no longer of the world.
Confirm. 1. The actual members of Chriſt are dead with Chriſt; and of another world, as are their kindred and alliance, p. 190.
3. Their habitation is ſpiritual, ſo is their action and traffique.
1. Vſe. Therefore the world ſtorms and rageth at mens being given up to Chriſt. 2. Examin. Are we given up to Chriſt? p. 192.
Marks. 1. They are not conformable to this preſent world. 2. They ſpeak the language of another world, p. 193.
3. They dearly affect their Countreymen. 3. Vſe. Think not ſtrange of ill uſage in the world, p. 194.
4. Vſe. Regard not the things of this world. 5. Follow not a multitude to ſin. Its ſafe and honorable to be retired. 6. Be not troubled at worldly troubles.
3. Doct. All Chriſts people were firſt belonging to the Father, p. 197.
1. The Father eſſentially taken. 2. All belonged to God; 1. By Creation. 2. By Election. 3. Chriſts people not ſo his as not the Fathers.
1, Vſe. Chriſt will tenderly keep thoſe that are ſo given him. Word of God
Inward and Eſſential, p. 202.
Outward and Declaratory. p. 202.
4. Doct. They whom the Father gives to Chriſt keep his word, p. 203.
Chriſts Word is kept
In the memory, by retaining.
In the heart, by believing.
In the affections, by loving.
In the life, by obeying with obedience
Active.
Paſſive.
Vſe. Exam. Are we ſo given up to Chriſt, that we keep his Word? p. 205.
2. Vſe. Direct. For helping memory. 1. Be intent, and fix your mind on the Word. 2. Get a good underſtanding. 3. Value the Word. 4. Strengthen the memory by meditation, repetition, conference. 5. Set inſtantly to practice the truth you hear. 6. Pray for the Spirit to do his Office.
3. Vſe of Examination. Do we keep Chriſts word by Faith? Some believe none of it. 2. Some but part of it, p. 208.
3. Some believe not the threatnings. Marks. They that believe the threatnings, quake and tremble at them. 2. Take ſome courſe to avert them.
4. Some believe not the promiſes. 1. The ſad and fearful. 2. They that are troubled with doubts, cares, diſtractions. 3. The wavering and inconſtant. 4. They that will ſuffer nothing for it. Cautions. 1. You are not to believe all that is preſented under the title of Gods Word. 2. It's no ſign of Infidelity to move queſtions. 3. Nor to have ſome doubtful thoughts concerning clear truth, p. 212.
3. Exam. Have we kept the Word in our affections by loving it! p. 213. Marks. 1. Lovers of the Word deſire on all occaſions to converſe with it. 2. Hear as often as they may. 3. Exerciſe themſelves in the reading and meditation of it. 4. Endeavour to be inwardly acquainted with it. 5. Will not eaſily quarrel with and diſobey it. 6. Will hardly part with it. p. 216.
4. Motives to love the Word; As being 1. the means of converſion. 2. A light of direction. 3. A Teacher to inform you. 4. Means to confirm you. 5. To comfort. 6. To ſave you. p. 218.
5. You muſt keep the word by obeying it. 1. Not by partial, but by a total obedience. p. 220. 2. With a cordial obedience. 3. Conſtantly to the end. Directions. 1. Pray God to teach you. 2. Find out and mortifie the luſts that hinder you. p. 223.
5. Doctr. To entertain the Word as we ought, we muſt know for certain that it is the Word of God. p. 224.
Reaſon. 1. Then we ſhall receive it with holy fear. 2. That we may give it full credit and belief. 3. That we may yield full reſignation and ſubmiſſion. 4. That we may allow it abſolute and univerſal obedience. 1. Ʋſe. See the cauſe of mens ſlighting and diſobeying the Word. p. 229.
2. Ʋſe. Learn how to entertain the Word aright, viz. By believing that it is Gods. Scriptures proved to be the Word of God. 1. By the evident accompliſhment of promiſes. 2. By the joynt teſtimony of the Church. 3. By conſent of the Writers. 4. By the effectual and mighty working of it on mens hearts and ſouls. 5. By the blood of many Martyrs, ſealing it with their lives. p. 231. 2. The Spirit of God aſſures us that the Scripture is Gods Word. 1. By removing impediments. 2. By giving grace fitting us to receive.
Ver. 7 Doctr. Chriſt hath approved himſelf a faithful Prophet, and Meſſenger to his Church. p. 234.
Confirm. 1. As having added nothing to his meſſage. 2. That he hath taken nothing from it. How Chriſt did, and did not tell them all. p. 236.
1. Ʋſe. Diligently obſerve and hear this Prophet. 2. Truſt him. 3. Try other Prophets. p. 237.
4. Ʋſe. Not a word of his muſt be nelected or ſlighted. 5. Seek no further for direction in matters of Salvation. p. 239.
6. Let Miniſters learn to be ſo faithful. 1. Adding nothing; as doth 1. the ſuperſtitious. 2. Sceptick. 3. vain-glorious Teacher. p. 241.
2. Not mincing or diminiſhing the Word. 1. Otherwiſe they are guilty of the blood of ſouls. 2. Diminiſh their own mercy. 3. Expoſe themſelves to the ignominy and contempt of men. 4. To the injuries of men. Q Why ungodly men have prevailed? p. 243.
Ver. 8 2. Doctr. The faithfulneſs of Gods Meſſenger availeth much to commend him and his meſſage to the people. p. 244.
Ʋſe. Hence ſo many Miniſters ſlighted, becauſe unfaithful. 2. A Miniſter ſhews himſelf faithful, 1. In the right delivery of his meſſage. 2. To a right end. Not ſatisfying their own paſſions: nor aiming at their own reſpects. 3. In a paſſive way.
3. Doctr. The good reception of the meſſage depends upon the peoples good opinion of the Meſſenger. p. 247.
Ʋſe. Do not raſhly judge of Gods Meſſengers. You may judge of him; 1. by his entrance. 2 By his ability. 3. By his readineſs to love.
Ver. 9 1. Doctr. Chriſt intercedes for none but his own people. p. 250. Reaſ. He is a Prieſt and Mediator only for them.
1. Ʋſe. Chriſt died not for all without limitation. 2. Ʋſe. The ſad condition of thoſe without the Church.
3. Ʋſe. Happineſs of thoſe that belong to Chriſt: Having union with him that is ſo near to God. 2. Son near to you. 3. That can never dye. p. 253.
This gives us boldneſs in addreſs. 2. Supports us in the ſenſe of our imperfections. 3. Aſſures the ſucceſs of our Petitions. 4. Keeps from deſpair under ſin.
2. Doctr. That all Chriſts people belong to God the Father. Confirm. As being more his by being Chriſts. 1. For he hath none to ſhare with him but Chriſt. 2. His title to them being ſtrengthned and enlarged. 3. By unity.
1. Ʋſe. Therefore Chriſts people excellent and precious. 2. Walk worthy of ſuch a relation. For 1. your ſins diſhonour him more. 2. They are ſharply and ſooner chaſtiſed for their ſins, p. 257.
2. Ʋſe. The Saints comfort. 1. They ſhall be the more ſurely heard. 2. God doth more dearly love them. 3. God will tender their wrong, either
1. Defending; Or
2. Avenging them.
4. God will provide for them. 5. He will not loſe them, p. 257.
Ver. 10 1. Doctr. Chriſt is glorified in all that belong to him.
Confirm. For the
preſent life he is glorified in their Grace, p. 261.
future he is glorified in their Glory, p. 261.
1. Ʋſe. They who live to Chriſts diſhonour are none of his. 2. It ſhould quicken and ſtir us up to labour; 1. For grace and holineſs here. 2. After glory hereafter, p. 263. How Chriſt abſent from the Father, p. 265.
2. Doctr. Chriſt as Man is gone out of this world to the immediate preſence of his Father, p. 266.
Reaſ. 1. That his humiliation might be recompenſed with honour. 2. Becauſe he hath no more to do here. 3. Hath much to do there. 1. He was to triumph there over his enemies and ours. 2. That he might ſend down his Spirit to his people. 3. Intercede for them. 4. To prepare a place and make heaven ready for us. 5. Chriſt is gone, that he may now virtually draw us after him.
1. Ʋſe. Expect him not here till he return from heaven. 2. Make much of his ſpiritual preſence among us: Therefore 1. take heed of grieving his Spirit: Either by unkinde ſlighting, or ſtubborn reſiſtance. 2. Take ſingular and mighty comfort in his Spirit. 3. Receive and entertain the graces of this Spirit, p. 271.
3. Ʋſe. Follow Chriſt in our ſpirits; As 1. by our thoughts and meditations. 2. By our affections. 3. By our deſires and anhelations of the Spirit, p. 273.
3. Doct. The world alwayes an uncomfortable place to Chriſts Diſciples, p. 274.
1. Here they are continually expoſed to many tryals and troubles. 2. Vexed with the ſins of others, but chiefly their own. 3. Baniſhed from Chriſt, p 273.
1. Ʋſe. Look not for joy and quietneſs from the world; but provide for evil. 2. Think it not ſtrange. 3. Love not the world, nor to continue in it, p 277.
Ver. 11 1. Doctr. God holy in himſelf, and ſo looked on by Chriſt, p. 280. 1. Ʋſe. We are ſo to apprehend God in our prayers as Chriſt did; that he is holy: For 1. It puts our heart into the beſt fame. 2. It will make us come cleaneſt from ſin. 3. It will help to humble us in our Confeſſions, p. 283. 4. Will encourage us in our Petitions for the cure of ſin. 5. Will make us more thanful for holineſs, p. 284.
2. Doctr. They that belong to Chriſt, are kept by the Almighty power of God, p 285.
1. By the power of God aſſiſting and ſtrengthning them againſt temptations.
2. Guarding and defending them by his
immediate or p. 287.
mediate power, p. 287.
Reaſ. 1. Only his power can keep them. 2. His power is engaged; 1. By his Sons Prayers. 2. By his own promiſe.
1. Ʋſe. We are ſtrong, not in our ſelves, but in God.
2. Ʋſe. That we caſt not away our confidence in any condition; be our danger
Inward, p. 290.
Outward, p. 291.
3. Ʋſe. In any diſtreſs have recourſe to this Name; Seek him 1. Early, 2. Humbly, 3. Heartily, 4. Reformedly, 5. Conſtantly. p. 293.
3. Doctr. Chriſtians unity, a matter of greateſt difficulty and concernment, p. 295.
1. Becauſe they have in them much fleſhly corruption. They are 1. Proud; 2. Selfiſh; 3. Of divers tempers and conſtitutions, conditions, Intereſts.
2. Of high concernment; 1. To their growth and thriving. 2. To their comfort. 3. To their peace with God. 4. To their preſervation. 5. Furtherance of the Goſpel, p. 303.
1. Ʋſe. Let us labour and ſtrive for unity. 1. By mortifying inward luſts. 2. Chaſing away quarrelſom reaſonings. 3. Avoid quarrelſome perſons. 4. Be furniſhed with much wiſdom from above. 5. Let the vertue of peace rule in us. 6. Be earneſt in prayer for it, p. 307, 308.
Ver. 12 Doct. Chriſt keeps them ſafe that are beſtowed on him by the Father, p. 311.
1. Some given to Chriſt by Election. 2. By actual union. How are they kept? 1. Not from ſuffering. 2. Not from all ſin. 3. But from periſhing.
1. Ʋſe. That Chriſt can loſe any, a doctrine prejudicial; 1. To the honour of Chriſt. 2. To the comfort of his people.
2. Vſe. You that are Chriſts, he will keep ſafe, out of love, and out of duty to the Father; in reference to his
Injunction, p. 316.
Intention and expectation, p. 316.
That this Doctrine doth not breed ſecurity and negligence, p. 319.
3. Vſe. That Magiſtrates and Miniſters be Shepherds like to Chriſt, p. 320.
2. Doct. In the eternal Decree ſome deſigned to deſtruction. Whether from fore-ſeen works.
Some arguments againſt Univerſal conditional Election. Objections anſwered, p. 328.
3. Doct. What ever is foretold in Scripture ſhall be accompliſhed, p. 332
1. The Author of Propheſies unchangeable. Threatnings have an implicit condition. 2. The Author of all Scripture true. 3. So the Word.
1. Vſe. Terrour to threatned ſinners. 2. Comfort to the Church. 3. Vſe. Believe both threatnings and promiſes, p. 336.
4. Doct. Chriſt the Author and Original of his peoples joy, p. 338
1. As he is their Prophet to inſtruct them. 2. As their King to rule them. 1. Subduing their enemies he gives them peace. 2. His Spirit. 3. Rewards. 3. As he is their Prieſt; 1. By his Sacrifice reconciling them to God. 2. Interceding for them, p. 340.
1. Vſe. They that are out of Chriſt have no true Joy. 2. Hence let us fetch our Joy, p. 341.
Ver. 13 2. Doct. Chriſt would have his people to be full of holy Joy, p. 342. For this end,
1. He gives them the Goſpel of Salvation and Conſolation. 2. Pretious promiſes. 3. Glorious Ordinances. 4. Clear diſcoveries and revelations of himſelf. 5. Sends the Comforter unto them. 6. Gives them deliverance. 7. Purchaſed heaven for them.
Reaſon. 1. Out of ſelf-reſpect. He ſhares in their comfort. 2. To recompence their ſorrows. 3. That they may abound in duty, p. 346.
1. Vſe. Wo to thoſe that vex and grieve his people. 2. It taxeth thoſe that will abide in heavineſs and diſcontent, p. 347.
Direct. 1. Be converſant in the Word of Chriſt. 2. Meditate on the Joys of heaven. 3. Take heed that ſin and Satan ſteal not away this Jewel.
Marks of ſpiritual Joy. 1. It is chiefly moved with ſpiritual things. 2. Proceeds from a good Conſcience. Falſe Joy, p. 351.
3. Doct. Knowledge of Chriſts Interceſſion, a ſpecial means to fill us with Joy, p. 352.
1. Comfort againſt outward and inward Enemies. 2. Againſt Satans accuſations. 3. Againſt our weakneſſes and imperfections in prayer. 4. Againſt the defects of all our graces. 5. Aſſures us of his love and care. Ʋſe. Therefore ſtudy this point, p. 356.
Ver. 14 Doct. The world is wont to hate Chriſts Diſciples. Divers exceptations of the word World, p. 359
They that entertain the Word croſs the world. 1. In their Judgments. 2. In their Wills. 3. In their lives and converſations, p. 360
1. Ʋſe. The Diſciples of Chriſt therefore commonly vilified. 2. Admire the mercy and power of God that keeps them againſt ſo
many enemies.
ſtrong enemies.
bitter enemies.
3. Vſe. Chriſtians ought to be cautious how they walk in the midſt of ſuch; apt to
Miſconſtrue things doubtful, p. 363.
Aggravate the leaſt offence, p. 363.
Blaſpheme God and Religion, p. 363.
4. Ʋſe. Think not ſtrange to be ſo uſed in the world. But think; 1. That God and Chriſt love you. 2. That Chriſt was in the ſame condition, p. 364.
3. that the hatred of the world is no impediment to your bleſſedneſs. (i.e.) Our Intereſt and Communion with Chriſt. 2. Much leſs to that happineſs to come.
Ver. 15 Doct. Removal out of this world, is not the proper ſubject of Petition, p. 366.
Reaſon. Becauſe not ſimply and in it ſelf a bleſſing.
Deſire of death unlawful in the Saints.
Ʋſe. That we pray not to be rid of troubles by death. 1. Being that life, though in troubles, is a mercy. 2. We may have the mercy to outlive troubles. 3. In the worſt of times you may be ſerviceable to the Church of Chriſt. 4. More inſtrumental to Gods glory then in better times. p. 370.
2. Doct. God can and will preſerve thoſe that belong to Chriſt from all all evill, p 371.
1. From the aſſault of temptation. 2. From the prevalency thereof. 3. From the hurt of the temptation. So from the 1. Act. 2. Guilt. 3. Hurt of Corruption, 374
3. Keeps them from Affliction; 1. That it touch them not. 2. That it ſtay not too long with them. 3. By way of preſervation and delivery in it. 4. From the hurt of it.
4. Doth them good by Affliction. 1. Thereby awakening them. 2. Humbling them. 3. Drawing them neerer to himſelf. Vſe. Happineſs of all in Chriſt, 379
Ver. 16"Vain Repetitions. Chriſts Diſciples; that they are of another world, are in this like unto him, p. 381.
Chriſt living here was of another world. 1. As coming from above. 2. Becauſe he lived in another world. 3. Was going to another. So his Diſciples, p. 383.
1. Vſe. Exam. 1. Strangers to this world are not conformable thereunto. 2. Love thoſe of the other world. 3. Have another language.
2. Ʋſe. No wonder that they are made a gazing ſtock. 3. Vſe. Live like heavenly Citizens. 4. Vſe. Regard not this world nor vanities thereof, p. 386,
5. Vſe. Do not deſire or phanſie long continuance here. 6. Vſe. Why ſhould we be unwilling to part from hence, p. 387.
2, Doct. The Word of God is the ordinary means of Sanctification. Explicat. 1. The work is begun. 1. Preparatively by the Law. 2. Really by the Goſpel, p. 389. 2. So it is carryed on.
1. Vſe. Let Miniſters be inſtant and diligent in preaching. 1. Though the fruit of their endeavours be not always manifeſt.
2. Though they want ſucceſs, they muſt labour ſtill. 3. So they ſhall not want recompence. 4. The Elect are thereby brought to heaven, 391.
2. Vſe. Let people be perſwaded to hear the Word. 3. Vſe. People thrive not in grace, becauſe they wait not on this Ordinance. 4. Attend upon the Word.
5. Vſe. That ye may profit by the Word; Remove 1. Pride, 2. Unbelief. 3. Strong Paſſion. 4. Prejudice againſt the Teacher. 5. Labour to digeſt it. 6. Uſe earneſt prayer.
Ver. 17 Doct. The Word of God, eſpecially the Goſpel, is the Truth.
1. The Word of God is all Truth. 2. The Goſpel is the Truth, p. 396.
Goſpel-Truth the moſt excellent. 1. Chriſt being the moſt precious ſubject thereof. 2. The moſt delightful Subject.
2. For the maner of revelation moſt perſpicuous. 3 For the confirmation. 4. For the operation; 1. Works grace. 2. Infuſeth life, p. 398.
1. Ʋſe. The whole Word to be believed. 2. Ʋſe. Let us give it the preferment. 1. In our Inquiſition. 2. In our Acceptation, p. 401.
3. Ʋſe. The Goſpel-truth muſt be accordingly maintained; 1. By our Arguments and Reaſons. 2. By our ſufferings. 3. Muſt be obeyed. The diſobedient reproved.
Ver. 18 Doct. The Apoſtles and Miniſters of Chriſt are ſent by him. Cant. Not only by him: But 1. By the Father and Holy Spirit. 2. By the Church, p. 407
1. Ʋſe. They blamed who take this honour upon themſelves.
2. Ʋſe. Therefore the Paſtors power but miniſterial. 3. They muſt deliver
his meſſage. p. 410.
for his Ends. p. 410.
4. Vſe. Let the Church prove thoſe that pretend to the Miniſtery. Whether furniſhed with competent Ability. 1. Of Knowledge. 2. Of Utterance. 3. Whether furniſhed with propenſity and readineſs to uſe their gift. 4. Whether qualified with Sincerity, p. 412.
5. Ʋſe. Entertain his Miniſters; 1. With double honour. 2. Give them audience.
6. Ʋſe. Bear with their plaineſs and ſharpneſs of Reproof, p. 413.
2. Doct. Miniſters Commiſſion not reſtrained to any Nation or Countrey. Reaſ. 1. His Kingdom to be erected. 2. Churches to be planted over all the world, p. 416.
1. Ʋſe. Miniſters juſtified in their propagating the Church in America. Promote it with our Prayers. 2. Ʋſe. Matter of joy and thankſgiving, p. 423.
3. Doct. The reſemblance of Chriſts Miſſion with that of the Apoſtles. The ſimilitude and diſſimilitude of their ſending; In regard of 1. their Authority and Power. 2. In regard of Qualification. 3. In relation to the Meſſage. 4. To the end for which they were ſent, p. 426.
Ver. 19 1. Doct. Chriſt did willingly ſet himſelf a part to be an Offering and a Sacrifice to the Father. Reaſon. There was no power able to overcome him, p. 432.
1. Ʋſe. As the greater was his love, ſo ſhould be our praiſe. 2. Let us learn as willingly to offer up our ſelves, and all we have, p. 433.
2. Doct. Chriſt did offer himſelf for our Sanctification. Reaſon. His Deſign being not only to preſerve and juſtifie, but to ſave us too, and glorifie himſelf in us.
1. Ʋſe. Abuſe not this grace. 2. Be ſtirred up to ſtrive after holineſs. 3. A terror to ungratious wretches.
3. Doct. Chriſts Interceſſion extended to thoſe that ſhall believe. Ʋſe. This ſhould encourage us to pray for the unconverted, p. 438.
4. Doct. Chriſt the object of true believers faith. Expl. How the Word. 2. God. 3. Heaven and Salvation the objects of faith, p. 440.
1. Ʋſe. Be not ſatisfied with a general aſſent unto the Word. 1. Endeavour to know Chriſt aright. 2. Believe that Chriſt is ſuch a one. 3. Embrace this truth in the heart.
2. Ʋſe. Hence appears the imperfection of inherent righteouſneſs. 3. The perfection of imputed righteouſneſs and Juſtification. 4. Relie on Chriſts for ſalvation. p. 442
Ver. 20 Doct. The Goſpel the inſtrumental means of faith. Expl. The Law prepareth, not worketh faith.
1. Vſe. The ſad condition of thoſe that want the Goſpel. 2. Vſe. Revelations and new diſcoveries no ground of faith. 3. Let unbelievers duly hear the Goſpel, p. 445.
2. Doct. It is the will of Chriſt that his Diſciples ſhould be one among themſelves, and one in God. Though diſtant, they are one. 1. As having one Spirit. 2 One faith. 3. One heart and affection. God and Chriſt are one. 1. By Hypoſtatical union. 2. By dear affection. 3. By unexpreſſible agreement and conſent. So the Diſciples are one in both. 1. By myſtical union, &c.
1. Vſe. Know the glorious priviledge of Chriſts Diſciples. It implying 1. Intimate Communion with God. 2. Special intereſt in him. 3. It imports great acquaintance with them both. 1. They know God more immediately then others do. 2. More diſtinctly, p. 452.
3. That they have more eaſie and familiar acceſs to him. 4. More immediate injoyment of all comforts and content. 5. The beſt ſafety. 2. Vſe. Admire Gods goodneſs pleaſed ſo highly to advance and honour us. 3. Vſe. Walk worthy of ſuch an honour. For 1. This aggravates ſin, committed in him. 2. Makes it ſpecially obſerved by him. 3. To be more ſeverely chaſtiſed, p. 457.
3. Vſe. Let true believers uſe this their intereſt in all exigencies and ſtr…ights. 4. Let thoſe without God not moleſt and hurt believers, p. 58.
5. Ʋſe. Let true believers be knit to God and Chriſt in love. Direct. 1. Pray earneſtly for it. 2. Increaſe your knowledge of God. 3. Have daily more Communion with him. 4. Put away the love of worldly things. 5. Frequent the company of thoſe that love God. 6. Vſe. Agree with God and Chriſt in all reſpects every way. Elſe you are 1. Irregular. 2. Undutiful. 3. Agreement among our ſelves is nothing worth.
Ver. 21"World what it ſignifies. Doct. Unity of Chriſts Diſciples makes the world have better thoughts of their Maſter, p. 466.
Vſe. Diviſions of the Church, make Chriſt, the Goſpel and Religion to be undervalued and little ſet by.
Ver. 22 1. Doct. Chriſt communicates his glory to true believers. 1. His Titles. 2. Sitting at the right hand. 3. Authority and power. 4. His three Offices. 5. Gifts, p. 473.
Ver. 23"Chriſt in believers, and God in him, for the union of all. Doct. This is the perfection of believers union, p. 477. Vſe. The defective union of worldly men.
2. Doct. The Father loves believers as he doth Chriſt. Reaſ. For he loves them; 1. In Chriſt. 2. Through Chriſt. 1. Ʋſe. Depend on him. 1. Without doubting. 2. By real love. 3. Ʋſe. Comfort to all true believers. In that 1. He will uphold them as he did Chriſt. 2. Aſſiſt us in his ſervice. 3. Reward his own work in us. 4. Hear us. 5. Provide for us.
3. Doctr. Chriſts will is even a Law with the Father. Reaſ. 1. Being the only Son. 2. The Beloved. 3. Never asks amiſs. 4. Sueth for nothing but what he deſerver, p. 491. Vſe. How to make Chriſt our Advocate.
Ver. 24 Direct. 1. To prepare their hearts, they muſt be 1. Purged. 2. Humbled. 3. Fixed. 4. Awakened.
Then 2. For
Matter of prayer, ſearch the promiſes, p. 496.
Manner. Pray without wrath. 2. Doubting. 3. With much zeal.
2. If we pray acted by Chriſts Spirit, 1. There will be zeal. 2. Deſires ſpiritual. 3. For ſpiritual things chiefly, Not to be ſpent on luſts. 4. We ſhall pray conſtantly.
2. Doct. It is Chriſts will that they who are given him ſhould be in heaven. Reaſ. He loves them with a love, 1. Of benevolence. 2. Of Complacency. 3. To ſee his glory.
3. Doct. God hath loved Chriſt from all Eternity. Reaſ. Being like him both as God and Man. Vſe. Wo to them that hate Chriſt. They hate Chriſt. 1. Who willingly obey ſin. 2. Who love and hate that which Chriſt doth not. 3. Who are friends to the Enemies of Chriſt, & Contra, p. 513.
2. Ʋſe. God therefore loveth them that love Chriſt. Chriſt is amiable and worthy of our love. 1. In reſpect of his perfections, p. 515. 2. In reſpect of our Intereſt and propriety in him. 3. Of his great love to us. 4. Of that he hath done for us. 3. Ʋſe. Admire that he ſhould ſo uſe him as he did for our ſakes. 1. Giving him up to the hands of ſinful men, and to his own wrath. 2. So uſing him for ſuch as we are, p. 517.
4. Vſe. Comforts to thoſe that belong to Chriſt; that they are loved from everlaſting.
4. Doct. God is a very juſt and righteous God. Confirmed 1. From the largeneſs of his Juriſdiction. 2. The Immenſity of his preſence. 3. From his inward propenſity and diſpoſition.
1. Vſe. This ſhould ſettle our minds amidſt the confuſions and diſorders of the world. 2. Vſe. Comfort to thoſe that are abuſed and oppreſſed. 3. Vſe. Come into him and become his ſubjects. 4. Vſe. Terror to the ungodly 5. Vſe. Comfort to the righteous, even in Gods Juſtice. 6. Vſe. Admonition to Magiſtrates. Perſwaſions to execute Juſtice. 1. It will ſettle the land. 2. Be amiable to God. 3. Beneficial to your ſelves, p. 526
7. Vſe. Meditate on Gods righteouſneſs. It will 1. help us againſt ſin. 2. Strengthen our faith in prayer, p. 528.
Ver. 25 Doct. Unbelievers and unſanctified perſons know not God in ſuch manner as they ought, p. 531.
1. Know him not ſo as to delight in him. 2. Nor ſo as to ſerve and obey him. 3. Nor ſo as to know him in Chriſt.
Reaſon. 1. Unbelieving Heathens want the means of knowledge. 2. Unbelieving Chriſtians want the Spirit to unveil
1. The underſtanding.
2. The Goſpel.
3. In every unbeliever there's ſomething
1. Redundant, to repell divine Truth.
2. Wanting to receive it. viz. The Spirit of God.
4. They are unwilling to know God, p. 535.
1. Vſe. The miſery of unſanctified unbelievers. 2. Vſe. Admire Gods mercy in vouchſafing us the means of knowledge, p, 537.
2. Doct. That Chriſt alone knows God immediately, and others by his means, p. 539.
Vſe. None ſaved by his own natural knowledge.
3. Doct. The moſt ſaving knowledge hath defects and imperfections, ſtanding in need of farther declaration, p. 541.
Reaſon. Chriſt doth not ſhew them all at once. 1. Becauſe they are not capable. 2. That he may keep them humble.
1. Ʋſe. Be not proud of your knowledge. 2. Ʋſe. Comforts to the humble. 1. A ſign that thy knowledge is right and ſound. 2. It's the meaſure which Chriſt hath alloted thee. 3. The time is coming when theſe thy defects ſhall be ſupplyed.
4. We ſhall be rewarded according to
our practice;
not our knowledge.
Ver. 26 Doct. Chriſt will be making farther declarations of his Fathers Name to the worlds end, p. 546.
1. By his written Word and Miniſters in all ages. 2. By his holy Spirit, p. 548.
1. Ʋſe. Believe what he hath ſpoken. 2. Expect the execution of his promiſe. 3. Thereunto ſtrive with Chriſt in prayer, p. 549.
2. Doct. The Love which is in true believers, comes from God.
Reaſon. For it cannot be Originally in, of or from our ſelves; yet not without means.
Ʋſe. If we want it, have recourſe to God. Love is the chiefeſt thing
1. That comes from God, p. 554.
2. That conformeth us to God, p. 554.
3. Doct. Declaration of the Fathers Name is a ſpecial means to work love in them.
Reaſon. 1. Beauty is a part of his Name. 2. Goodneſs. 3. Mercy. 4. Love, p. 557.
4. Doct. Where Love is, there Chriſt is.
Reaſon. 1. For where Love, there the Spirit. 2. Faith. 3. God is, p. 560.
1. Ʋſe. Miſery of thoſe that love not God and his children. 2. Comforts to thoſe that have love in them. They have Chriſt; and therefore 1. Have intimate Communion with him. 2. Have free acceſs to him. 3. Have the confluence of all Accommodations. 4. Are ſecure.
2. Let Chriſt live quiet in your hearts. Excellency of Chriſts prayer.