Five Lessons for a Christian to Learn, Table of contents 1 – To the reader
An Index of the ſeverall Contents of each Sermon in the following Treatiſe.
In the firſt Sermon and Part.
THe words conſidered, Relatively, Abſolutely. p. 4, 5.
Severall ſenſes of the words given by Expoſitors, declared and rejected, with reaſons for the rejection. p. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
The true ſenſe given (according to the Authors judgement) with his reaſons for it. p. 16, 17, 18, 19.
The words analyſed. 19, 20.
3 Doctrines propounded to be inſiſted upon. 21.
1. Doct. The beſt of Gods Saints by nature were borne in a loſt condition. 22, 23.
The doctrine proved by Scripture. ibid. 24.
Adams ſin how it goes over all, and how all are Originally defiled. ib. 25, 26.
How Chriſt came to be free of this guilt. 29.
Saints beget not Saints, why. 28, 29. St. Auſtines and Mr. Perkins his opinion. 28, 29.
Mr. Perkins his counſell to ſuch as are inquiſitive to know how Originall ſin came to bee propagated. 29, 30.
1. Uſe of the Doctrine, to diſcover the errors of Pelagians, Manichees, Anabaptiſts, and Univerſaliſts. 30, 31, 32.
Chriſt by his death hath not taken Originall ſinne out of our nature. 32.
Chriſt payeth no debts by halves for any. 33.
Chriſt uſeth not to do things to no purpoſe. 33.
2 Uſe for Inſtruction. 34.
1. What a ſad condition moſt men and women are in. 34.
It is a miracle if withered ſinners be ſaved. 34.
2. Whom we have cauſe to thank that wee are this day out of hell. 36.
Not our Noble Parentage: there is a great deale of bragging of that in the world to little purpoſe. 36, 37.
Vain-glorying will have an end in hell. 37, 38.
Religious Parentage beſt; moſt noble, moſt to be gloryed in, 38, 39. but not enough. 39. It was the Jewes brag. 39, 40.
Parents faith wants a way of conveyance to ſave our ſoules. 40.
This made plain by a familiar inſtance. 40.
3. Br. From hence we may be inſtructed what a ſoule-cheating-Principle it is of Libertaniſme to ſay we have no need of Repentance, &c. If we be elected we ſhall be ſaved, if not, damned. 41.
3. Uſe. Let us try our ſelves whether wee bee not yet in a ſtate of diſunion to Chriſt. 4…, 43.
4. Notes of Triall, 43, 44.
1 Note. If none have done more for us than our Mother hath done, we are yet in the ſtate of Nature. 43.
Mothers convey Nature. 43.
Nature is either corrupted or refined, neither enough. 45, 46.
2. Note. If we have not taſted of the fruit of the Apple-tree we are yet but under it. 47.
Chriſt is the Apple-tree. ib.
1. The Apple if taſted is ſweet. 48.
Chriſt ſweet to Saints. 48, 49.
High thoughts of Chriſt argue a ſpirituall taſt of him. ib.
2. The taſted Apple is cordiall. 50.
1 In taſte. 2. In ſmell. ib.
Chriſt how cordial to ſwooning Saints. ib. No Cordiall to unbeleevers. ib. 50, 51, 52.
3. Taſted Apples are nutritive. 53.
Soules that have taſted Chriſt will from him draw nouriſhment. 54.
4. The taſted Apple is diffuſive of its vertue. 54, 55.
3. Note of Triall: If thou haſt pluckt the fruit of the Apple-tree, thou haſt a hand to do it. 56.
Faith is the hand. 57.
This hand muſt be, 1 True, 2 Perfect, 3 Lively. 58, 59.
Painted hands pluck no fruit. ib.
Faith, how perfect is neceſſary, 58, 59. Dead hands pluck nothing. 59, 60.
Faith is lively, Internally, Externally. 60.
It muſt be given us from above. 62.
Perſwaſions various, Natural, Moral, Traditionall, Diabolicall, &c. 63, 64, 65. All theſe good for nothing. ib.
Nature's Legacy of faith. 63. Natures faith is ſickly. ib.
Morall perſwaſions nothing. 64.
Legacies of faith from Parents will not bring heaven and Chriſt. 65.
Moſt men believe there is a God and Chriſt, &c. becauſe their Father taught them ſo, and their Mother ſo learnt them their Catechiſme. 65.
This was the good womans Religion. 65.
Moſt believe as their Fathers believed. 65, 66.
True faith is the gift of God. 68. it is grounded upon divine perſwaſion. What that is, &c. 68, 69.
Uſe 4. Exhortation in ſeverall Branches. 70, 71, 72, 73, 74.
1 Br. To perſwade Saints to thankfull hearts, what cauſe they have. 71, 72.
2 Br. Put on Bowells of mercy to other loſt undone ſoules. 73, 74.
We pitty bodies, but not ſouls. 74, 75, 76
3 Br. The conſideration of this Doctrine cals to Saints for humble hearts. 77, 78, 79.
Uſe 5. It may bee applyed to give us a ground, 1 of Conſolation, 2 of Hope. 80, 81, 82.
Hope for thoſe yet in the ſtate of Nature. 81.
Hope for Saints, concerning their friends yet in the ſtate of Nature. 82, 83.
An Index of the ſeverall things contained in the ſecond part.
2 Doct. It is the Lord Jeſus Chriſt that helps his redeemed ones out of their loſt condition. 4.
The Doctrine inlarged in five particulars. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, &c.
1. Chriſt was aſſigned to doe it. 5, 6, 7, 8, &c.
The Covenant of Grace was made betwixt the Father and Chriſt perſonally, and us repreſentatively in him. 6.
God in laying our Redemption on Chriſts ſhoulders laid help on one that was mighty. 7, 8.
2. Chriſt alone was able to goe through with the work of our Redemption. 8, 9. Reaſon for it. ib.
Angels, Creatures, man, could not do it. 9, 10.
Foure things neceſſary to accompliſh our Redemption, which alone could be found in Chriſt. page 12.
1. One that could dye. 12.
2. One that had the offending nature. 12.
3. One that could merit by death. ib.
4. One that could pay an infinite ſatisfaction. 13.
The Riddle of mans Redemption ſolved. 14.
3. Chriſt hath done the work of our Redemption. 14, 15.
Chriſt hath raiſed all Intentionally, and Moritoriouſly, whom his Father elected, ſome alſo Actually and formally, 16, 17.
4. Chriſt will raiſe all his choſen ones actually, and formally. 17, 18.
Pardon is to come out of courſe to all the Elect. 18.
Chriſts and his Fathers power are united and joyntly engaged for his Elects ſalvation. 18, 19.
5. Chriſt hath raiſed, and will raiſe his Elect; How he hath already, and will yet further do it. 20, 21. 22, 23.
1. By entring into a Covenant and engaging his word for them. 20, 21, 22.
The juſtice of God in charging our debts on Chriſt cleared by his voluntary engagement for us. 21, 22.
How the Father is well pleaſed, and ſatisfied in Chriſt, as Mediator. 23, 24, 25.
Till Chriſt came, God the Father had nothing but Chriſts word for the paiment of our debts. 25.
2. How Chriſt raiſed us by aſſuming our fleſh. 26, 27.
That was neceſſary in order to our redemption, 1 That he might ſuffer, 2 That the ſame Nature might. ſuffer. 3 That righteouſneſſe might be fulfilled. 4 That he might fulfill the Law for us. 27, 28.
The Govenant of Grace and Works how they differ, how the latter is more favourable. 28. Chriſt was to be a mercifull high Prieſt. 30, 31.
3. Chriſt raiſed his Saints by his ſuffering. How and why that was neceſſary. 31, 32.
1. That he might ſatisfie. ib.
2. That he might conquer for us. 32, 33.
4. Chriſt raiſed us, by his reſurrection. 33, 34, 35.
What influences Chriſts Reſurrection had upon our raiſing. 33, 34, 35.
1. It witneſſeth Chriſts Conqueſt for us. 33.
2. It quickens us. 34.
3. It is a pledge to us of our riſing to glory. 35.
5 Chriſt hath raiſed his Elect by his Aſcenſion. 35, 36.
What influence that act of Chriſts had on our raiſing. 35, 36, 37.
1. In going before hee provides a place for us. 36.
2. He is by that our Way to the Father. 36.
3. Hee is by that our Advocate with the Father. 37, 38.
4. In that aſcending up on high, hee gave gifts to men. 38.
Elect ones Naturally want three things, 1 Life, 2 Strength, 3 Light. 40, 41.
1. Chriſt firſt calls the ſoule effectually, in that work he uſually, 1 Convinceth the ſoule of its miſery, 2 Humbles it, 3 Gives it hope. This is the firſt meanes of Application of the purchaſed Redemption to the ſoule. 41, 42.
2. He juſtifies the ſoule. What that is. Three things God doth in juſtification.
1. He pardons the ſoules ſins.
2. He imputes Chriſts Righteouſneſſe unto it.
3. He accepts it. 42, 43.
By theſe two acts the ſoule hath life given it. ib.
Weakneſſe of the ſoule how helped by Chriſt. 43.
1. Chriſt gives the ſoule new principles of Grace. ib.
2. He gives the ſoule power to act thoſe Principles. ib.
3. How Chriſt will in his owne time raiſe up the ſoules of his Saints to a ſight of their ſalvation. 44.
4. Chriſt will at laſt fully raiſe them up, by taking them to glory. 44.
Why Chriſt undertook the work of our Redemption. 46, 47.
The moving cauſe was his own grace. The finall cauſe his owne glory. 46, 47.
The Application of the Doctrine variouſly. à 47. ad 83.
1. Uſe For Humiliation. 47, 48.
For our ſins; and that from hence upon a double ground.
1. To conſider that our ſins put Chriſt to death. 48, 49.
2. That by any renewing ſinnes we ſhould againe crucifie the Lord of life. 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52.
2. Uſe For Inſtruction, in foure Branches.
1. Br. How much hath Chriſt loved us? 53.
2. Br. Chriſt is a compleat Saviour, he hath left us nothing to doe, but to beleeve all is done. 55.
3. Br. Chriſt is highly needfull to every poore ſoule. 55, 56.
4. Br. All the Elect and Redeemed ones are highly indebted to Chriſt. 56, 57.
3 Uſe For Triall, whether wee bee yet raiſed or no. 57. 58.
2 Notes of Triall. ib.
1. N. If we be raiſed it is by Chriſts act. 57, 58.
2. N. It is in Chriſts Method of Application. 59. What that is. ibid.
4. Uſe. Of Exhortation.
1. To Naturall men. 2. To Saints. 61, 62, 63, &c.
1. Let poore undone creatures look for a portion in Chriſt. 61, 62, 63.
Men are not, ſo ſenſible of ſoule-diſeaſes as of bodily ſickneſſes. 62.
4. Directions for ſuch poor creatures. 62, 63, 64.
1. How they may ſpeak with Chriſt. ib.
2. What his Fee is. ibid. The condition is, Bring nothing. ib.
3. How they muſt uſe his Balme. 64.
4. VVhat rules of Dyet muſt be obſerved after taking it. 66.
The ſecond part of the Exhortation turn'd to Beleevers. 67.
Saints exhorted to thank fulneſſe. 67, 68.
From the conſideration,
1. Of the perſon of their Redeemer, in three particulars. 68, 69.
2. Of the act and manner of their Redemption, in three things. 69, 70.
3. Of the Object of this act opened in five particulars. 71, 72, 73.
He hath done it, that was
1. Infinitely above thee.
2. In no need of thee.
3. The offended Creator.
He raiſed thee
1. Out of a low condition.
2. To a glorious condition.
3. By his own falling.
He raiſed Thee
1. Not others
Angels.
Great perſons.
2. That wert as low as others.
Thee.
3. That wert his enemy.
4. That never ask'd it before it was done.
5. That haſt ſtill rebellion in thee. p. 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73.
Particular exhortations to believers to the performance of ſeverall duties. All which are inforced from Chriſts ſeverall acts of grace in raiſing us. 74, 75 76, 77, 78, &c.
1. Value nothing in an equall ballance with Chriſt. 74.
2. Vow your ſelves to God, and keep your vowes. 76.
3. Beleevers, as Chriſt hath taken upon him their nature, ſhould likewiſe ſtrive to be made partakers of his Nature. 76.
4. From Chriſts death they ſhould learne to die to ſin. 77.
5. From Chriſts reſurrection they ſhould learn to riſe to newneſſe of life. 77, 78.
6. From Chriſts aſcenſion, Beleevers ſhould learne to aſcend, by ſetting their affections on heavenly things. 78.
7. Let Chriſt be in you the hopes of glory, ibid.
5. Vſe. This doctrine affords conſolation for believers.
1. Againſt their outward poverty. 79.
2. Againſt their feares becauſe of their many and great ſins. 80.
3. Againſt their daily back ſlidings. ib.
4. Againſt their preſent ſadnes. ib.
5. Againſt their feares of falling away. 80, 81.
Belevers from hence may be comforted with hope.
1. Concerning ſuch of their frends as are no… yet raiſed. 81.
2. Concerning ſuch as are full of terror and ſadnes. 81. 82.
A Branch of inſtruction added that was forgotten in its order. viz.
How much Chriſt deſerves our cleaving … him in ſaddeſt conditions. 82, 83.
An Index of, the ſeverall contents of the third part.
Doct. 3.
The Spouſe of Chriſt (being raiſed by him) commeth out of every wilderneſſe, leaning upon her beloved. p. 2.
The Doctrine divided into four branches. ib.
1. Br. of the Doctrine.
Chriſts Spouſe hath had and may againe have her dwelling in the wilderneſſe. 3.
The wilderneſſe is 1. Untilled. 2. A loſing place. 3. A dangerous place. 4. A ſolitary place. 5. A diſconſolate place. 6. A place void of all proviſions. 3, 4.
Saints have had and may have their dwelling in a ſixfold wilderneſſe.
1. Of ſin, why that is call'd ſo. 6.
2. Of ſorrow for ſin. 7, 8.
3. Of bodily afflictions, this is a wilderneſſe-ſtate, why. 9.
4. Of temptations. 10, 11.
5. Of divine deſertions. 11.
6. Of mortality. 12.
2. Br. of the Doctrine. viz.
The Spouſe of Chriſt comes out of the wilderneſſe. 12, 13, 14, 15, &c.
The queſtion anſwerd, whether the ſoule doth any thing, and what it doth or can do towards its converſation. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
The ſoule by Gods generall grace denied to none, may avoid groſſe ſinnes. 2. By Gods exciting grace it may performe many praevious actions. 14, 15.
It cannot move one foot to a ſpirituall action ſpiritually. 18.
When the Lord changeth the ſoule then it commeth. 18.
3. Br. of the Doctrine.
The ſoule in comming up out of the wilderneſſe, comes not in its own ſtrength but leaning. 20.
Leaning implies four things. ib.
1. Wearineſſe. 21, 22.
2. Willingneſſe. 23.
3. Love. 23.
4. Reſting. 24.
A deſcription of faith. 25.
The fourth Br. of the Doctrine. viz.
The Spouſe of Chriſt comming up out of every wilderneſſe, will leane upon her wellbeloved, and him only. 25, 26, 27.
The Spouſe. 1. Leanes upon one whom ſhe loves. 26.
2. VponUpon her wellbeloved, one that ſhe is married to. 27.
Chriſts neare relation to ſaints and theirs to him, by. 1. The Fathers, and their owne gift. 2. By Bargaine. 3. By purchaſe and deſert. 4. By right of poſſeſſion. 28, 29, 30.
3. The ſoule leanes upon her Beloved, not anothers. 31.
4. It leanes upon him, that is, not thoſe that were her Beloveds.
What ſtrength there is in Chriſts ſhoulders to beare up the ſoule comming out of every wilderneſſe. 34 &c.
How the elect are beholden to Chriſt before effectuall Vocation. 36.
1. For his preventing and reſtraining grace. 37. 2. For his exciting grace. ib.
Some Repentance may be without ſaving grace. 40, 41.
Repentance in what ſenſe call'd ſaving. 40, 41. how it ought to be preach'd. 42.
How in the wilderneſſe of ſorrow the ſoule leanes upon Chriſt, and comes out leaning. 44, 45.
Gods ſupporting grace how it ſtaies up the ſoule at ſuch a time. 46.
How the fulneſſe and freeneſſe of Chriſt's mercy ſupports the ſoule broken with the ſenſe of ſin. 46, 47, 48.
How Chriſt's promiſes ſupport the ſoule broken with ſorrow for ſin. 49, 50.
How Chriſt ſpeakes to the ſoule in ſuch a condition, 1. By his miniſters, 2. By his ſpirit. 50, 51.
How the ſoule leanes upon Chriſt in the wilderneſſe of affliction, and comes out of it leaning. 52, 53.
What Acts of faith the beleeving ſoule puts out in affliction. ib.
How the beleever leanes upon Chriſt in temptations, and comes out of them leaning. 54, 55.
How in deſertions the gracious ſoule leanes upon Chriſt, and comes out of them leaning p. 55, 56.
The application of the Doctrine. à p. 58. ad p. 104.
1. Vſe Reproofe,
Firſt, To ſuch as think to get to heaven, and are not com out of the wilderneſſe of ſinne. 58, 59, 60, &c.
Secondly, Thoſe are reproved that preach down ſorrow for ſin as a precedent worke. 61, 62.
The Law ought to be preach'd. 60.
God hath moſt honoured ſuch preachers. 61, 62.
Experiences of Saints prove that ſorrow for ſin goeth before comfort. 63.
Mr. Rutherfords opinion of precedent Humiliation. 65.
God is not to be limited, he can ſave without it, but he rarely doth. 67, 68.
Thirdly, Thoſe are reproved that are in wilderneſſes, and yet will not leane. 69.
Fourthly, And thoſe That would make mans will the author of his firſt motion to God. 71.
Pelagians and Arminians errors about freewill. 72, 73.
Fifthly, Thoſe are reproved That deny any motion of the ſanctified will. 74, 75.
Sixthly, Thoſe are reproved That will not leane upon Chriſt alone. 1. Such as would have Chriſt and their ſinnes too. p. 75. 2. Or Chriſt and their merits. Or 3. Chriſt and their duties. 73, 74, 75.
2. Vſe of Examination and triall whether we be the ſpouſes of Chriſt or no. 75.
1. Examine whether thou beeſt come out of the wilderneſſe of ſin or no. ib.
Three notes to know that by. 76, 77, 78.
1. The wilderneſſe is an untilled place. 76.
2. It is a barren place. 77.
2. Thoſe that are in the wilderneſſe keep wilderneſſe company. 78.
2. Examine whether ever thou wert in the wilderneſſe of contrition of no. 78.
3. Examine what other wilderneſſes thou haſt met with. 80.
4. How doſt thou carry thy ſelfe in the wilderneſſe? 81.
5. How haſt thou uſed to come out of the wilderneſſe? 81.
6. How haſt thou carried thy ſelfe ſince thuo cameſt out? 82.
3. Vſe, for information.
1. Br. What a ſad condition all beleevers are in. 83, 84.
1. They are in a wilderneſſe. ib.
2. They have no way to get out. 85.
2. Br. What an happy condition Gods people are in. 87, 88, 89.
1. They are out of the wilderneſſe of ſinne. ibid.
2. In every wilderneſſe they have one to leane upon. 88.
3. Br. How great is the love of God to us that he would look us up in the wilderneſſe, and let us leane upon himſelf. 90, 91.
4. Br. What need we have to walk cloſe with Chriſt. 91, 92.
4. Vſe, for exhortation.
1, Br. To unbeleevers to come out of their wilderneſſe of ſinne to Chriſt. 93, 94, 95, &c.
2. Motives to perſwade them. ib.
1. The danger of their preſent ſtate. 94, 95.
1. It is a dangerous condition.
2. It is a joyleſſe condition.
3. It is a ſtarving condition. 94, 95.
2. Motive, The happineſſe of the beleevers ſtate. 95, 96, &c.
1. It is a ſafe condition. 95.
2. It is a joyfull condition. 95, 96.
3. In that eſtate and that onelyonly there is proviſion for the ſoule. 97. 98.
2. Br. To exhort thoſe that are in any other wilderneſſe to come out of it, leaning upon Chriſt. 99, 100, &c.
1. Conſider thou art how in a capacity of beleeving. 99.
2. Thou haſt ground enough to build thy faith upon, there is, 1. power enough, 2. love enough, in Chriſt to ſave thee. 100, 101.
3. Thou canſt not diſhonor Chriſt more than not to beleeve in him. 101, 102.
Chriſt will take beleeving kindly at our hands. p. 103.
Courteous Reader,
THe Author upon a ſlight peruſall of theſe ſheets, findes that the Printer hath bin ſo courteous to him in his abſence, that for the eſcapes of the Preſſe, they are either literall, which thou maiſt eaſily ſee and correct, or ſome few, ſo groſſe, that thou wilt eaſily diſcerne the miſtakes; he hath therefore rather choſe to put himſelfe upon thy charity, then put thee or himſelfe to the trouble of a table of Errata's, which is uſually made with trouble, and ſeldome uſed when it is done.