The Christian Warfare Part 2, Table of contents
THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST BOOKE.
The chiefe points contained in the first Booke.
CHAP. 1. Of the world, the second enemy of our saluation, and what it is.
§ 1. THat the world is sometimes taken in good part, and so to be loued as a friend. 2.
§ 2. In what sense the world is to be reputed our enemy. 4.
§ 3. How wicked worldlings are to be hated. 5.
CHAP. 2. Of the nature and qualitie of our enemy the world.
§ 1. That the world is euill and wicked in it selfe, yeelding obedience to Sathan as the Prince thereof. 6.
§ 2. That the world fighteth vnderunder Sathan against God. 7.
§ 3. That the world is a most dangerous enemie. 9.
§ 4. That the world is a malicious enemie. 10.
§ 5. That the world is a subtill enemie. 11.
§ 6. That the world is a powerfull enemy in regard of it owne strength. 11.
§ 7. That much strength is added to the worlds forces through our corruption. 13.
§ 8. The power of the world shewed by the experience of former times. 13.
§ 9. The power of the world shewed by the experience of these times. 15.
§ 10. That the world often preuaileth with Gods seruants. 17.
CHAP. 3. Reasons to moue vsus to resist and fight against our enemie the world.
§ 1. God commands vsus to oppose against the world. 18.
§ 2. The second reason taken from the passion of Christ. 19.
§ 3. The third reason taken from the necessity of this fight, seeing the friends of the world are enemies to God. 19.
§ 4. Ʋnlesse we renounce the world, we are not of the number of the faithfull. 21.
§ 5. Christian religion requireth that we should renounce the world. 22.
§ 6. The way of the world is the way of sinne. 22.
§ 7. We must fight against the world if we will be Christs disciples. 23.
§ 8 We become Apostates if we fight not against the world. 23.
§ 9. The fourth reason taken from our assured hope of victorie. 24.
§ 10. The last reason taken from our reward which accompanieth victorie. 25.
§ 11. How we are said to fight against the world, and to obtaine victorie. 25.
CHAP. IIII. Of the manner of the worlds fight, and how he assaulteth vsus, on the one side with prosperitie, and on the other side with aduersitie.
§ 1. With what weapons the world assaulteth vsus. 26.
§ 2. The manner how the world fighteth with vsus. 26.
§ 3. That prosperitie is good in it owne nature. 28.
§ 4. That prosperitie in respect of our vse is of an indifferent nature. 29.
§ 5. That we are apt to abuse our prosperitie to sinne. 30.
CHAP. V. Of the dangerousnesse of worldly prosperitie.
§ 1. That the worlds tentations on the right hand are very dangerous. 31.
§ 2. That the state of prosperitie is much more dangerous, then the state of aduersitie. 3….
§ 3. That we are most carefully to take heed of the world when it fawneth on vsus. 34.
§ 4. The fruits of affliction much better then of prosperitie. 35.
§ 5. The great danger of prosperitie shewed by examples of former ages. 37.
§ 6. The great difference betweene the same men in prosperitie and aduersitie. 38.
§ 7. That prosperitie hath corrupted and destroyed whole nations. 39.
§ 8. The danger of prosperitie shewed by the experience of these present times. 40.
§ 9. The reasons why prosperitie is so dangerous. 41.
§ 10. That a great measure of grace is required to the well managing of our prosperitie. 42.
§ 11. That we ought to keepe a narrow watch ouer our selues in the time of prosperitie. 42.
§ 12. How we are said to resist the tentations of prosperitie. 43.
CHAP. VI. Reasons which may moue vsus to contemne worldly prosperitie.
§ 1. Prosperitie seldome bettereth our spirituall estate. 44.
§ 2. The meane estate is to be preferred before great prosperitie. 45
§ 3. That prosperitie is but one of Gods ordinarie gifts, which he best…weth also vponupon the wicked. 46.
§ 4. Worldly prosperitie and heauenly happinesse are seldome bestowed on the same men. 47.
§ 5. Prosperitie abused increaseth their condemnation who abuse it. 50.
CHAP. VII. Of morall and ciuill vertues which are in worldlings, and that they are to be contemned being seuered from sanctifying grace.
§ 1. That ciuill vertues do not benefite, but hurt those that rest in them. 51.
§ 2. What is required to a vertue, or action, that it may be truly good. First, that the person be regenerate and ingraffed into Christ. 53.
§ 3. Our vertues must arise from the true worship of the true God. 55.
§ 4. Our vertues must be grounded vponupon true godlinesse. 56
§ 5. Our vertues must arise from true charitie. 57.
§ 6. Our vertues must be grounded on true knowledge. 58.
§ 7. Our vertues must be ioyned with true faith. 58.
§ 8. All our vertues must be embraced and good workes done in obedience to God. 59.
§ 9. With all other vertues we must ioyne humilitie. 59.
§ 10. All our vertues and workes must hauehave Gods glory propounded to them as their chiefe end. 60.
§ 11. That worldlings in their ciuill vertues and workes obserue none of the former conditions. 61.
§ 12. That we are to contemne ciuill vertues, and to hunger after Christs righteousnesse. 63.
CHAP. VIII. Of spirituall wisedome.
§. 1. Of spirituall wisedome which is commended vntounto vsus in the Scriptures. 64
§. 2. Wherein spirituall wisedome consisteth. 66.
§. 3. Spirituall wisedome is alwayes ioyned with practise and obedience. 66
§. 4. Spirituall wisedome is to be learned only out of Gods word. 67
§. 5. The true properties of spirituall wisedome. 68
§. 6. That spirituall wisedome is to be highly esteemed. 69
CHAP. IX. Of ciuill and worldly wisedome, and how farre forth to be embraced, & in what respects to be contemned.
§. 1. Of ciuill wisedome and the cautions thereunto required that it may be good and lawfull. 70
§. 2. Of worldly wisedome which is wicked and vnlawfull. First, because it is ioyned with pride. 72
§. 3. Worldly policy is wicked when it is seuered from simplicitie and sinceritie. 73
§. 4. Worldy wisedome is to be contemned, first, because God esteemeth it not. 74
§. 5. That the diuell is the authour of worldly wisedome. 75
§. 6. Worldy wisedome resembleth Satan in malicious opposing against God. 75
§. 7. That the wisedome of the world is foolishnesse with God.. 76
§. 8. Worldly wisedome ioyned with lying and vntruth. 78
§. 9. Worldly wisedome grounded vponupon dissimulation and deceipt. 78.
§. 10. Worldly wisedome is grounded vponupon treachery and treason. 79.
§. 11. Worldly wisedome propoundeth wicked ends. 80
§. 12. That worldly wisedome hath bene alwayes embraced and much esteemed in the world. 80
§. 13. That worldly wisedome vnderstandeth not the spirituall things of God. 82
§. 14. The reason why worldly wisedome vnderstandeth not the things of God. 83
§. 15. Worldly wisedome doth not certainely assure men of the vain things of this life. 85
§. 16. God turneth worldly wisedome into foolishnesse. 86
§. 17. Worldly wisedome hindereth the fruition of spirituall benefites. 87
§. 18. Worldly wisedome doth not priuiledge men from Gods fearefull iudgements. 88
§. 19. That worldly wisedome bringeth with it much hurt. 88
§. 20. Other euils into which worldly wisedome plungeth men. 89
§. 21. That we are to contemne worldly wisedome, and to labour after that which is diuine and spirituall. 90
CHAP. X. That worldly learning seuered from true godlinesse is to be contemned.
§. 1. That learning in it owne nature is good and very commendable. 91
§. 2. That worldly learning becommeth euill vntounto vsus when it is abused. 92
§. 3. That worldly learning is to be contemned, because it doth not profite vsus. 94
§. 4. That worldly learning is vaine, and of no excellency. 96
§. 5. Worldly learning helpeth vsus not to the attaining of Gods spirituall graces. 97
§. 6. Worldly learning helpeth not to the attaining of life eternal. 99
§. 7. That worldly learning much hurteth those which set their hearts vponupon it. 99
§. 8. That worldly learning is to be contemned in comparison of the true knowledge of God. 100
CHAP. XI. That worldly sciences are of no worth in comparison of spirituall knowledge and sauing grace.
§. 1. Arts and sciences in themselues good, and the gifts of God. 101
§. 2. How wordly sciences are abused. 102
§. 3. That worldly sciences are to be contemned. 102
CHAP. XII. That vnfruitfull knowledge of God, and his true religion, is vaine and vnprofitable.
§. 1. Knowledge of God and his truth in it selfe an excellent gift of God, but yet liable to the abuse of worldlings. 103
§. 2. That our knowledge is maimed and imperfect. 104
§. 3. That vnfruitfull knowledge is vaine, and to no purpose. 106
§. 4. That vnfruitf…ll knowl…dge is vnprofitable. 107
§. 5. That vnfruitfull knowledge doth much hurt vsus, and first in respect of our bodies. 108
§. 6. Vnfruitfull knowledge much hurteth vsus in respect of our soules; first, as it puffeth vsus vp with pride. 109
§ 7. Vnfruitfull knowledge aggrauateth our other sinnes. 110
§. 8. Ʋnfruitfull knowledge increaseth our reckoning at the day of iudgement. 111
CHAP. XIII. That beautie is to be contemned in respect of spirituall graces, or heauenly excellencies.
§. 1. That beautie is good, as being the gift of God. 112
§. 2. What is required to make beautie good vntounto vsus. 114
§. 3. Beautie of the body without the beautie of the mind, is of no worth. 115
§. 4. Beautie becommeth euill when we are proud of it, or set our hearts vponupon it. 116
§. 5. Beautie is but a gift common with the brutish creatures. 118
§. 6. The vanitie of beauty proued by testimonies. 119
§. 7. The worthlesnesse of beautie proued by reasons: first because God esteemeth it not. 120
§. 8. Beautie is good rather to those that see it, then to those that hauehave it. 121
§. 9. Beautie is momentanie and mutable. 122
§. 10. That contemning this outward beautie, we must affect the inward beautie of the mind. 123
§ 11. Beautie too much affected, doth make the body tender, soft, and sickly. 124
§. 12. Beautie hindereth vertue, and furthereth vice. 124
§. 13. Beautie and chastitie seldome meete together. 125
§. 14. Beautie maketh proud, and causeth those that hauehave it, to neglect all holy duties. 127
§. 15. Beautie deceiueth, and allureth vntounto sinne. 128
§. 16. Beautie oftentimes hurtfull to the friends of those who excell in it. 129
§. 17. That we should fixe our louelove on diuine beautie. 130
§. 18. That the beautie of the soule is much more excellent then the beautie of the body. 131
CHAP. XIIII. Of the vanitie and wickednesse of painting the face.
§. 1. That the diuell was the inuenter of this art of painting. 132
§. 2. Painting both the effect and cause of sinne. 133
§. 3. That these painters deceiue and abuse others. 134
§. 4. That they most of all offend against themselues, in being ashamed of their owne person. 134
§. 5. That they destroy their naturall beautie, and disgrace their names. 135
§. 6. They that vse it slander their profession of religion. 135
§. 7. Their obiection answered who say they vse painting to please their husbands. 137
CHAP. XV. That bodily strength is not much to be esteemed, as being of small worth and excellency.
§. 1. That bodily strength being in it selfe good, is often abused through our corruption. 138
§. 2. That it is a great vanitie to glory in strength, seeing God esteemeth it not, and beasts excell in it. 139
§. 3. That bodily strength is moment any and but of short continuance. 140
§. 4. Bodily strength cannot deliuer vsus from euils and innumerable dangers. 142
CHAP. XVI. That bodily health is but of small worth and excellency.
§. 1. Health in it selfe is a great blessing, but much abused through our corruption. 143
§. 2. That health is but a common gift, which is imparted also to the wicked. 143
§. 3. That bodily health is moment any and vncertaine. 144
§. 4. That bodily health is imperfect and full of infirmities. 145
§. 5. The manifold euils which vsually accompany bodily health. 146.
CHAP. XVII. That societie and neare familiaritie with wicked worldlings is to be shunned and auoided.
§. 1. That the world allureth vsus by wicked company, to accompany them in sinne. 148
§. 2. That all societie with wicked men is not vnlawfull. 148
§. 3. In what cases it is lawfull to come in company with wicked men. 149
§. 4. That it is lawfull to company with wicked men, that we may conuert them vntounto God, 150
§. 5. In what cases the company of wicked worldlings is to be auoided. 151
§. 6. That the company of the wicked is forbidden and condemned. 152.
§. 7. That Gods saints hauehave carefully shunned the company of the wicked. 153
§. 8. That wicked company is a notable inducement to draw vsus into sinne. 154
§. 9. That in the former respect we are carefully to shunne wicked company. 155
§. 10. That it is hard to keepe company with the wicked, and not to be accessary to their sinnes. 157
§. 11. That keeping wicked company brandeth our names with infamie. 157
§. 12. Wicked company maketh vsus liable to Gods iudgements. 158
§. 13. That affinitie with the wicked is most dangerous. 159
CHAP. XVIII. That the company of the wicked is verie dangerous, by reason of euill examples and corrupt communication.
§. 1. Wicked examples allure and perswade vsus vntounto sinne. 160
§. 2. Euill examples of superiours are most pernicious. 162
§. 3. Euill examples nourish pride, and hinder repentance. 162
§. 4. Euill examples of the wicked vexe and grieue Gods seruants 163.
§. 5. If we do not follow the euill examples of the wicked, we procure their hatred. 164
§. 6. That the euill speeches of wicked men do much corrupt vsus. 165.
§. 7. That wicked men with their allurements and perswasions draw our hearts from God. 165
§. 8. That these wicked allurements are very dangerous. 166
CHAP. XIX. That the friendship of wicked worldlings is to be contemned and carefully auoided.
§. 1. That true friendship is much to be esteemed. 167
§. 2. In what respects friendship with the wicked is to be auoided. 168.
§. 3. That we cannot hold friendship with worldlings, and peace with God. 169
§. 4. That friendship with worldlings is false and counterfeit. 169
§. 5. That worldly friends forsake vsus in the time of triall when we need most their helpe. 171
§. 6. Worldly friends in time of aduersitie oftentimes become enemies. 172
§. 7. Worldly friendship pernicious to our soules. 172
§. 8. Their obiection answered who say they hauehave had no hurt by the friendship of the wicked. 173
The second Booke.
The chiefe points contained in the second Booke.
CHAP. 1. Of those tentations generally which are grounded vponupon worldly things.
§. 1. That these worldly things are Satans chiefe baites to draw our hearts from God. 176
§. 2. That these worldly things, honors, riches, and pleasures, are in their owne nature good, and the gifts of God. 177
§. 3. That these worldly things are mutably good, and therefore subiect to abuse and corruption. 178
§. 4. That we ought not to reiect these worldly things, but their abuses. 179
§. 5. To the right vse of worldly things is required, first, that our persons be regenerate. 180
§. 6. That we must not ouer value these earthly things, or preferre them before Gods spirituall graces. 181
§. 7. That we are not to set our hearts and affections vponupon these worldly things. 182
§. 8. That we must first seeke spirituall and heauenly things, and these earthly things in the last place. 185
§. 9. That we must not seeke these earthly things for their owne sake. 186
§. 10. That we must vse those meanes onelyonly which are lawfull for the compassing of these earthly things. 187
§. 11. Of the lawfull vse of these earthly things in regard of our possessing and disposing them. 187
CHAP. 11. Of honors, and what cautions and conditions are required vntounto them, that they may be vntounto vsus good and lawfull.
§. 1. Of the diuers kinds of honours. 188
§. 2. That honour in it selfe is good and lawfull. 189
§. 3. That honours serue for diuers good vses. 191
§. 4. The lawfulnesse of honours proued from the examples of those who hauehave bene truly honorable. 192
§. 5. That we must first and principally seeke honor from God. 192
§. 6. That in the next place, we must seeke to be honored of the good and vertuous. 193
§. 7. Whether it be lawfull to desire praise of wickedmen. 194
§. 8. That honour is onelyonly to be desired for vertues and good actions. 195
§. 9. That we ought to affect such honours as are moderate, and proportionable to our deserts. 197
§. 10. That honours ought not to be immoderately desired. 198
§. 11. That good meanes onelyonly must be vsed for the obtaining of honours. 299
§. 12. That we must not propound our owne honour as our chiefe and maine end. 200
§. 13. We must not let honour rest with vsus, but returne it wholly vntounto God. 201
§. 14. We must employ our honours vntounto good vses. 203
§. 15. That lawfull honours are to be desired for Gods glory. 203
§. 16. That we are to desire lawfull honors for our neighbors good, and first, because thereby he doth his dutie. 204
§. 17. We must desire lawfull honour that our neighbour may be thereby edified. 205
§. 18. That we must preserue our honour and good name to auoide scandall. 205
§. 19. That we ought to desire honour for our owne sake, that it may reuiue and refresh vsus. 206
§. 20. That we are bound by Gods commandement to preserue our honour and good name. 207
CHAP. III. Of riches, and that they are good in themselues, and indifferent in respect of their vse.
§. 1. That riches are good in their owne nature. 209
§. 2. That riches are mutably good and of no great excellency. 209.
§. 3. That riches are of an indifferent nature in respect of their vse. 210
§. 4. Riches are truly good to the regenerate, who hauehave a right vse of them. 210
§. 5. Riches are the instruments and meanes of welldoing. 211
§. 6. The reason of the following discourse. 213
§. 7. That riches are not to be reiected, because they are the blessings of God. 214
§. 8. Why riches are called the mammon of iniquitie. 214
§. 9. In what sence the Apostles are said to hauehave forsaken all. 216
§. 10. The saying of Christ to the yong man expounded. 217
CHAP. IIII. Of the manifold cautions and conditions which are required to the right and lawfull vse of riches.
§. 1. That we must not ouer value riches in our iudgements aboue their worth. 218
§. 2. Riches must not be immoderately affected and desired. 220
§. 3. Of the quantitie of riches which is to be desired: that is, so much as is necessarie. 222
§. 4. That it is lawfull to desire sufficient plentie. 224
§. 5. Whether it be lawfull to desire abundance of riches. 225
§. 6. That it is vnlawfull for vsus to desire superfluitie. 227
§. 7. Desire of superfluititie is a signe of diffidence and distrust in God. 228
§. 8. We may not pray for abundance, and therefore not desire it. 228.
§. 9. Of the right vse of riches in regard of their possession: And that we must returne the praise of them vntounto God. 229
§. 10. That we sanctifie them to our vse, by the word, and prayer: and that we do not set our hearts vponupon them. 230
§. 11. That we must be contented with our estate, and be willing to leaue our riches when God taketh them away. 232
§. 12. That we must carefully take heed lest our riches become Satans baites and snares. 233
§. 13. Of the lawfull vse of riches in respect of their disposing and bestowing. 234
§. 14. Riches are well bestowed when with them we relieue the poore.
CHAP. V. Of pleasures, lawfull, ciuill, and carnall; which are to be desired; and when to be contemned & shunned.
§. 1. Of diuine pleasures. 237
§. 2. Diuine pleasures are much to be desired. 237
§. 3. Of naturall and ciuill pleasures, and that they are in their own nature good, but in respect of vsus, of an indifferent nature, and as they are vsed. 238
§. 4. Honest pleasures warranted by the Scriptures. 239
§. 5. Naturall and ciuill pleasures serue to good ends and purposes. 240.
§. 6. That vntounto vsus pleasures are of an indifferent nature, holding their goodnesse onelyonly when they are well vsed, vntounto which is required that our persons be iustified. 241
§. 7. We must not ouer-value them, nor immoderately affect them. 242.
§. 8. Our pleasures themselues must be moderate, and referred to their lawfull ends, first to Gods glory. 242
§. 9. Our pleasures must be referred to the good both of our soules and bodies. 243
§. 10. We must carefully take heed that Satan do not intangle vsus in these pleasures. 244
CHAP. VI. That we are exceeding prone to abuse these earthly blessings, whereby they become the diuels snares to intangle vsus in sinne.
§. 1. That through our corruption we abuse Gods earthly blessings. 245
§. 2. That these earthly things through our abuse become the matter of many grieuous tentations. 246
§. 3. That Satan vsually maketh these earthly things to serue as baites to allure vsus vntounto sinne. 247
§. 4. Honors plunge men into many dangerous tentations. 248
§. 5. That riches are the occasions of many dangerous tentations. 249.
§. 6. That tentations grounded vponupon pleasures are very dangerous. 250.
§. 7. In what respects these earthly things are to be desired, and in what respects to be contemned. 251
§. 8. These earthly things are chiefly abused when we make idols of them. 252
§. 9. That it becometh Christians to contemne these earthly vanities, and to affect these heauenly excellencies. 254
CHAP. VII. Of the signes whereby we may know whether we be infected with the louelove of the world.
§. 1. The first signe is to thinke on these earthly vanities with greatest pleasure and vnwearied delight. 257
§. 2. The second signe is to speake of them with greatest delight and comfort. 259
§. 3. In what sense our much thinking and speaking of worldly things are signes of the louelove of the world. 260
§. 4. The third signe is when we most desire these earthly things, take most care and paines in compassing them. 261
§. 5. The fourth signe is when we take most ioy in keeping, and most griefe in losing them. 264
§. 6. In what sense our ioy and griefe about these earthly things are signes of our louelove of the world. 266
CHAP. VIII. That the best things in the world are but meere vanities, in comparison of Gods spirituall graces, and heauenly excellencies.
§. 1. That the best are too much tainted with the louelove of the world. 267.
§. 2. Remedies to cure the disease of worldly louelove. 268
§. 3. That the best things the world can boast of are but meere vanities.
§. 4. The vanitie of worldly things proued by testimonies. 27…
§. 5. The vanitie of worldly things proued by Salomons testimony. 272.
§. 6. That these worldly things are of no great excellency seeing they are but Gods common gifts. 275
§. 7. That God bestowes honours as well vponupon the wicked as vponupon the godly. 275
§. 8. Reprobates abound with riches as much as Gods seruants. 276
§. 9. The wicked worldling hath a greater share of worldly pleasures, then Gods deare children. 277
§. 10. That the commonnesse of these earthly gifts, sheweth their vilitie and basenesse. 278
CHAP. IX. That these worldly things hauehave their goodnesse onelyonly from opinion, and from competition, and from difficulty in obtaining, & from their rarenes in enioying.
§. 1. That worldly things hauehave their chiefe excellency from opinion. 280.
§. 2. Opinion maketh honours so much affected. 281
§. 3. That opinion giueth riches their chiefe excellency. 281
§. 4. That there is no excellency in worldly pleasures, but what opinion imparts vntounto them. 283
§. 5. That worldly things are more commended vntounto vsus by eager competition then by any selfe excellency. 284
§. 6. Honours hauehave a great part of their esteeme from competition, and so also riches and pleasures. 286
§. 7. Worldly things are commended vntounto vsus by the difficulties we finde in obtaining them. 288
§. 8. Difficultie in obtaining them maketh honours and riches so much to be esteemed. 289
§. 9. Pleasures are valued according to the paines which is taken in compassing them. 291
§. 10. Worldly things are esteemed more for their rarenesse then for their goodnesse. 292
CHAP. X. Of the vanitie of worldly glorie, populatitie, prioritie, and the fauour of Princes.
§. 1. That vaineglorie is not true honour, but false and counterfeit. 294.
§. 2. That worldly glorie is vaine and vnprofit…ble. 295
§. 3. That contempt of vain glorie is enioyned vsus in the Scriptures. 297.
§. 4. That it is great folly to affect vaine glorie. 298
§. 5. That true glorie consisteth not in vulgar praises, but in the approbation of God, and the testimonies of our owne consciences. 300
§. 6. That it is now vnseasonable to seeke for glorie. 301
§. 7. That it is great folly to affect popularitie, and impossible to please the multitude. 302
§. 8. That it is impossible to please the multitude and please God. 303.
§. 9. That popularitie is the vaile of much wickednesse. 304
§. 10. The vanitie of prioritie of place and precedencie. 305
§. 11. Of the vanitie of Princes fauours. 307
§. 12. Of the inconstancie and mutabilitie of the fauour of Princes 308.
§. 13. That the fauour of Princes are vnprofitable. 309
CHAP. XI. Of the vanitie of worldly power and authoritie.
§. 1. In what respect worldly authoritie is good, and in what euill and sinfull.
§. 2. That there is no great excellencie in worldly power and authoritie. 313
§. 3. That worldly authoritie and power doth not profite vsus for the attaining to grace and vertue. 313
§. 4. That he who hath most authoritie ouer others, hath least in ruling himselfe. 315
§. 5. That worldly authoritie freeth vsus not from our greatest euils. 316
§. 6. That worldly authoritie is accompanied vsually with pride and tyrannie. 317
§. 7. That worldly authoritie is vsually accompanied with vniustice and oppression. 319
§. 8. That worldly authoritie exposeth men to enuie and many dangers. 321
§. 9. That abused authoritie subiecteth men to Gods vengeance. 322.
§. 10. That spirituall power is much to be preferred before that which is worldly. 323
CHAP. XII. Of the vanitie of worldly nobilitie.
§. 1. What nobilitie is, and the signes thereof. 325
§. 2. That nobilitie in it selfe is good and lawfull. 325
§. 3. That true nobilitie is much to be honoured and respected. 327
§. 4. That worldly nobilitie is of no worth or excellencie. 328
§. 5. That there is no cause why any should glorie in worldly nobilitie. 330
§. 6. That God respecteth not worldly nobilitie. 330
§. 7. That Christ neglected worldly nobilitie. 331
§. 8. That worldly nobilitie is momentany and mutable. 332
§. 9. That vpstart nobilitie ioyned with vertue is to be preferred before that which is destitute of it, though it be ancient. 333
§. 10. That worldly nobilitie is vnprofitable. 334
§. 11. The vnprofitablenesse of worldly nobilitie shewed by diuers examples. 336
§. 12. That worldly nobilitie maketh man proud and negligent in the practise of religion. 338
§. 13. That nobilitie seuered from vertue, disgraceth those that hauehave it. 339
§. 14. That spirituall nobilitie is much to be preferred before that which is worldly. 341
§. 15. That the priuiledges of spirituall nobilitie are much greater then of that which is worldly.
CHAP. XIII. Of the vanitie of worldly kingdomes and monarchies.
§. 1. That kingly and supreme authoritie is in it selfe good, and to be reuerenced and respected. 343
§. 2. That royaltie and supreme authoritie is the gift and blessing of God. 244
§. 3. The troubles and encombrances which a kingdome bringeth with it. 345
§. 4. The cares which accompany a kingdome in respect of him that reigneth. 347
§. 5. The care which a king taketh in respect of his subiects. 348
§. 6. The weightie burthen, and painfull labour, which accompanieth soueraigntie. 349
§. 7. That Princes are much troubled with the violence of their vnruly affections. 350
§. 8. The dangers which are incident to those that are in supreme authoritie. 352
§. 9. Of the vngratitude of the people towards their gouernors. 353.
§. 10. The great account that Princes hauehave to make at the day of iudgement. 354
§. 11. That worldly kingdomes abused are the causes of many sins. 355.
§. 12. Of the punishment which God inflicteth vponupon euill kings 356.
§. 13. That God bringeth vponupon euill kings hastie destruction. 358
§. 14. Of the spirituall kingdome which eueryevery one should labour after. 358
§. 15. That we are to labour after the kingdome of heauen. 359
CHAP. XIIII. Of the worthlesse vanitie of worldly riches.
§. …. That worldly riches are to be contemned as vaine and worthlesse. 360
§. 2. Of the vanitie of great lands, and large Lordships. 361
§. 3. Of the vanitie of gold and siluer. 362
§. 4. The vanitie of rich iewels and costly furniture. 364
§. 5. Of the vanitie of sumptuous buildings. 368
§. 6. The vanitie of a numerous familie. 371
CHAP. XV. Of the vanitie of costly and braue apparell.
§. 1. That rich and costly apparell is lawfull to those who are of high place and calling. 374
§. 2. That their apparell should not be base and sordidous, which are of good qualitie. 377
§. 3. Of the great abuse of apparell through excessiue brauery. 377
§. 4. Of the abuse of apparell in respect of costlinesse. 378
§. 5. Of the abuse of apparell, in respect of fashions. 379
§. 6. Of the abuse of apparell in respect of the ends therof, which are honestie and profite. 381
§. 7. Of the abuse of costly apparell in respect of the common vse thereof. 382
§. 8. Reasons to disswade all from abuses in apparell, because God hath forbidden this excessiue brauery. 383
§. 9. The originall of apparell should preserue vsus from taking pride in it. 384
§. 10. That excessiue brauery in apparell misbeseemeth Christians. 385.
§. 11. That this brauery hath in it no worth or excellency. 387
§. 12. That in this brauery we hauehave no preheminence before those who are of base condition. 388
§. 13. That this excessiue cost in apparel doth not better the wearers 389.
§. 14. That excessiue brauerie doth not make those that weare it more commendable. 390
§. 15. That this brauerie graceth neither the beautifull nor deformed, vertuous or vicious. 391
§. 16. That costly apparell doth not make those that weare it more respected. 392
§. 17. Of the euils which accompanie excessiue brauerie: 1. sinne against God. 394
§. 18. Too much care in decking the body, argueth the neglect of the soule. 395
§. 19. That they who vse excesse in apparell, offend against their brethren by giuing offence. 397
§. 20. Their excuse taken away who pretend inward humilitie though they exceed in outward brauerie. 398
§. 21. Their excuse answered who pretend the pleasing of their husbands as the cause of their excesse. 399
§. 22. That excessiue brauerie is the cause of many sinnes, in respect of those that weare it. 401
§. 23. That this excesse causeth many euils, both to priuate persons and to the common wealth. 402
§. 24. That costly and vaine apparell is the fruite of pride and selfe louelove. 404
§. 25. Of the punishment which God inflicteth vponupon men for pride in apparell. 405
§. 26. That we are much to preferre the spirituall ornament of the soule, before corporall. 407
CHAP XVI. Of the vanitie of worldly pleasures.
§. 1. Worldly pleasures are of no worth, in comparison of heauenly ioyes. 408
§. 2. That worldly pleasures are gifts of an inferiour nature, which are bestowed most plentifully vponupon the wicked. 409
§. 3. That the brutish creatures hauehave the largest share in earthly pleasures. 411
§. 4. That worldly pleasures are of lesse esteeme because they are apt to be abused. 412
§. 5. That the vanitie of worldly pleasures should make vsus to seeke spirituall and heauenly ioyes. 413
CHAP. XVII. That worldly things do not satisfie, nor bring contentment to those that hauehave them.
§. 1. That worldly things do not bring that contentment which they promise. 415
§. 2. That worldly things possessed do but inflame the desire. 416
§. 3. The reasons why the mind of man cannot be satisfied with earthly things. 417
§. 4. That it is great folly to seeke for content in earthly abundance. 419.
§. 5. The insufficiency of wordly things to giuegive content, shewed by examples. 421
§. 6. That honours bring no contentment to those that hauehave them. 422.
§. 7. That there is no satietie or content in riches. 424
§. 8. That worldly riches promise contentment, but cannot giuegive it, and the reasons why. 425
§. 9. That couetous men the more they abound, the more they want. 427.
§. 10. That couetous men are more in want then the poore. 428
§. 11. That it is in vaine to seeke for contentment in riches. 429
§. 12. Another reason why riches satisfie not, namely because they are not vsed. 4…0
§. 13. That it is not the bare poss…ssion of riches that maketh rich.
§. 14. That rich misers are of all other poorest. 432
§. 15. The miserable condition of rich misers. 433
§. 16. That rich misers are emptie of all goodnesse, being good neither to themselues no… others. 4…5
§. 17. That worldly pleasures satisfie not, nor giuegive contentment. 437
CHAP. XVIII. Of the miserable effects which accompany the insufficiency of worldly things, as discontent in all estates. l…athing satietie, and an endlesse desire of …anging.
§. 1. That all men are discontented with their estates, and first, those who are of honourable condition. 439
§. 2. The discontent which accompanieth riches and pleasures 440
§. 2. That all men in all ages, and in all estates are full of discontent. 441.
§. 4. Of the causes why worldlings are so full of discontent. 444
§ 5. That worldly things in steed of satisfying bring with them loathing satietie. 446
§. 6. From the insufficiency of worldly things to satisfie, proceedeth an endlesse desire and affectation of change. 448
§. 7. The former point cleared by some instances. 451
CHAP. XIX. Of the excellency of true contentment, and the meanes whereby we may attaine vntounto it.
§. 1. That contentment is to be sought not in the world but in Gods spirituall graces. 452
§. 2. That spirituall contentment much exceedeth all contentment in worldly things. 454
§. 3. That contentment is a medicine for all miserie. 456
§. 4. That contentment is to be sought▪ not in outward things, but in the heart and mind. 457
§. 5. That we must seeke contentment, not by multiplying worldly vanities, but by moderating our desires and affections. 459
§. 6. If we would hauehave contentment in riches, we must lay aside couetousnesse. 461
§. 7. That contentment in pleasures, is had, not by multiplying them, but by restraining our appetites. 463
§. 8. The first and chiefe meanes of contentation is wholely to resigne our selues to the will of God. 464
§. 9. That Christians may safely and securely rest on Gods prouidence. 466
§. 10. The reasons why the Lord giueth worldly things to some of his children, and not to others. 468
§. 11. The reasons why the Lord maketh not all his children rich in all worldly benefites. 470
§. 12. The second meanes of contentment is to leade a godly life. 472
§. 13. The third meanes is to thinke of our benefites as well as of our wants. 473
§. 14. That perfect and full contentation is onelyonly to be found in heauenly happinesse. 474
CHAP. XX. Of the vnprofitablenes of worldly vanities in comparison of Gods spirituall graces and heauenly ioyes.
§. 1. That there is no profite in worldly things to those who set their hearts on them. 476
§. 2. That worldly honours are vnprofitable. 477
§. 3. That there is no profite in worldly riches. 477
§. 4. That riches are most vnprofitable to sordidous misers. 480
§. 5. Of the vnprofitablenesse of worldly pleasures. 483
§. 6. That worldly things do not further the maine ends at which we aime, as first they do not make vsus truly better. 485
§. 7. That we are not bettered by honors, riches, or carnall pleasures. 488.
CHAP. XXI. That worldly things profit not to the attaining of those things which are chiefly good, nor to the auoiding of our greatest euils.
§. 1. That worldly things helpe not to enrich our minds with vertue and Gods sauing graces. 491
§. 1. That worldly things do not make vsus more fruitfull in good workes. 492
§. 3. That worldly things do not make them, who hauehave them, more merry and chearefull. 494
§. 4. That worldly pleasures are voide of true pleasure, and sound delight. 496
§. 5. That worldly things assure vsus neither of the louelove of God nor man. 497
§. 6. That worldly things do not helpe to free vsus from our greatest euils: as first, they do not deliuer vsus from dangers. 499
§. 7. Worldly things cure not the body of sicknesses & diseases. 500
§. 8. Worldly things do not profit in the day of Gods visitation. 505
§. 9. That worldly things profit not at the howre of death. 506
§. 10. That worldly things at the day of death bring much griefe and bitternesse. 509
§. 11. That worldly things profite not after our separation. 511
§. 12. That worldly things will not profite vsus at the day of iudgement. 512
§. 13. The conclusion perswading to seeke after Gods spirituall graces, and heauenly ioyes; which alone bring true profite. 514
CHAP. XXII. Of the manifold miseries which do accompanie worldly vanities in the whole course of mans life.
§. 1. That all worldly benefits are imbittered with manifold miseries. 515
§. 2. The mis…ries of worldly things shewed by testimonies. 517
§. 3. The miseries of mans life in respect of sinne. 518
§. 4. That the things of this life are commended onelyonly by necessitie 5…0.
§. 5. That mans life is a continuall disease, and worldly things medicines to ease it. 521
§. 6. Of the loathsome saciety which man findeth in worldly things. 523.
§. 7. Of the adherent euils which are incident to mans life. 523
§. 8. Of the miseries incident to man… estate. 525
§. 9. Of the miseries incident to a mans person, and first in respect of his body. 527
§. 10. Of the manifold miseries of man in respect of his soule. 528
§. 11. Of the miseries of man through the contrarietie and fight of his owne passions. 530
§. 12. Of the miseries of mans life in respect of his friends. 531
CHAP. XXIII. Of the miseries which are specially incident vntounto all the ages of man.
§. 1. Of mans misery which he is subiect vntounto in his mothers wombe 533.
§. 2. Of mans miserie in his birth. 534
§. 3. Of the miseries of infancie, childhood, and youth. 535
§. 4. Of the miseries incident to man in his perfect age. 538
§. 5. of the miseries incident to old age. 540
CHAP. XXIIII. Of the manifold miseries all estates of men are subiect.
§. 1. Of the miseries incident vntounto single life and wedlocke. 541
§. 2. Of the miseries incident to diuers states publick & priuat. 543
§. 3. Of some special worldly miseries peculiar to true Christiās. 544
CHAP. XXV. Of the miseries which accompany worldly things, in respect of their getting, keeping, and possession.
§. 1. Of the euils which worldly things bring with them, and first honours and riches. 547
§. 2. Of the miseries which accompany pleasures. 549
§. 3. That worldly things are not gotten without great labour. 550
§. 4. That worldly men take their chiefe pains for superfluities. 551
§. 5. Of the miseries incident to the getting of honours, riches and pleasures. 552
§. 6. That mens paines in getting worldly things is accompanied with sinne. 554
§. 7. Of the wicked courses which ambitious and couetous men run into, to obtaine honours and riches. 556
§. 8. That worldly pleasures are seldome procured without sin. 560
§. 9. Of the miseries accompanying worldly things in respect of their possession. 561
§. 10. The cares and feares which accompany honors in their possession. 562
§. 11. Of the miseries which accōpany riches in their possession. 565
§. 12. That riches depriue their bodies of rest, and their minds of peace▪ which too much louelove them. 568
§. 13. How we may in the possession of riches be freed from the former miseries. 570
§. 14. That riches are most surely preserued when they are giuen to the poore. 572
§. 15. An exhortation to almes deeds. 575
§. 16. Of the miseries which accompany worldly pleasures and their fruition. 576
§. 17. Of the miseries which accompany worldly things when they are lost. 577
§. 18. Of the miseries which are incident to men for the losse of honours, riches, and pleasures. 579
§. 19. The conclusion perswading all to seeke after Gods spirituall graces, and heauenly ioyes. 581
CHAP XXVI. That though with all our indeuours we seeke for worldly things, we are not sure to obtaine them,
§. 1. That worldlings often fa…le in their desires, and loose all their labour. 582
§. 2. That the world and the Prince thereof abuse their fauourites with false promises. 584
§. 3. That though men be often deceiued, yet they more trust Satan and the world, then God himselfe. 586
§. 4. That worldlings do often by their too earnest labouring loose the fruite of their labours. 589
§. 5. Of the vncertainty of obtaining worldly honours. 591
§. 6. That too earnest seeking honours makes men to loose them. 593
§. 7. The right way to seeke true honour. 594
§. 8. The great vncertainty of obtaining worldly riches. 596
§. 9. Of the vncertainty of obtaining worldly pleasures. 598
§. 10. That we may be assured to obtaine spirituall graces and heauenly ioyes if we truly seeke them. 599
§. 11. The certaintie of obtaining eternall ioyes by those that seeke them, proued. 601
CHAP. XXVII. That the world and worldly things are momentany and corruptible.
§. 1. That the world is corruptible and shall end. 603
§. 2. That we should not set our hearts on the world, because it is corruptible and neare an end. 605
§. 3. That all worldly things are momentany and corruptible. 608
§. 4. That we cannot securely enioy worldly things, and without feare of loosing them. 609
§. 5. That the corruptibilitie of worldly things should weane our hearts from their fond louelove. 610
§. 6. That worldly honours are momentany and vncertaine. 612
§. 7. That worldly riches are momentany and transitory. 615
§. 8. That riches are daily in danger of loosing; and that the greater losse brings the greater griefe. 617
§. 9. The best way to preserue riches from loosing. 619
§. 10. That worldly pleasures are short and momentany. 621
CPAP. XXVIII. Of the mutabilitie and inconstancy of worldly things.
§. 1. That all things in heauen and earth are subiect to change and alteration. 623
§. 2. That we communicate with all creatures in their mutability, besides the changes vntounto which our own estates are subiect. 624
§. 3. Of the mutability and vnconstancy of honors and preferments. 627.
§. 4. The causes why honors are so variable and vnconstant. 629
§. 5. Of the mutabilitie and vnconstancie of riches. 631
§. 6. That worldly pleasures are vnconstant and subiect to change. 633.
CHAP. XXIX. Of the momentany continuance and frailtie of mans life.
§. 1. That notwithstanding mans life is short and fraile, yet worldly men dreame of immortalitie. 635
§. 2. The breuitie of mans life proued by plaine testimonies of Scripture. 636
§. 3. The breuitie of mans life illustrated by similitudes. 637
§. 4. That mans short life is most fraile and vncertaine, being on eueryevery side assailed by death. 639
§. 5. Of the innumerable dangers vntounto which mans life is daily subiect. 640
§. 6. That eueryevery man more clearely seeth other mens mortalitie then his owne. 642
§. 7. That from our birth to our death our liues are in a continuall consumption. 643
§. 8. The breuitie of mans life shewed by a speciall consideration of the parts thereof. 645
§. 9. That by reason of the vncertaintie of our liues all things are vncertaine vntounto vsus. 646
§. 10. That the things we possesse are not our owne, but the worlds heire-loomes. 649
§. 11. The shortnesse of their liues who are aduanced to honors. 650
§. 12. That the rich mans life is short and vncertaine. 651
§. 13. That the hope of worldlings is vaine and vncertaine, who thinke to leaue all things to their heires and children. 653
§. 14. That the liues of voluptuous men are short and full of frailtie. 656.
§. 15. A perswasion to the contempt of the world, and louelove of heauen grounded vponupon the consideration of our liues short and momentany continuance. 657
CHAP. XXX. Of the great hurt which worldly things bring to their owners when they set their hearts on them: and first, by weaning their hearts from God, and making them idolaters.
§. 1. That worldly things are hurtfull to those who immoderately louelove them. 661
§. 2. That worldly honors bring much hurt to those that dote vponupon them. 663
§. 3. That riches hurt those who immoderatly desire them, by drawing them into all sinne. 664
§. 4. That voluptuous pleasures hurt those who affect them, by being occasions of sin, and in themselues sinfull. 666
§. 5. 6. That worldly things withdraw our hearts from God. 669
§. 7. Preseruations against the f…rmer sinne. 674
§. 8. That worldly things immoderately loued are the causes of idolatrie. 675
§. 9. That ambitious, couetous, & voluptuous mē are idolaters. 677
CHAP. XXXI. That worldly things make men forgetfull of God, vnthankefull, proud, contemptuous, slothfull and negligent in the du…ies of Gods seruice.
§. 1. That worldly abundance maketh men forgetful of God. 679
§. 2. That worldly things abounding make me vnthankefull towards God. 681
§. 3. 4. That worldly abundance is the cause of pride against God. 684.
§. 5▪ That worldly things causing pride are also the causes of d…struction. 688
§. 6. That worldly things bring with them contempt of God. 690
§. 7. That worldly things bring contempt of spirituall grace, and heauenly glorie. 691
§. 8. 9. That worldly things immoderately loued make men slothfull in the duties of Gods seruice. 694
CHAP. XXXII. That worldly things immoderately loued are the causes of many euils in respect of our neighbours, as of iniustice, wrongs, pride, and insolencie.
§. 1. That worldly things immoderately loued are the causes of iniustice. 700
§. 2. That worldly things thrust men on to the committing of outragious wrongs. 704
§. 3. That worldly things procure enuie and malice. 707
§. 4. 5. That worldly things make men proud and insolent towards their neighbours. 708
CHAP. XXXIII. Of the ciuill euils which worldly things immoderately loued bring to their owners.
§. 1. That abundance of worldly things effeminate and soften the heart and mind. 713
§. 2. 3. That the fruition of worldly things make men to stand in neede of many things. 716
§. 4. to §. 11. That worldly things, and particularly honors, riches, and pleasures, bring them who immoderately louelove them, into a grieuous seruitude. 721
§. 11. That abundance of worldly things brings enuie and hatred to their owners. 736
§. 12. That worldly things are the cause of enmity and discord. 740
§. 13. to §. 16. That worldly things, and particularly honours, riches, and pleasures, expose their owners to innumerable dangers. 743
CHAP. XXXIIII. Of the manifold spirituall euils which worldly things bring to those that set their hearts vponupon them.
§. 1. That worldly things immoderately loued do choake the seede of Gods word. 750
§. 2. That abundance of worldly things impouerisheth vsus in Gods spirituall graces. 752
§. 3. That earthly abundance doth infatuate the vnderstanding. 754
§. 4. That honours, riches, and pleasures, make men blind in finding the way to heauen. 758
§. 5. That worldly abundance makes men so ignorant they cannot know themselues. 762
§. 6. That worldly abundance maketh men ignorant of their friends. 763
§. 7. That honours, riches, and pleasures, make men able to discern friends from flatterers. 764
§. 8. That earthly abundance causeth securitie. 767
§. 9. That worldly abundance bringeth impenitencie and hardnesse of heart. 769
§. 10. That the immoderate louelove of worldly things, takes away all true louelove from our selues. 772
§. 11. That earthly abundance aggrauateth their sinnes that hauehave it. 774
§. 12. to §. 16. That worldly things, & particularly, honours, riches, and pleasures expose men to many tentations. 775
§. 15. That they expose men to Gods wrath and heauy iudgements. 783.
CHAP. XXXV. Of the euerlasting euils which worldly things immoderately loued do bring to those who hauehave them.
§. 1. That they hinder men from attaining the ioyes of Gods kingdome. 786
§ 2. The reasons why we cannot greatly louelove both earthly and heauenly things. 788
§ 3. That the Lord will not giuegive the heauenly ioyes to them who more esteeme of earthly trifles. 791
§. 4. 5. 6. That worldly honours, riches, and pleasures, hinder those who set their hearts on them, from attaining heauenly glory. 792.
§. 7. 8. That the more we abound with worldly things, the greater shall be our reckoning at the day of iudgement. 800
§. 9. That worldly things immoderately loued increase their condemnation, who thus abuse them. 804
§. 10. A disswasion from the louelove of the world vponupon the former consideration. 806
The contents of the third Booke.
CHAP. I. That we should not set our hearts on the world and worldly things, because we are but pilgrims and strangers on earth.
§. 1. That all the faithfull from time to time hauehave acknowledged themselues pilgrims and strangers. 809
§. 2. That this should weane our hearts from the world, because we liue as strangers in it. 811
§. 3. That the world is to be vsed as a passage, and not as a place of habitation. 813
§. 4. That we should not set our hearts and affections on the world, because it is the place of our warfare. 816
CHAP. II. That we should contemne the world and all worldly vanities, in regard that we are citizens of heauen and heires of better hopes.
§. 1. That we might easily contemne earthly things, if we would meditate on our heauenly priuiledges, and ioyes. 818
§. 2. That the louelove of the world may well fit an ignorant worldling, but ill beseemeth a Christian who hath assurance of future happinesse. 820
§. 3. That it is seruile basenesse for a Christian who is the child of God and heire of heauen to set his heart on worldly things. 822.
§. 4. That earthly honours, riches, and pleasures, are base and of no worth, in comparison of the treasures, glory, and ioyes of heauen. 825
§. 5. That they who louelove the world make a forfeiture of their heauenly hopes. 827
§. 6. That all the faithfull hauehave from time to time contemned the world. 828
CHAP. III. Of the ioyes of heauen, that they are ineffable and inconceiuable, and of the names and titles which in the Scriptures are giuen vntounto them.
§. 1. That Christians are much to preferre heauen before earth, in regard that it is their owne countrey. 831
§. 2. That it is impossible to describe the ioyes of heauen in any perfection. 833
§. 3. What the ioyes of heauen are, and of the names, and titles, which in the holy Scriptures are giuen vntounto them. 837
CHAP. IIII. Of the happinesse of the soule in the ioyes of heauen, and wherein it consisteth.
§. 1. That all defects and wants in the soule shall be perfectly supplied. 840
§. 2. That the soule shall be freed from all corruption, and first, the vnderstanding from ignorance and curiositie. 842
§. 3. That our wils shall be freed from their peruersenesse, and be made conformable to the will of God. 843
§. 4. That our memories and consciences shall hauehave in them no imperfection or corruption. 846
§. 5. Of the excellent faculties and qualities wherewith our soules shall be beautified and adorned. 848
CHAP. V. Of the speciall happinesse and felicitie of our bodies in the kingdome of heauen.
§. 1. That we shall be freed from all bodily wants and greeuances, as hunger and thirst. 849
§. 2. Of other worldly wants from which our bodies shall be freed. 851.
§. 3. Of the manifold euils from which our bodies shall be deliuered. 852
§. 4. Of the good things which shall be communicated to our bodies. And first spirituall qualities. 853
§. 5. Of some spirituall qualities wherewith our bodies shall be adorned. 856
§. 6. That our bodies shall be indued with great strength, and freed from suffering any hurt. 858
§. 7. That our bodies shall be beautifull and of a comely stature and proportion. 859
§. 8. That our bodies shall be shining and glorious. 860
CHAP. VI. Of the felicitie and blessednes of the whole man bodie and soule, consisting in freedome from all euil, and in the fruition of all good.
§. 1. That we shall no more be molested with our turbulent affections. 863
§. 2. That we shall be freed from all impotencie and sinne. 865
§. 3. That in our heauenly happinesse we shall be freed from al externall euils, as painfull labour, wicked companie, and the assaults of all enemies. 866
§. 4. Reasons to prooue that the ioyes of heauen must needes be most excellent and blessed. 868
CHAP. VII. That in heauen we shall abound with all happines both in respect of our persons and estates. And that there are degrees of happinesse.
§. 1. That the image of God shall be perfectly repaired in vsus. 872
§. 2. That the ioyes of heauen shall fill vsus without glutting, and satiate vsus without loathing. 873
§. 3. That these ioyes shall be most excellent in regard of the things about vsus. 875
§. 4. That there are diuers degrees of glorie and happinesse in the kingdome of heauen: the which is first prooued by testimonies of Scripture. 877
§. 5. Diuers reasons to prooue that there are diuers degrees of glorie. 879
CHAP. VIII. That heauen is a place most glorious: and of our blessed societie with the Saints, Angels, and our Sauiour Christ.
§. 1. That the heauen of heauens shall be the place of our happinesse, which is most beautifull and glorious. 883
§. 2. Of the great felicitie which wee shall hauehave in the societie of the Saints and Angels. 886
§. 3. Whether we shall in heauen know one another. 887
§. 4. That it shall be a great part of our heauenly happinesse to enioy the company of our Sauiour Christ. 889
CHAP. IX. Of the fruition of God, and of those vnspeakeable ioyes which will arise from it.
§. 1. That as the Lord is the author, so also the chiefe matter of our heauenly ioyes. 892
§. 2. That all ioy and happinesse accompanieth our fruition of God, as being the perfection and accomplishment of them all. 893
§. 3. That the fruition of God must needs be the perfection of our ioy, seeing all goodnesse, beautie and excellencie, is contained and vnited in him. 895
§. 4. That all the heauenly ioyes, without the fruition of God, could not make vsus perfectly happie. 899
CHAP. X. Of the vision and sight of God, and of that communion which we shall hauehave with him.
§. 1. Wherein the vision of God chiefly consisteth, and that it is not a darke sight, as in this life, but a cleere knowledge of him. 900
§. 2. That our vision of God shall be spirituall, and how far forth we may be said to see him with our bodily eyes: and that in him wee shall hauehave the knowledge of all diuine mysteries. 903
§. 3. Of that communion which wee shall hauehave with God in the kingdome of heauen. 906
§. 4. That our communion with God shall be much more excellent and perfect then it is in this life. 908
§. 5. Of the excellent fruits which will accompanie our communion with God: and namely, that he will be vntounto vsus all in all. 909
CHAP. XI. Of our perfect louelove of God; our vnwearied delight in praising him; our perpetuall Sabbath; continuall ioy and reioycing in the fruition of God: and of the eternitie of all this our happines.
§. 1. That we shall most perfectly louelove God; and be most happie in this our louelove. 912
§. 2. That all our delight shall be to sing continually the praises of God. 915
§. 3. That we shall keepe an eternall Sabbath vntounto God. 917
§. 4. That in our heauenly happines we shal hauehave all ioy, comfort, peace, and reioycing in God. 918
§. 5. That the ioyes of heauen shall be eternal & euerlasting. 921
CHAP. XII. Of the vses of the former doctrine concerning the ioyes of heauen.
§. 1. That we should spend our time rather in getting assurance of these heauenly ioyes, then in curious inquiring after them. 923
§. 2. That the difficultie in obtaining the ioyes of heauen should not discourage vsus, but make vsus more couragious in taking paines. 925
§. 3. Of the meanes whereby we may be assured to attaine vntounto our heauenly ioyes. 927
§. 4. The conclusion of the booke, enforcing, from that which hath been said, the contempt of the world. 930
A methodicall Table, shewing the order obserued in the whole booke.
In this Christian warfare against the world, two things are considered. Lib. 1.
1. The enemie against whō wee fight, where is expressed
The nature of ye enemie, where is shewed
1. What he is, Chap. 1.
2. Of what condition and qualitie, & that both Chap. 2.
In himselfe, to wit, euil, and that because he is
Subiect vntounto Satan. §. 1.
Contrary and opposit to God. §. 2.
2. Of what condition and qualitie, & that both Chap. 2.
To vsus, to wit, very dāgerous and that both in respect of his
Will, beeing exceeding malicious. §. 4.
Power, because he is
Prudent and subtill. §. 5.
Strong, as appeares both by
Reason, namely, because hee is strōg in
His owne strength. §. 6
Through aid of our corrupt flesh. §. 7.
Experience of
Anciēt times. §. 8.
Our owne times, & that both in
Worldlings. §. 9. 10.
Faithful §. 11.
Reasons encouraging vsus to fight which are taken from Chap. 3.
1. The commandemēt of God. §. 1.
2. From the passion of Christ. §. 2.
3. The necessitie of the fight, which appeareth by diuers reasons. §. 3. to 9.
4. Our assUred hope of victorie. §. 9.
5. The greatnes of the reward promised to those that ouercome.
2. The manner of his fight, and weapons which he vseth, which are tentations either on the
Right hand. See A.
Left hand.
A. Righthand, to wit, arising from prosperitie, of which
1. In general, where is shewed,
1. What it is in it selfe, to wit, good, and the gift of God. §. 3.
2. In respect of vsus, to wit, of an indifferent nature.
Good to the good, who vse it well, where is shewed what is required hereunto.
Euill to the euill, who abuse it, to the which abuse we are prone. §. 5. and so prosperitie becommeth a dangerous enemie, against which wee must be armed. Chap. 5. 6.
2. In speciall, where the tentatiōs are distinguished diuersly in respect of their matter & subiect frō whence they arise, in which respect these tentatiōs are either
In ward, arising out of our selues, & that either frō something in our
Soules, and respect either
Morall vertues, of which
1. Ingenerall, where is shewed that morall vertue is vaine, being seuered from faith and godlinesse. Chap. 7.
In special, where of wisedome, which is either
Spirituall, which is much to be esteemed. Chap. 8.
Worldly and carnall, which is much to bee contemned. Chap. 9.
Certaine gifts and ornamēts of ye mind which are
1. Learning. Chap. 10.
2. Knowledg which is either of
Mechanicall sciences. Chap. 11.
Of ye true religion without the power of godlinesse. Chap. 12.
Bodies, which are tentatiōs, arising either from
Beautie, which is either
True. Chap. 13.
Counterfeit: where of painting. C. 14.
Strength. Chap. 15.
Health. Chap. 16.
Outward, arising frō externall obiects: as from
Persons of worldlings, who corrupt with their euill companie, and that either by their
Euill example and communication.
Chap. 18. Friēdship. Chap. 19.
Worldly things. See B.
B. Worldly things, al which are referred to three heads, to wit, honors, riches, & pleasures, of which it is entreated in the second booke: and
1. Generally, where is shewed what they are
In their owne nature: Chap. 1. §. 1. 2.
In their vse to vsus, to wit, indifferent,
Good to ye good who vse them rightly. Cap. 1. §. 5.
Euill to those who abuse them.
2. Specially, where is entreated of honors, riches and pleasures, which are either
Good, and thus
Honors are good,
In their own nature. Cap. 2. §. 2.
VntoUnto vsus, in their vse, namely, to the good of them who vse them well. §. 5. 6. &c.
Of whom they are to be desired. §. 15. 16.
Riches are good,
In their own nature. Cap. 3. §. 1.
VntoUnto vsus whē they are wel vsed, where is shewed
1. That riches are not absolutely to bee contemned. § 6. to 10.
The cautions which are to bee obserued to their right vse. Chap. 4.
Pleasures are good, Chap. 5. and that both
Diuine pleasures, which are chiefly good and desirable. §. 1. 2.
Naturall and ciuil, which are good,
1. In their owne nature, §. 3. to 6.
2. VntoUnto vsus, when they are well vsed. §. 6. to 10.
Euil when they are abused, & thus men abuse them, when they make them their idols, by preferring them in their iudgements, affections and practise, before spirituall graces & heauenly ioyes, in cōparison whereof, they are to be contemned, vntounto which cōtempt ye following treatise perswadeth, Chap. 6. where is propoūded,
1. The signs of this worldlie idolatry, & carnal louelove wherby we may know whether we be infected with this disease Chap. 7.
2. Remedies. See C.
C. Remedies to cure vsus of it, where of ye argumēts which persuade to the contēpt of the world, which tend to shewe that worldlie things are not to be esteemed and loued, in comparison of spirituall and heauenly: neither
In themselues:
First, because they bring not vntounto vsus anie true or certain good, because they are not
In their owne nature of anie great goodnes, though wee should obtain thē, and yt because they are
Vaine, and of no excellencie, from whence it followeth, that they doe not satisfie those that hauehave them: Chap. 8. to 20.
Vnprofitable, and mixt with manie miseries: Chap. 20. to 26.
Nor yet hauehave in thē any certaintie in respect either of our
Getting thē: Chap. 26.
Keeping thē: C. 27. to 30.
Secondly, because through our corruptiō they are causes of much hurt, being occasiōs and prouocations vntounto all sinne, both against
God. Chap. 30. 31.
Our neighbour. Chap. 32.
Our selues as they deriue vntounto vsus manie euils, and that both
Temporal, which are either
Ciuill, and meerelie humane: Chap. 33.
Spirituall: Cap. 34.
Eternall: Chap. 35.
Not in respect of vsus, because we are
Pilgrimes on earth: Lib. 3. Chap. 1.
Citizens of heauen, and heires of those eternall ioyes and happinesse which infinitely exceed all worldly things. Chap. 2. 3. &c.