The Spirit of Bondage and Adoption, Table of contents – Publishers advertisement
The Contents.
THe firſt Treatiſe concerning the Spirit of Bondage layes down theſe two Theſes.
1. That the convictions, concuſſions and terrours which bring a ſinner before converſion under a ſpiritual bondage to the ſad apprehenſions of the curſe, and wrath of God, due to him by the Law, becauſe of the guilt of ſinne, are ordinarily the works of Gods bleſſed Spirit.
2. That, In order to the converſion of ſinners, it is the ordinary, and uſual way of the Holy Spirit of God, to become thus a Spirit of Bondage before he becomes a Spirit of Adoption.
To the firſt of theſe, way is made by a preface, containing a brief explication, and vindication of the meaning of the Apoſtle Paul, Rom. 8. 15. where he makes mention of this Spirit of Bondage, wherein I ſtate this Queſtion.
Queſt. What the Spirit of Bondage is in the Apoſtles ſenſe, and the fear that proceeds from it? Chap. 1.
The Theſis cleared.
1. By ſhewing how this work, as it is managed by the Spirit of God, differs from a like work of Satan. And (in the cloſe thereof,)
2. By enquiring whether this work always ends in converſion? Chap. 2.
A few words are added to prove it, Chap. 3.
Practical Corollaries from the Premiſes.
1. By way of ſupport, Chap. 4.
2. By way of Caution in ſeveral branches. 0
1. Not to harden the heart againſt the Spirits ſoft voyce.
2. Not to miſ-apprehend our own caſe, under bondage.
3. Not to judge others in that caſe.
4. Not to break the Spirits bonds, but by his leave, whether it be,
1. By profane, or vain diverſions and avocations of our hearts from being ſerious and through therein, Chap. 5.
2. Or by over-greedy graſping after peace and comfort, ere we are prepared for it, Whence ariſeth,
A Practical Queſtion, concerning the meaſures of humiliation neceſſarily required to converſion, and comfort; and concerning fitneſſe of the ſoul for comfort, Chap. 6.
The 3. 4, 5, 6. Corolaries. Viz.
By way of exhortation.
By way of conviction of the true uſe of the miniſtry of the Law.
By way of plea for the frequent ſeeming peeviſhneſs of poor ſouls refuſing comfort.
By way of humiliation, to ſuch as herein have formerly, it may be frequently ſtifled convictions and fears▪ c. 7.
The ſecond Theſis explained.
1. By enquiring into the nature of the work of the Spirit of Bondage, where conviction is deſcribed, ch. 8.
2. By aſſigning the means of this work, ch. 9. Evidence given of the Spirits uſual working this way, c. 10.
Qu. Ʋpon what deſignes the Spirit most commonly workes in this method. Diſcovered in twelve particulars, c. 11.
A Queſtion concerning the meaſure of this work, ch. 12.
Another concerning the ſtate of a ſoul under this worke, whether gracious or not. c. 13.
An objection anſwered from Chriſts invitation of ſinners to him, without requiring ſuch conditions as neceſsary to their acceptance, c. 14.
Improvement of the Theſis.
1. Early converts are encouraged, c. 15.
2. Touchy hearers are reproved and the publick miniſterial application of the Law to the conſciences of men vindicated from mistaken inconveniences, as
1. That 'tis a doctrine not proper for Saints who are the chiefest part of an auditory,
2. That it may occaſion the grieving of many, whom God would not have grieved, c. 16.
3. Converts examined, whether real or pretended; and abundance of our dayes found ſuſpicious, and ſeriouſly dealt withall, c. 17.
4. Perſons under a Spirit of Bondage ſupported from the nature of the work under which they lye, it being deſigned by the Holy Spirit to a further end. Satisfied in a doubt or two.
1. Concerning the poſſibility of loſing thoſe impreſſions without a good iſſue.
2. Concerning the preſent ſymptomes by which the iſſue of preſent trouble of conſcience may be gheſsed at, c. 18.
5. Perſons that have paſt through the pikes, and are gotten out of the wilderneſs, cheered in the remembrance of their paſt experiences. c. 19.
6. Convinced ſouls under the hammer, and in the fire, cautioned to take heed how they defeat the Spirits deſignes, and fruſtrate his attempts upon them in order unto a through converſion. In ſeven particulars, c. 20.
7. Four ſorts of perſons are exhorted.
(1.) Thoſe that have gone through this work with fruit and benefit. Whoſe main duties, four. ch. 21.
(2.) Thoſe that have gone through it fruitleſly, without a ſound and effectual converſion. Whoſe duties are
1. Deep humiliation upon ſeveral moving conſiderations from the ſadneſs of that condition. chap. 22.
2 A ſerious endeavor to recover thoſe lost impreſſions again.
A practical Queſtion hence ariſing, diſcuſſed.
Objections againſt this courſe, anſwered,
1 From preſent joy.
2 From eſteem of high attainments with others.
3 From poſſibility of ſalvation without it chap. 23.
Objections of another nature anſwered.
From hazard of Gods not owning ſuch an Apoſtate; which hazard ſeems to be heightned by a fear of having ſinned the ſin againſt the Holy Ghoſt. chap. 24.
(3) Thoſe that are under this condition alſo exhorted.
1 To be patient under Gods hammer, till he reduce them to the ſhape he intends.
2 To keep up hope; where is (by the way) enquired, what kind of hope precedes faith.
3 To wait in hope; where (by the way) how.
4 To lye under Means; and what means moſt proper; where a Question, Whether an unconverted man may pray.
5 To ſeek converſion in them rather then comfort
6. To chooſe ſome means more then other; and which,
7. To obſerve every improvement with thankfulneſſe.
8. To meditate on moſt rowzing, affecting truths. A ſcheme of ſome ſuch truths
9. To take heed of a double ſnare in particular callings.
10. To pick company.
11. To be open hearted to choyce friends.
12. To take ſpecial care, that how little progreſſe ſoever they make, it be ſincere.
13. To be humble under improvements. c. 25. 26.
(4.) Thoſe that are altogether unacquainted with this work. Where a practical Queſtion, What a natural man can do towards his own conviction, in order to converſion. Anſwered in 10 particulars, c. 27.
The intendment of the Anſwers cleared in ſome particulars. And ſome farther Objections anſwered, c. 28.
THe Second Treatiſe concerning the Spirit of Adoption hath four general Theſes or Propoſitions.
Theſis I. That the Spirit of Bondage to Gods Elect ends in a Spirit of Adoption.
Adoption deſcribed, chap. 1.
The work of the Spirit of Adoption explained in particulars. chap. 2.
Two practical Queries concerning the extent of the Theſis.
Qu. 1. Whether the Spirit of Adoption performe all thoſe works in and upon every Elect perſon or no?
Queſt. 2. Whether all thoſe works be wrought on every one of the Elect that hath gone through a Spirit of Bondage, chap. 3.
Four heads of Arguments to prove the Theſis in the ſenſe ſo explained. chap. 4.
Six Reaſons of Gods ſo doing. ch. 5.
A Queſtion, De modo, How the Spirit of God teſtifies our Adoption. Whether
Immediately
Mediately.
1 Immediate testimony of the Spirit allowed, with limitations.
2 Mediate preferred, and that twofold. ch. 6
Another Queſtion tending to the diſtinct diſcovery of the way of the Spirits working in his mediate and argumentative evidence. chap. 7
And a third Queſtion.
Queſt. Whether the ground of this teſtimony of the Spirit be from abſolute promiſes, and general offers of the Goſpel, or conditional promiſes and ſpecial Marks? ch. 8.
Improvement of the Theſis: Where
1 How this ſhould render the thoughts of ſouls under Bondage reconciled to their preſent condition. Where a Queſtion or Caſe concerning Election, as the Doctrin thereof is made uſe of by Satan in diſcouraging tentations. chap. 9.
2 Encouragement to all converted, by way of a Spirit of Bondage, to endeavour after the witneſs of the Spirit of Adoption. With Motives to quicken them. chap. 10.
Directions concerning the means how to obtain a Spirit of Adoption in its witneſſing act; where is premiſed ſomething of Removing Hindrances, and what thoſe are:
The five firſt, chap. 11.
Five more, chap. 12.
The laſt Hindrance: and ſome Caſes of Conſcience concerning ſcrupulouſneſſe of Conſcience, how far to be attended. chap. 13.
The Directions are:
1 Exerciſing frequent acts of Relyance. Where a Queſtion anſwered, Whether, and How a man can rely without aſſurance Faith in four noble acts. The order of them. chap. 14.
2 Seeking Gods face in Ordinances
The Word.
Prayer; with particulars concerning it. chap. 15.
Sacraments: where a practical Queſtion. Queſt. Whether our Baptiſm adminiſtred in Infancy be any (or (at leaſt) ſo lively an) help to Aſſurance, as at riper years: And how it may be thus improved. Chap. 16.
Some practical caſes concerning the Lords Supper.
Queſt. How it can be uſed as a means to this aſſuring teſtimony, ſeeing it is ſuppoſed neceſſary to have that to fit a man for a worthy participation of it.
Qu. 2. How far the examination required before that Sacrament favors the Doctrin of that ſuppoſed neceſſity. Chap. 17.
3 Taking notice of light at the leaſt cranny.
4 Endeavouring after more of the work of the Spirit of Sanctification.
5 Following the guidance of the Spirit univerſally. Where a Caſe of Conſcience, how the motions of the Spirit eſpecially in this affair, may be diſcerned from tentations, and the motions of a deluded heart. Chap. 18.
A cloſing Caſe.
What is to be thought of a man that as to his owne ſenſe and others, lives and dyes in darkneſſe, without any experience of this teſtimony? chap. 19.
Theſis II. That a Spirit of Adoption is a certain evidence of a ſtate of Adoption.
Cleared by
Scripture
Reaſons.
The firſt of which yields occaſion to ſtate this Queſtion.
Qu. Whether a man may be aſſured of his Sonſhip à priori, from the firſt acts of faith and repentance in converſion. ch 20
A Caſe Whether this evidence be ſo certain as to exclude all doubting? chap. 21.
Popiſh Doctrine concerning doubting and uncertainty, confuted.
Our own certainty, and aſſurance of ſalvation, examined. Where ſeveral Caſes.
Caſe 1. How to diſtinguiſh the teſtimony of the Spirit from Satanical or ſelf deluſion.
Ʋnder which Head it is again enquired.
1 How far Satan may go in giving aſſurance,
Immediately. Where, a teſt of revelations, and comfort ariſing hence.
Mediately, from the Word. And
2 How far we to our ſelves, from Reaſon only. chap. 22.
This Caſe branched into particulars.
Queſt. 1. How to know a falſe aſſurance when it is collected from Scripture, by the colluſions of Satan, and a mans own heart, to be falſe. chap. 23.
Queſt. How to know whether the true aſſurance that a man hath of his own good condition, be from the collections of his own reaſon meerly, or from the witneſs of the Spirit? With Cautions about it. chap. 24.
The Duty of keeping theſe Evidences of the Spirit once attained, preſſed with ſeveral Motives. chap. 25.
Queſt. How this may be done? Where
1 The Records of theſe Evidences. chap. 26
2 The means to maintain them, chap. 27
3 The Moths that eat them out, ch. 28
4 The uſe of them in a livelihood of
Love,
Thankfulneſs
Obedience, ch. 29
The Duty of improving them urged.
Queſt. How? Anſwered in two particulars,
1 By living on them, a life of
Sanctification
Conſolation.
2 By pleading them. chap. 30
The Duty of recovering loſt Aſſurance added, wherein alſo
Queſt. How? Anſwered
1 Reſt not in its abſence.
2 Enquire how it was loſt, and how that enquiry is to be made
Several tokens to furniſh an Hue and Cry after that ſin, that hath robbed a ſoul of ſuch a Jewel, chap. 31
3 What to be done in caſe ſome ſin have ſtolne it away
4 5 6. What to be done in caſe no appearing ſin occaſion it
A Caſe, How faith may be exerciſed in deſertion: Several things proper to bee believed then. As alſo three other Directions, chap: 32
Theſis III Gods Holy Spirit after he hath once been a Spirit of Adoption, never again becomes a Spirit of Bondage to the ſame ſoul;
Explained.
Saints after converſion and aſſurance, ſubject
To troubles of conſciences: yea
To Bondage:
Yea, and that longer and greater then ever before, upon ſive Reaſons.
How far the Spirit cauſeth them, and how far not, chap. 33
Scripture
Reaſon
Proof of the Theſis, chap. 34
A Queſtion ſtated; viz.
What then is the cauſe of legal terrors in the Saints after converſion and aſſurance, c. 35
And how they befal them
Saints convinced of folly in giving way to ſuch after terrors, chap: 36
And that ſuch troubleſom thoughts, may be caſt out without diſputing; as blaſphemous and Atheiſtical thoughts (by the common adviſe of Divines) ſhould be.
Caſe. How far I may ſafely do this.
Caſe. How to know the Work of Satan, undermining aſſurance, from the work of the holy Spirit, putting a man upon a warrantable and wary ſelf-examination. chap. 37
Grounds upon which Satan endeavors to weaken aſſurance, anſwered.
Caſe. How far a ſoul ſoundly converted, and (poſſibly) aſſured, may fall into ſin?
Whether into groſs ſins?
Whether into the ſame ſins as before? What regret and reluctancy in a renewed conſcience againſt ſin; and how differenced from that of a natural conſcience terrified. ch. 38
Caſe of afflictions and tentations ſtated, as they may be laid for grounds of queſtioning a renewed ſtate, ch. 39
Caſe of not hearing prayers (ſo far alſo) ſtated.
Caſe of inability to pray, thus far alſo stated, chap. 40
Caſe of decayes in ſpiritual affections, deadneſſe, burthenſomneſſe of Duty, &c. (thus far alſo) ſtated
Well meaning contradictions of good ſouls
Complaints, whether hypocritical or no, chap, 41
Caſe, How in a ſuppoſed decay of ſpiritual affections, a ſaint may know whether he be dead or no?
A farther caſe, whether, and how farre an hypocrite may delight in the tydings of comfort from God, c. 42.
Caſe. Whether (in ſtead of growing) a Saint may not decay in the actings of ſome graces, and yet thoſe very graces grow more habitually and radically ſtrong in him. c. 43.
Caſe. How a Saint may in the midſt of his moſt ſenſible actual decayes, know whether the habits of grace grow or no?
Saints comforted, by an inference of Saints incapacity of total and final Apoſtacy from the premiſes. c. 44.
Theſis IV. One principal work of the Spirit of Adoption, is to enliven and embolden the ſoul in prayer.
Qu. How, and in what ſenſe this work is the main or chief work?
Qu. What act of this Spirit produceth it?
Qu. Whether the Spirit thus work in all Saints?
Saints in darkneſſe, how farre capable of being lively and bold in duty? c. 45.
Some evidences of the Theſis. c. 46.
Three caſes ſtated
Caſe 1. Whether in all Saints that have once been aſſured, there be alwayes the ſame meaſure of boldneſſe, and fervency?
Caſe 2. If not, whence proceeds the difference that is in them at times, from what they were formerly, c. 47.
Caſe 3. Whether the Spirit furniſheth the ſoul at all times, with like life, and vigour of expreſſions?
Facility and fluency of expreſſions in prayer, what evills it often occaſions.
A touch of Formes, pro, and con.
A Caſe. Language of prayer when from ſtrength of parts, and when from the ſupply of the Spirit. How we loſe our ability of expreſſion in prayer, c. 48.
Saints Informed, that darkening evidences of Gods love, deadneth prayer.
Caſe. What to be done, when a ſoul cannot call God Father? Eſpecially in caſe ſome ſinne ſtreighten the ſpirit.
As alſo how to maintain heat and boldneſſe in prayer, c. 49.
Three duties preſſed upon all aſſured Saints.
1 To be much in prayer, upon eight motives. c. 50.
To ſtirre up the grace of God that is in them to a due proportion of life and fervency upon ſix motives c. 51,
Qu. How the deadneſs and formality of Saints in prayer may be recovered?
Where more largely of formes and extemporary prayer c. 52.
3. To come boldly to the Throne of grace upon ſix motives c. 53.
Caſe. How ſhall I procure this boldneſs, if I cannot come to God in this manner; where thoſe are directed who (notwithstanding aſſurance) never had it.
And thoſe who have had and loſt it c. 54.
Caſe. How to mix boldneſſe and godly fear together in prayer?
Stating
1. This boldneſs what it is, and wherein it conſiſts.
2. This fear alſo, and its nature c. 55.
Saints have ſome comfortable meditations ſuggeſted from this truth, that the boldneſs and fervency of Saints in prayer is from the Spirit of Adoption
Caſe. How ſhall I know whether my actual fervency and boldneſs be not from my own ſpirit or Satan, rather then Gods Spirit? c. 56.
Reader, theſe Books are lately publiſhed and ſold at the Ball in Pauls Church yard.
Dr. Kendals Anſwer to Mr. John Goodwin, …n two Volumes, fol. viz. Concerning the Death of Chriſt, and the Perſeverance of the Saints.
Mr. Sheffeild, a Treatiſe of Chriſt the Sun of Righteouſneſſe. 8o.
Mr. Rob. Bailie, a learned Treatiſe againſt Anabaptiſm. 4o
Catecheſis Elenctica Errorum qui hodie vexant Eccleſiam, 12o.
His Vindication of his Diſſwaſive from the Exceptions of Mr. Cotton and Mr. Tombs, 4o
Mr Cawdrey and Mr. Palmer on the Sab…ath in four Parts, 4o
Dr. Tuckneies Sermons on theſe Texts, viz. Jer. 8. 22. 1 Cor. 15. 55: Acts 4. 12. 12o.
Mr Jenkyns Expoſition of the whole Epiſtle of Jude, 4o.
Jus Divinum Miniſterii. 4o
Mella Patrum, per prima naſcentis… & pa…ientis Eccleſiae; tria ſecula; Per Fran. Rous, Prepoſit. Etonenſ: 8o.
January 5. 1655.
End of the text · Simon Ford, The Spirit of Bondage and Adoption (1655)