The Fast Friend, Table of contents – Errata

The Fast Friend · Table of contents – Errata

A Summary of all the Principal Doctrines (both Literal and Myſtical) Collected and Illuſtrated in this Commentary, upon the Parable, of a Friend going to his Friend at Mid-night. With the ſeverall Uſes and Applications thereof made.

Verſ. 5.

And he ſaid unto them, Which of you ſhal have a Friend, and ſhall go unto him at Mid-night, and ſay unto him Friend lend me three loaves.

Doct. 1 PReſcribers ſhould exemplifie their Preſcripts by their own Practiſe. Pag. 9.

Ʋſe 1 Thence Miniſters are directed how to preach profitably. Pag. 10

Ʋſe 2 And all Superiours adviſed to go before Inferiours, in Chriſtian Duties. Pag. 11

Ʋſe 3 And all Exhorted to be Practical, as well as Verbal. Pag. 12

Doct. 2 Chriſt makes choice of tractable Spirits to teach and inſtruct in the ways of Piety. Pag. 13

Uſe. Thence, ſuch as have tractable Spirits may be encouraged to attend unto the Word. Pag. 14

Doct. 3 Our principal Care ſhould be of our own Cure. Pag. 15.

Reaſ. 1 For that God's honour is thereby moſt advanced. Pag. 16.

Reaſ. 2 The good eſtate of the Church and State furthered. Ibid.

Reaſ. 3 Our own comfort and profit is thereby enlarged. Pag. 17, 18.

Reaſ. 4 And that love which we owe to thoſe under our Charge, manifeſted. Pag. 19.

Uſe 1 Therefore, the want of this Care in Governours is to be lamented. Pag. 19.

Uſe 2 And all Governours of Families perſwaded to ſet up Religion in their Houſes. Pag. 22

Uſe 3 And Inferiours exhorted to ſubmit to a Religious Government. Pag. 30.

Doct. 4 It is a profitable way of Teaching, to adminiſter Inſtruction by way of Interrogation. Pag. 31

Uſe. Therefore, the want of this kind of Teaching is to be much lamented. Ibid.

Doct. 5 Matters weighty, ſhould be preſſed upon the Conſcience, after the beſt manner. Pag. 32

Uſe. And thence Miniſters perſwaded ſo to Preach, as that their Hearers may be beſt edified and affected. Pag. 33

Doct. 6 A faſt Friend is hard to find. Pag. 33

Reaſ. 1 For that true Friendſhip is onelyonly amongſt the good. Pag. 34

Reaſ. 2 Few are of the ſame diſpoſition and likeneſs. Ibid.

Reaſ. 3 And the preſent times are more corrupt then ever. Pag. 35.

Uſe 1 Therefore, many are much miſtaken in point of Friendſhip. Pag. 35

Uſe 2 And thoſe that have Friends, admoniſhed to prize them. Pag. 41

Uſe 3 And it makes much to our ſhame, that there is ſo little true Friendſhip amongſt us. Pag. 42

Uſe 4 Nor ſhould we much wonder at it, that we find few Friends faithful. Pag. 43

Doct. 7 None but may find the want of a friend. Pag. 44

Reaſ. 1 For, that man is like a Bee, and cannot live alone. Ibid.

Ʋſe 1 Thence the pride of ſome men's ſpirits is reproved. Pag. 45

Ʋſe 2 And all adwiſed to make fure of a Friend. Ibid.

Doct. 8 It is a ſad caſe to be in want. Pag. 53

Ʋſe 1 Therefore, ſuch ſhould be pitied and relieved. Pag. 54

Ʋſe 2 And all adviſed, not heedleſly to bring themſelves into it. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 3 And above all other wants; the Soul's want is moſt to be lamented. Pag. 55.

Doct. 9 God is the good man's Friend. Pag. 56.

Reaſ. 1 For he hath entered into a league of Friend-ſhip with them, Pag. 57.

Reaſ. 2 The ſame Communion that is betwixt Friends, is betwixt God and them. Ibid.

Reaſ. 3 He is alwayes ready to hear them, and pleaſure them. Pag. 58.

Ʋſe. 1 Thence we may be informed of the Honour that God hath put upon the godly. Pag. 59.

Ʋſe. 2 And directed, whither to go, to find a Friend. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 3 And ſuch as have God for their Friend may be comforted. Pag. 63.

Ʋſe. 4 And all admoniſhed; to take heed of wronging the Friends of God, Pag. 70.

Doct. 10 A Man that hath a Friend, may notwithstanding be in want. Pag. 71.

Reaſ. 1 For that there is a great narrowneſſe of Affection in the Beſt. Ibid.

Reaſ. 2 And a great narrowneſſe of Power, in Friends to help. Ibid.

Reaſ. 3 And a great narrowneſſe of Diſcretion in helping Ibid.

Ʋſe 1 Therefore none ſhould think all ſuch friendleſſe, as be in want. Ibid.

Ʋſe 2 Nor ſhould any put too much confidence in earthly Friends. Pag. 72.

Doct. 11 Gods own Friends may be in a neceſſitous Condition. Ibid.

Reaſ. 1 For that all earthly things are mutable, and inconſtant. Pag. 73.

Reaſ. 2 It may ſo fall out, through Sathan's malice. Ibid.

Reaſ. 3 But principally through Gods providentiall Adminiſtration. Ibid.

Reaſ. 4 God hath an Eye herein, to his own Glory. Pag. 75.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore let ſuch as are full be admoniſhed, not to be ſecure. Pag. 78.

Ʋſe. 2 And the Hearts of ſuch be ſupported as are in a needy condition. Pag. 82.

Doct. 12 Want of Bread is a great want. Pag. 88.

Reaſ. 1 For that of all Bleſſings given for ſuſtentation of this life, none is more neceſſary. Pag. 89.

Reaſ. 2 Nor doth the Want of any other temporall Bleſſing bring into the like diſtreſſe. Pag. 90.

Uſe. 1 Therefore from hence the neceſſity of Tillage may be inferred. Ibid.

Uſe 2 And thoſe who have a hand in bringing a want of Bread on themſelves, or Narion, reproved. Pag. 91.

Uſe 3 And we be ſtirred up to bleſſe God for our preſent plenty. Pag. 96.

Uſe 4 And convinced of the neceſſity of Bread for the Soul. Pag. 100.

Doct. 13 A faithfull Friend is a ſure Harbour. Pag. 101.

Reaſ. 1 For a Friend that is neer is better then a Brother farr off. Pag. 102.

Reaſ. 2 A Friend loveth at all times, and is born for adverſity. Pag. 102.

Ʋſe. 1 Wherefore, deſire God to raiſe us up ſome Friend in the day of Adverſity. Pag. 103.

Ʋſe. 2 And learn what uſe to make of Friends in our Calamity. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 3 And ſuch as pretend Friendſhip would be exhorted to be faithfull. Pag. 105.

Doct. 14 God is the Friend, to whom the godly addreſs themſelves in trouble. Pag. 107.

Reaſ. 1 For his Name is a ſtrong Tower, and ſure defence. Pag. 108.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore ſuch are to be reproved as withdraw their Hearts from God. Pag. 110.

Ʋſe. 2 And, we directed, to fly to God alone in all our wants. Pag. 112.

Ʋſe. 3 And the godly comforted, who have ſuch a God to fly unto. Pag. 115.

Doct. 15 Diligence muſt be uſed in Diſtreſſe, for Redreſſe. Pag. 116.

Reaſ. 1 For God, and the means enjoyned to be uſed, may not be ſevered. Ibid.

Reaſ. 2 The Promiſe is made onelyonly to ſuch as uſe their endeavours. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 1 Wherefore, thoſe who think careleſſe Chriſtians to be the choiſeſt Chriſtians, are much miſtaken. Pag. 116.

Ʋſe. 2 And we better adviſed them to fit ſtill in the time of trouble. Pag. 117.

Doct. 16 Prayer is the beſt Remedy in the day of our Calamity. Pag. 118.

Reaſ. 1 For it is ſanctified by God, as the means of our good. Ibid.

Reaſ. 2 It hath to do above from whence our help cometh. Ibid.

Reaſ. 3 It is a generall Remedy for every malady. Pag. 119.

Reaſ. 4 It is the ſpeedieſt Remedy. Ibid.

Reaſ. 5 And it is an approved Remedy. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore, ſuch as neglect Prayer, neglect their own good. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 2 And ſuch as have the Spirit of Prayer, may be comforted and encougaged. Pag. 120.

Doct. 17 Love is not lazy. Pag. 121.

Ʋſe. 1 Thence, the great want of Love both to God and man may be diſcovered. Pag. 123.

Ʋſe. 2 And it ſhould provoke us to ſhew the truth of Love by Labour. Pag. 125.

Doct. 18 God is a Friend to whom we may reſort by Night as well as well as by Day. Pag. 127.

Reaſ. 1 For, the Night is his, as well as the Day. Ibid.

Reaſ. 2 And his Spirit is ready to aſſiſt us as well by Night as day. Ibid.

Uſe. 1 Wherefore, want of Time is no good Plea for the omiſſion of that Duty. Ibid.

Uſe. 2 And the godly may be comforted who have God to go unto in the darkeſt Night. Pag. 129.

Uſe. 3 And further ſtirred up, to make uſe of that priviledge. Pag. 130.

Doct. 19 God is to be ſought unto, in our greateſt Neceſſities. Pag. 134.

Reaſ. 1 For, that, he is both able, and willing, to help. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore, they are to be blamed, that are disheartned in reſpect of extremity of Affliction, from ſeeking of God. Pag. 134.

Ʋſe. 2 And ſuch as are in a dark and ſad condition encouraged to ſeek unto him. Pag. 135.

Doct. 20 Honeſt Motions may not want the help of artificiall Inſinuations. Pag. 136.

Uſe 1 Wherefore, thoſe, who think all fair Expreſſions to be no better then Flatteries, are blame-worthy. Pag. 137.

Uſe. 2 And, in all our Addreſſes unto God, let us make him glorious in his Titles. Pag. 138.

Doct. 21 He that lends us befriends us. Pag. 142.

Ʋſe. 1 Then, there are but few friendly, in that kind. Pag. 144.

Ʋſe. 2 But, we ought to be friendly one to another, in lending freely. Pag. 146.

Ʋſe. 3 And, Borrowers ſhould acknowledge it a Favour to be lent unto. Pag. 151.

Doct. 22 Temporall things are but borrowed for a time. Pag. 154.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore, thoſe are miſtaken who boaſt that what they have is their own. Pag. 156.

Ʋſe. 2 And it informs us of difference; firſt, betwixt God and Sathan, in the diſpoſing of things of this life; ſecondly, of Gods diſpenſation, of Bleſſings Temporall and Spirituall. Pag. 157.

Ʋſe. 3 And from thence we are exhorted to many Chriſtian Duties. Pag. 158. 159.

Doct. 23 Friends may not overburthen Friends with ſuits. Pag. 159.

Ʋſe. 1 They are much faulty (then) that do ſo. Pag. 160.

Ʋſe. 2 And we are to ſee that all our Requeſts, to heaven, be Chriſtian, and modeſt. Pag. 161.

Doct. 24 Bread is good fare at a Friends Board. Pag. 163.

Uſe. 1 Which makes againſt the Voluptuouſneſſe of this Age. Pag. 164.

Ʋſe. 2 And, adviſeth us to Sobriety, in reference to our invitations. Pag. 167.

Doct. 25 In the entertainment of Friends it is lawfull to exceed the bounds of ordinary Proviſion. Pag. 169.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore, a pinching Niggardlineſſe becomes not a Friends Table. Pag. 170.

Ʋſe. 2 And it adviſeth us, to uſe our liberty therein wiſely. Ibid.

Doct. 26 The Soul's Nouriſhment is to be ſought after. Pag. 172.

Reaſ. 1 For, the Soul hath her decayes as well as the Body. Pag. 173.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore, the great neglect of many therein is reproved. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 2 And all exhorted to be as ſenſible of the want of the Soul, as they are of the Body. Pag. 174.

Doct. 27 The Deſires of a Chriſtian ſhould be kept within limits. Pag. 176.

Reaſ. 1 For, elſe they will prove very unruly. Pag. 177.

Uſe. 1 Therefore, the inſatiable deſires of many are reproved. Ibid.

Uſe. 2 And all exhorted to keep their deſires within compaſſe. Pag. 178.

Verſe 6.

For a Friend of mine in his Journey is come unto me, and I have nothing to ſet before.

Doct. 1 Neceſſity is a forcible Argument. Pag. 183.

Reaſ. 1 For, it hath the force of a Law, and it is above Law. Ibid.

Uſe. 1 Which ſhould teach us to make a right uſe of it, in reaſoning. Pag. 184.

Uſe. 2 And, ſuffer our Brethrens Neceſſit yes to prevayl with us. Pag. 185.

Doct. 2 A true Friend makes his Friend's Caſe his own. Pag. 186.

Uſe. 1 The Friendſhip we pretend to bear to God, or Man, may thereby be tryed. Pag. 187.

Uſe. 2 And, thence may the godly be comforted, in that there are ſome who will lay to heart their ſufferings. Ibid.

Doct. 3 It is a friendly part to viſit, (albeit we go ſomewhat out of our way to do it). Pag. 188.

Reaſ. 1 For, things of like nature, deſire Union. Ibid.

Uſe 1 Therefore, this duty would not be neglected, nor miſſe interpreted. Ibid.

Doct. 4 Love amongſt Friends is reciprocall. Pag. 189.

Reaſ. 1 For, the Foundation of it, is in a ſimilitude of Manners, and Diſpoſitions. Pag. 191.

Uſe. 1 Hence, the want of true love is diſcovered, amongſt pretended Friends. Ibid.

Uſe. 2 And we adviſed to return love for love, kindneſs for kindneſs. Ibid.

Uſe. 3 And directed, in a ready way, how to get love. Pag. 194.

Uſe. 4 And exhorted, to love God who hath loved us firſt. Pag. 195

Doct. 5 Senſe of want is that which makes us to ſeek out. Pag. 196

Reaſ. 1 For, Nature is proud, and loath to ſeek out till needs muſt. Ibid.

Reaſ. 2 Life is dear, and Nature forcible. Ibid.

Uſe. 1 Thence we ſee that ſome good comes by want, and ſo not to be deſpiſed, Pag. 196

Doct. 6 Whilst we are in the Body we are in our journey, Pag. 198

Ʋſe. 1 Which Informes us, both of our preſent and future condition. Pag. 199

Ʋſe. 2 And directs us for the ordering of our Converſation aright, ibid.

Doct. 7 God is to be ſought unto, in the behalf of thoſe we love, Pag. 201

Uſe. 1 So then, we love not thoſe we pray not for, Pag. 203

Uſe. 2 Wherefore pray heartily for thoſe we pretend to love, Pag. 204

Uſe. 3 And let ſuch as pray for us, be truly affected of us, Ibid.

Uſe. 4 And the Godly may be comforted, who have many that pray for them, Pag. 205

Doct. 8 Afflictions drive to God, Pag. 206

Ʋſe. 1 Their caſe muſt needs be ſad, that are not bettered by them, Pag. 207

Ʋſe. 2 And it ſhould encourage us to beare Afflictions patiently Pag. 208

Verſe. 7.

And he from within ſhall anſwer and ſay, Trouble me not, the dore is now ſhut, and my Children are with me in bed; I cannot riſe and give thee.

Doct. 1 A Friend within may for a while keep his Friend without, Pag. 214

Uſe. 1 Thence, a double errour in point of Friendſhip, is reproved, ibid.

Doct. 2 God is a Friend, alwayes within call, Pag. 217

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore ſuch as neglect this Friend, are inexcuſable, Pag. 220

Ʋſe. 2 Hence may we be encouraged to ſeek to him in trouble, Pag. 221

Ʋſe. 3 It makes for the comfort of the Godly, that God is ſo, Pag. 223

Doct. 3 Though God be alwayes within, yet he doth not alwayes grant the Godly their deſires at the first call, Pag. 224

Reaſ. 1 For, that, God hath an eye therein, to his own glory, Pag. 225

Reaſ. 2 He reſpects his Childrens good, which is thereby many wayes furthered, and effected, ibid.

Ʋſe. 1 From whence the wicked have cauſe to feare that God will never heare them, Pag. 228

Ʋſe. 2 And the Godly are blamed, who take delayes for denyalls, Pag. 229

Doct. 4 Sloath is not Shiftleſſe. Pag. 234

Reaſ. 1 For that carnall Will, hath carnall Wit, o attend it. Pag. 235

Uſe 1 It ſhould humble the beſt of us, for thoſe ſophiſticall ſhifts of our corrupt Nature. Ibid.

Doct. 5 Unwilling Minds count it a trouble to be moved to Chriſtian Duties. Pag. 237

Reaſ. 1 For, every good ſervice, is hard, or eaſy, as mens minds are enclined. Pag. 238

Ʋſe. 1 Whence, we may ſee that the World is much miſtaken in judging of turbulent Perſons. Ibid.

Ʋſe. 2 And learn to omit no chriſtian duty under pretence of trouble. Pag. 241

Ʋſe. 3 And, ſo to live as that we be neither troubled, nor troubleſom. Pag. 242

Doct. 6 God may ſometimes ſeemingly give a frowning Anſwer to his Childrens Prayers, Pag. 243

Ʋſe 1 Yet let us hope in an eſtate hopeleſſe, Pag. 247

Doct. 7 The Doore is to be ſhut against dangers, ibid.

Uſe. 1 Too blame then, are thoſe that prevent them not, what may be, ibid.

Doct. 8 Good dutyes are many times omitted under the pretence of an unfitting ſeaſon to do them in, Pag. 249

Uſe. 1 The beſt have cauſe to be humbled, for this corruption, Pag. 251

Uſe. 2 And be ſtirred up to a redeeming of their time, Pag. 254

Doct. 9 When the Doore is ſhut, Prayer is not ſo ſpeeding, as when it stands open, Pag. 259

Uſe. 1 Think not [then] that one time may be as good as another to ſeek God in. Pag. 261

Doct. 10 Naturall Affection is a great lett many times to Christian duty. Pag. 264

Reaſ. 1 For they greatly blind, and corrupt the judgement, Ibid.

Uſe. 1 Therefore be warie how you let looſe the raines unto them, Pag. 265

Doct. 11 Whilst God is in Bed no Child he hath is up to help us, Pag. 268

Uſe. 1 Therefore it is a folly to expect comfort from any Creature, whilſt the Creatour hides his face, Pag. 270

Uſe. 2 And be careful to awake God if we would find help, Pag. 271

Doct. 12 Innocency ſleeps quietly and ſecurely, Pag. 271

Reaſ. 1 For, God hath promiſed, that it ſhall ſo do, ibid.

Reaſ. 2 He takes ſuch, into his protection, ibid.

Reaſ. 3 And furniſheth Innocency with a ſoft bed, ibid.

Reaſ. 4 He pitcheth a ſtrong guard, about them, Pag. 272

Reaſ. 5 And frees their hearts from ſlaviſh feares, ibid.

Uſe. 1 Thence, we inſert that the benefit of a quiet Conſcience is very great. Pag. 272

Doct. 13 God is not willing that his Children being in Bed ſhould be diſquieted. Pag. 273

Uſe. 1 Therefore, ſuch as do diſquiet them, muſt anſwer for it, Pag. 277

Uſe. 2 And great cauſe we have to lament the Churches preſent condition, Pag. 282

Uſe 3 And to endeavour by all good meanes, to ſettle the peace of it. Pag. 283

Doct. 14 What man will not do, that he excuſeth, with I cannot do Pag. 291

Reaſ. 1 For, I cannot; is a more modeſt put-off, then, I will not. Pag. 292

Uſe. 1 Shewing that we are deeply guilty of this fault, both in workes of Piety, and Mercy, Pag. 292

Uſe. 2 And, we ſhould endeavour to mend the Will, and then all would be amended, Pag. 294

Doct. 15 Gods Will doth not alwayes permit his Power, to bring into act, what it could, Pag. 294

Ʋſe. 1 To Reaſon therefore, from Gods power, to his Will, is not ſafe Pag. 298

Ʋſe. 2 It reproves ſuch, as tempt God, about his power, ibid.

Ʋſe. 3 And exhorteth, to make ſure Gods Will, that we may comfortably reſt upon his power, Pag. 299

Doct. 16 Gods Friends ſhould not be kept from ſeeking to God, notwithſtanding all diſcouragements, Pag. 302

Reaſ. 1 For true Faith, overlookes all difficultyes, Pag. 307

Uſe. 1 Such therefore as are kept from the duty, upon every little diſcouragement, are faulty, Pag. 308

Uſe. 2 And, we exhorted to overlook all difficultyes in a diſcharge of the duty, ibid.

Verſe 8.

I ſay unto you, Though he will not riſe and give him, becauſe he is his Friend; yet becauſe of his Importunity, he will riſe and give him as many as he needeth.

Doct. 1 Christ is an excellent Caſuiſt, He can reſolve caſes as well as put them. Pag. 309

Reaſ. 1 For, he is a greater, and wiſer then Solomon. Pag. 310

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore, in all ſcruples, reſort we to him, for ſatisfaction, ibid.

Doct. 2 Christ's [I ſay] his bare testimony is ſufficient prooff, Pag. 313

Reaſ. 1 For, he is the only faithfull, and true witneſſe, ibid.

Uſe 1 Then, thoſe that will not accept of it, without other humane teſtimony, are reprooved, Pag. 315

Uſe. 2 And, much more ſuch, as do abſolutely reject it, Pag. 317

Uſe. 3 Let us therefore give Chriſt this honour, as to beleeve him on his bare word, Pag. 318

Uſe. 4 Much comfort may the Godly gather from hence, Pag. 319

Doct. 3 The Miniſters duty is to apply himſelf unto his Auditory. Pag. 320

Reaſ. 1 For, they are his Text which he muſt keep unto, ibid.

Reaſ. 2 And, the life of Doctrine is in the Application of it, ibid.

Ʋſe. 1 Therefore they are no wiſe Stewards that apply not, Pag. 321

Ʋſe. 2 Nor they wiſe Hearers that make not, what is delivered their own, by ſound Application, ibid.

Doct. 4 No want to a willing mind, Pag. 322

Reaſ. 1 For, the Will, is Queen Regent in the ſoul, Pag. 325

Ʋſe. 1 So then, the principal want, appeares to be in the Will, ibid.

Ʋſe. 2 Therefore ſee that you get the will rectifyed, Pag. 329

Ʋſe. 3 And let thoſe that have a willing mind bleſſe God for it, Pag. 321

Doct. 5 Friendſhip well awaked will be yielding. pag. 332

Uſe. 1 Wherefore, conclude not againſt Friendſhip, when it yields not, but rather awaken it, Pag. 335

Doct. 6 In workes of mercy, reſpect muſt be had to our bretherens neceſſityes, Pag. 336

Uſe. 1 Therefore, they are faulty that have no regard that way, Pag. 337

Uſe. 2 And, all exhorted, wiſely to conſider of the poore, and needy, Pag. 338

Doct. 7 God is never ſo in Bed, but being awaked by fervent and faithfull Prayer, he will ariſe and help his Friends, Pag. 339

Ʋſe. 1 Wherefore, let not the wicked triumph, for God will ariſe, and then his enemyes ſhall be ſcattered Pag. 342

Ʋſe. 2 Nor let the Godly be diſheartened under their greateſt preſſures, Pag. 343

Doct. 8 God in giving hath an eye unto the neceſſityes of his Servants, Pag. 345

Reaſ. 1 For, he anſwers Prayer according to the meaning of his own Spirit, Pag. 346

Uſe. 1 Then we may not put up our Prayers to him, in an abſolute way, for all things, Pag. 347

Uſe. 2 And if we have not thoſe particulars granted which we deſired, yet we ought to reſt ſatisfied, ibid.

Doct. 9 God is many times larger in his gifts then we are in our deſires, Pag. 348.

Reaſ. 1 For he is of a liberall diſpoſition, and gives like a King, Pag. 349

Uſe. 1 Therefore we ſhould not be diſcourage in our greateſt ſuites, ibid.

Uſe. 2 And learn to meaſure unto God as he meaſureth unto us, Pag. 350

Doct. 10 All liberality and bounty, is not Friendly, Pag. 350

Uſe. 1 And therefore all liberall perſons ſhould not be extolled, Pag. 353

Uſe. 2 And we wary, that we be not enſnared by the bounty of any, Pag. 354

Doct. 11 God doth not alwayes give where he loves, Pag. 354

Ʋſe. 1 No cauſe then, to be overjoyed, when God ſo heareth us as to let us have what we deſire, Pag. 355

Doct. 12 Importunity is the prevayling Argument with many, Pag. 355

Ʋſe. 1 In all honeſt ſuits (therefore) hold out, and be not weary, Pag. 356

Ʋſe. 2 But in evil ſuits, arme your ſelves againſt Importunity, ibid.

Doct. 13 Importunate, Prayer is prevayling with God, Pag. 356

Ʋſe. 1 This informes us, whence it is that our prayer prevaile not, Pag. 359

Ʋſe. 2 And may ſtirr us up to be more Importunate, and zealous in Prayer, then we have been, Pag. 360

Verſe 9.

And I ſay unto you, Aske, and it ſhall be given you; Seek and ye ſhall find: Knock and it ſhall be opened unto you.

Doct. 1 Prayer is a warrantable worke, Pag. 366

Reaſ. 1 For the Saints in all ages have practiſed it, ibid.

Reaſ. 2 And many promiſes are made unto it, ibid.

Reaſ. 3 And the whole Trinity concurre in the diſcharge of it, ibid.

Ʋſe. 1 Therfore we have great cauſe to be humbled for our neglect, Pag. 367

Ʋſe. 2 And to be encouraged, to ſet upon the duty with chearfullneſſe, Pag. 368

Doct. 2 Prayer is a work of generall concernment, Pag. 369

Reaſ. 1 For Prayer is a morall precept, Pag. 370

Reaſ. 2 And we are all Gods Creatures, and bound to worſhip him, ibid.

Reaſ. 3 Nor is there any but ſtands in need of his bleſſing, ibid.

Reaſ. 4 And there is none but holds ſomething of him, and ſo ſtands bound to do ſuite, and ſervice, ibid.

Ʋſe. 1 Wherefore all ſhould make conſcience of the doing of it, Pag. 371

Ʋſe. 2 And thoſe ſin highly that neglect it, Pag. 372

Doct. 3 Prayer is a difficult work, Pag. 372

Reaſ. 1 And that in reſpect of its own nature, being very ſpirituall; ibid,

Reaſ. 2 And for that many eſſentiall circumſtances are required in it, Pag. 373

Reaſ. 3 And the many letts we are ſure to meet with, when we go about it, Pag. 375

Uſe. 1 Thence we may be informed of the holyneſſe and excellency of the duty, Pag. 377

Uſe. 2 And the errour of thoſe diſcovered, that think the task eaſie, ibid.

Uſe. 3 Their labour of Love ſhould be acknowledged, that pray for us, Pag. 378

Uſe. 4 And when we go about it, to enter upon it, as upon a work of great difficultye, ibid.

Uſe. 5 And it may comfort thoſe who have ability given them in any comfortable manner, or meaſure to diſcharge it, Pag. 384

Doct. 4 God expects that our deſires ſhould be expreſſed by word of mouth, Pag. 390

Reaſ. 1 That others may joyne with us in the duty, ibid.

Reaſ. 2 And that our Affections may be the better ſtirred up unto the duty, ibid.

Uſe. 1 Then ſuch as content themſelves with ſhort ejaculations, and neglect to uſe the tongue in Prayer are faulty, Pag. 390

Doct. 5 True Prayer muſt be accompanyed with a ſenſe of the want of thoſe things we crave, Pag. 391

Reaſ. 1 For that puts us into a praying condition, ibid.

Uſe. 1 Wherefore, take we notice of our particular wants, Pag. 393

Uſe. 2 And be ſenſible of them when we go about the duty, Pag. 394

Doct. 6 What we would have, we muſt crave in the form of Beggars, Pag. 395

Reaſ. 1 For it is Almes that we live by, Pag. 396

Uſe. 1 The Church of Rome, herein is fayling, ibid.

Uſe. 2 We may be hence informed of our ſtates and conditions, ibid.

Uſe. 3 And learne ſomething from Beggars in praying, ibid.

Doct. 7 Asking muſt go before giving, Pag. 399

Reaſ. 1 For God ſtands no further engaged to us by promiſe, Pag. 400

Reaſ. 2 And he delights to have his favours ſued for, ibid.

Reaſ. 3 Elſe he might give to them that needed not, ibid.

Uſe. 1 Thoſe who think to have without asking will be deceived, Pag. 401

Uſe. 2 And let us Examine how we came by what we have, ibid.

Uſe. 3 And be warned not to be tongue-tyed, ibid.

Doct. 8 Upon fervent Prayer is no denyall, Pag. 402

Reaſ. 1 For God cannot forget his own name, Pag. 403

Reaſ. 2 Chriſt intercedeth for ſuch as ſo Pray, ibid.

Reaſ. 3 The Father himſelf loveth ſuch, ibid.

Uſe. 1 Seeing it is but ask and have, let it encourage us to call upon God, ibid.

Doct. 9 What we obtayne by asking, is not of our deſerving, Pag. 406

Reaſ. 1 For (being but beggars) we can deſerve nothing, ibid.

Reaſ. 2 Gods bleſſings are of more worth then to be bought, ibid

Uſe. 1 By this the Doctrine of merit is overthrown, Pag. 407

Uſe. 2 And we informed that all we hold is in Frank Almoigne, Pag. 407

Uſe. 3 And encouraged to come to God, notwithſtanding our unworthyneſſe, ibid.

Doct. 10 All are at a loſſe, Pag. 411

Reaſ. 1 For Adam loſt all through his defection, Pag. 412

Reaſ. 2 And we his poſterity, through our own actuall tranſgreſſion, ibid.

Uſe. 1 Then their condition is ſad, who are not hereof ſenſible, Pag. 413

Uſe. 2 And all prevayled with, to forbeare the practiſe of ſin, ibid.

Doct. 11 It is not enough to ſue by Prayer, unleſſe we purſue by endeavour, Pag. 415

Rom. 1 For otherwiſe God is but mocked, Pag. 416

Rom. 2 Nor will our ſeeking be availeable, ibid.

Vſe 1 Then ſuch as neglect Endeavour, are to be blamed Ibid

Ʋſe 2 And, all exhorted, to get up, and be doing Pag. 417

Doct. 12 Such as ſeek faithfully, ſhall find infallibly. Pag. 419

Reaſ. 1 For elſe God ſhould with-ſtand his own glory. Pag. 420

Reaſ. 2 And his Servants be diſheartned. Pag. 420

Ʋſe 1 Wherefore, let ſuch as ſeek, and find not, blame themſelves. Pag. 424

Ʋſe 2 And all be exhorted to ſeek God aright. Ibid.

Doct. 13 Heaven hath a Door. Pag. 425.

Reaſ. 1 The High-Prieſt hath opened our paſſage. Pag. 426

Ʋſe 1 Then they are deceived that think, All may enter Ibid.

Ʋſe 2 And we exhorted, to magnifie God's mercy to the Sons of men Pag. 428,

Doct. 14 An holy violence is to be offered at the Gates of Heaven. Pag. 429

Ʋſe 1 It were happy for us, if we were more violent this way. Pag. 430

Ʋſe 2 And ſhould be provoked, to uſe our hands, as well as Tongues, in Prayer. Pag. 431

Doct. 15 Such is the power of Prayer, that the Gates of Heaven cannot ſtand ſhut against it. Pag. 432

Ʋſe 1 This (if nothing elſe) ſhould bring us in love with the duty. Pag. 433

Doct. 16 Evangelical Promiſes are propounded with Iffs and Ands. Pag. 437

Uſe 1 Therefore, they ſin preſumptuouſly, who put aſunder what God hath joyned. Pag. 439

Uſe 2 And deſperate is their Dejection, who think it is in vain to ſerve the Lord. Ibid.

Uſe 3 And, we directed, to take the Promiſes by the right handle. Pag. 440

Verſ. 10.

For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that ſeeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it ſhall be opened.

Doct. 1 Repetition of Divine Truths, is uſeful and warrantable. Pag. 442

Reaſ. 1 For thereby, the Point taught, is the better urged. Pag. 442

Reaſ. 2 And the Teacher ſooner believed. Pag. 443

Reaſ. 3 And the Hearer much be tered. Pag. 444

Ʋſe 1 Therefore, it is a fault (both in Miniſter and People) to be therein over nice. Pag. 444

Doct. 2 God is of a liberal diſpoſition. Pag. 445

Reaſ. 1 For He is Good, and that cannot but communicate it ſelf. Pag. 447

Reaſ. 2 And He is All-ſufficient, and ſtands in need of nothing. Pag. 447

Reaſ. 3 He is large in Love and Affection. Pag. 447

Reaſ. 4 And great in Majeſty. Pag. 448

Ʋſe 1 Therefore, our horrible Ingratitude, towards ſo bountiful a God, is to be bewailed. Pag. 448

Uſe 2 And we, from thence, be ſtirred up to ſundry Duties. Pag. 450

Doct. 3 Arguments drawn from Experience, are very weighty. Pag. 453

Reaſ. 1 For God is ſtill the ſame, without change or alteration. Pag. 454

Reaſ. 2 Experience is got by ſenſe, and that eaſily errs not. Pag. 455

Uſe 1 Therefore, ſuch as ſleight Experience, are to be reproved. Pag. 455

Uſe 2 And all exhorted to this point of Prudence, To learn from Experience. Pag. 456

Doct. 4 General Acts of Orace, are to be made our own, by particular Application. Pag. 460

Reaſ 1 For God proceeds ſtill by the ſame Rule. Pag. 461

Reaſ. 2 And all God's Children are in the ſame Covenant. Pag. Ibid.

Reaſ. 3 Nor is God any Reſpecter of Perſons. Pag. Ibid

Uſe 1 Therefore, the Papiſt, who rejects particular Faith, becauſe a particular word is wanting, is to learn better. Pag. 461

Uſe. 2 Thoſe likewiſe, who ſcruple the applying of General Acts of Grace to themſelves, upon the ſame Popiſh ground. Pag. 462

Uſe. 3 And the Godly exhorted, to apply to themſelves thoſe gracious Promiſes that are made to others. Ibid.

Uſe. 4 And further ſtirred up to acquaint others with God's gracious dealing with themſelves. Pag. 463

COurteous Reader; thou canſt not expect that Bookes ſhould be without faults, whilſt Men have them; As we ſay of Men, ſo may we ſay of Bookes, with their Errata's, Every one mend one, and ſo all will be ſoone amended. I ſhould trouble both thee and my ſelf in ſetting down every miſtake that hath paſsed the Preſſe: Thoſe which are moſt materiall and wrong the ſenſe are theſe that follow, which I would deſire thee to amend with thy Pen.

Other miſtakes thou maiſt find, many, both literall, and punctuall, but if thou beeſt Judicious, thou art likewiſe Ingenuous; And Ingenuity, like Charity, will cover a multitude of faults. And ſo once more, Farewell.