The Plain Mans Senses Exercised to Discern Good and Evil, Table of contents
The Order and Contents of the CHAPTERS.
CHAP. I.
ERrors against the Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures.
Sect 1. Of their Error, who hold the Scriptures to be but humane, and so no Rule to walk by, not able to discover a Divine God. pag 6.
The Scripture is of Divine Authority, the Supreme Judge, determining in matters of Faith and Duty, what is good, and what is evil. p. 8.
Use 1. Therefore in all your Actings and Opinions be sure to get Scripture on your side. p. 13.
Use 2. To vindicate the Divine Authority of Scripture against four sorts that weaken it. p 14.
1. Of Papists, who set up the Churches authority above the Scripture. ibid.
2. Of their Errour, who appeale from Scripture to the Spirit for trial of truths, &c. p. 17. What we allow of the Spirits Revelation, what not. p. 18.
3. Of their Error, who set up Reason as the Judge. p. 24.
What use to be made of Reason and what not. ibid.
4. Of their Error, who leave Scripture, and appeale to Providences, as the rule of mens perswasions and actions. p. 29.
What use to make of Providences, p. 30. & what not. 32
Quest. Into what is our Faith finally resolved, and whereupon doth it rest and stay it self? p. 37.
Sect. 2. Of their Error, who deny the authority of the Old Test. The ceremoniall Law is still a teacher of morall Duties. p 40.
Sect. 3. Vhether the Scriptures in English be the Word of God, and the foundation of Christian Religion. p. 46.
The Divine Truth of Gods Word is presented unto us in our English Bibles, p. 49. and how the unlearned are assured thereof. p. 51.
Qu. How to judge of the true sense or interpretation of Scripture. p. 53.
Sect. 4. Of their Error, who teach, that no writing whatsoever, whether Translations or Originalls, are the Foundation of Christian Religion. p. 56.
Eternall life is in the Scriptures, and no where else. ib.
The efficacy of Scripture in six things. p. 57.
How they testifie of Christ. p. 59.
Use. Reproof of them that neglect their own salvation, because they neglect the knowledge of Scriptures. p. 61
False ends in reading of Scripture. p. 63.
When hath a Christian found Christ in the Scripture. p. 65.
CHAP. II.
Errors against the Nature and Essence of God, and against the Trinity, answered and cleared.
Sect. 1. God hath no personall bodily shape. p. 68.
How humane parts and passions be ascribed to God in Scripture. p. 69.
Sec. 2, 3. Of their Error, who say, that it is a wretched distinction to distinguish between Essence and Person in the Godhead. p 72.
There be three Persons in one nature of the Godhead. 73.
What a Person in the Trinity is. p. 74.
Sect. 4. OnelyOnly the Son, not the Father, nor the holy Ghost, was incarnate, to suffer for the sinning Creature. p. 81.
Sect. 5. Of their Error, who teach, that God is the author, not onelyonly of the actions, but also of the pravity and sinfulness in them. p. 85.
What hand God hath in and about sin. p. 88.
Gods permissive will no rule of our actions. p. 91.
CHAP. III.
Errors against the Deity of the Son of God.
Sect. 1. Christ the Son of God, is true God, equall, and of the same nature, power, and eternity with the Father. p. 93.
Sect. 2. Yet not two Sons, nor two Gods, but Christ is God and Man in one person. p. 97.
Sect. 3. Christ is Mediatour according to both his Natures. p. 101.
How Christ shall be subject to his Father. p. 104.
The personall Ʋnion, the ground of Christs meriting, and of our accesse to God. p. 106,
CHAP. IV.
Of the Ʋnion that is between God and Christ, and between Christ and us.
Sect. 1. Doctr. There is a strict Ʋnion between Christ and the Father, and between Christ and us. p. 109.
Of a three-fold Ʋnion in Scripture. 1. Essentiall. 2. Personall. 3. Spirituall. p. 110.
Sect. 2. Of the Ʋnion between Christ and us. p. 113.
What it is. p. 115.
Sect. 3. The manner and meanes by which it is made. p. 118.
Whether our Ʋnion with Christ be compleated without and before Faith. p 120.
Why it is necessary. p. 123.
Uses. Comforts and priviledges arising of our Ʋnion with Christ. p. 124.
How our Ʋnion with Christ may be tried and evidenced. p. 127.
CHAP. V.
Errors against the Deity of the holy Ghost cleared.
Sect. 1. The holy Ghost is a person in the Trinity, to be worshipped and glorified. p. 134.
The Word of God, and the works of the holy Ghost, shew him to be God. p 135.
Sect. 2. An Spiritus Sanctus sit nuda virtus Dei patris p. 138.
Qu. Whether the indwelling of the Spirit in the God y, be onelyonly of the Gifts, or also of his Person. p. 141.
The holy Ghost is worshipped. p. 142.
The properties of a God are ascribed unto him. p. 143.
Sect. 3. Of the Sin against the holy Ghost. 144. What it is. ibid.
Consolations to the weak and troubled, shewing who do not sin against the holy Ghost, p. 151. and terrour to the presumptuous. p. 155.
Sect. 4. Of quenching the Spirit. p. 156.
When, how, and by whom is the Spirit quenched, ibid.
Beware of quenching the Spirit. p. 160.
Helps to preserve you from that great sin. p. 163.
CHAP. VI.
Errors against Gods eternall Decree of Election and Reprobation cleared and answered.
Sect. 1. Of Predestination, and what it is. p. 167.
Sect. 2. The Elect, and none but they, shall be saved. p. 170.
This Doctrine is no hinderance to Piety, nor unto holy endeavours, p. 177. but a furtherance thereunto, p. 178.
Gods love is infinite, though but few be saved. p. 181.
Sect. 3. God chooseth some, and passeth by others in the same condition, and that without respect to Faith, or works foreseene, as a consideration moving him thereunto. p. 183.
1. We are chosen in Christ, p. 185. not without respect to Christ, p. 186.
2. God doth not ordain any to damnation, but sinners, and for sin, both Originall and Actuall. p. 189.
Yet foreseen Faith in the one, and Ʋnbelief in the other, are not as conditions or qualifications required in the parties elected, or rejected. p. 191.
A brief examination of the Doctrine of Arminians touching Election and Reprobation, they erre in four things. p. 192.
Three Arguments against Election, upon Faith foreseen. p. 200.
Some passages of Rom. 9. considered. p. 203.
Some Objections of the Author of Gods love to mankind proposed and answered, p. 207. in particular, three Objections answered. p. 210.
Odious Absurdities falsely charged on our Doctrine of Election, removed. p. 214.
Whether God be bound to give ability to believe, to all those to whom the Gospel is preached. p. 215.
Sect. 4. The reprobate state of Men and Angels shall be regained. p. 217.
CHAP. VII. Errors about Originall Sin, &c.
Sect. 1. Of Gods Covenant of Life and Obedience with Adam. p. 222.
Sect. 2. Adam, by transgressing that first Covenant, did plunge himself and all his posterity into a state of sin and death. p 224.
The effects of that transgression upon his posterity. p. 235
Qu. How all sinned in Adam. p. 229.
Three particular Evils we received from Adam, 1. Imputation of his Sin. 2. Corruption of our Nature. 3. Death. p. 331.
Some Objections cleared. p. 233.
Qu. What Death it is that was threatned to Adams transgression. p. 235.
Some Objections answered. p. 237.
Sect. 3. All mankinde continue and lie under that sad state of Sin and Death, till they be regenerated, and effectually planted into Christ the second Adam, by whom alone we have deliverance. p. 241.
Use. To bewaile our cursed estate in Nature. p. 243.
CHAP. VIII. Errors against Jesus Christ our Mediatour.
Sect. 2. Of their Error, who deny that Christ aid purchase Life, Love, and Salvation to his Elect. p. 247.
Sect. 2. How Gods Love gave Christ, and yet Christs Blood purchased Gods Love and Salvation to Sinners. 241.
CHAP. IX.
Of Ʋniversall Redemption, and some Mistakes therein cleared.
Sect. 1. A brief view of the Arminian Doctrine touching this point. p. 252.
Christ was not given to satisfie for all the sins of Mankinde, nor for the sins of them that perish. p. 256.
Three Reasons against Christs dying for all men. p. 257.
Redemption is universall in three respects. p. 260.
Christs Death sufficient, not effectual unto all. p. 262.
Sect. 2. Of the Fathers purpose, and Christs intention in dying, they intended the spirituall Benefit of the Church, not of all the world. p. 263.
Of that distinction of Impetration and Application of Redemption, Christ not onelyonly merited, but conferreth remission of Sins by his Death. p. 265.
Five Objections answered, that place 1 Tim. 2.4, 5, 6. opened, p. 266. Heb. 2.9. cleared, p. 268. 2 Pet. 2.1. cleared. p. 269.
Qu. How Christ took the sin of Adam, sasisfied for it, yet died not for all. p. 271.
Of severing the seed of the Woman from the seed of the Serpent. p. 272.
1 Cor. 15.22. cleared. p. 273.
Use. The doctrine of Redemption by Christs death to be preached to all men. p. 276.
Some Errors thereabout cleared. p. 279.
CHAP. X.
Of Ʋniversall Grace sufficient for all, and of mans naturall Free-will to supernaturall Good.
Sect. 1. Whether God doth give unto all men sufficient meanes and helps of Grace unto Salvation. p. 280.
What Grace is sufficient. p. 281.
It is not afforded unto all. p. 282.
Two Objections answered. p. 284.
Sect. 2. Of Mans Free-will and ability to spiritual Good. p. 286.
The Arminian Doctrine, touching Ʋniversall Grace and Free-will. p. 287.
Qu. Whether meanes being granted, it be in the power of mans free-will to convert himself, to accept or refuse Grace. p. 291.
Answ. Distinction between the Freedome Power of mans will. p. 293.
Three Reasons against the strength of mans naturall free-will, as to his first uprising from the state of Sin and Death. p. 295.
Objections for the strength of Free-will against the Will's freedome, which we grant. p. 299.
The Gospel is not the cause of mens condemnation. p. 302
Qu. Whether Threats, Exhortations, &c. be all in vaine, Wil… be not free. p. 304.
The use and help of this Doctrine to discern truth from falshood in sundry cases and disputes. p. 305.
CHAP. XI. Of Errors against the ground of Faith, and the true nature of Justification by Faith.
Sect. 1. Of their Error, who teach, that they that are without the Gospel, have sufficient means of Faith, the Sun, Moon, and Starres. p. 308.
The Creatures reveale not Christ, nor means of Faith. p. 309.
Faith is purely supernaturall in three respects p. 310.
That place Heb. 11.6. expounded. p. 315.
Sect. 2. Q. Whether faithfull Actions be absolutely required as the only things, by which the man is justified. p. 317
The Conclusion opposite hereunto containes three parts or Doctrines.
Doct. 1. That faithfull Actions are not separate from true faith, nor from the party justified, but flow from faith inseparably, as effects and fruits thereof, p. 318.
Doct. 2. Faithfull Actions are separated from Faith in the act of justifying, they are not joyned with Faith in that action; here faith is alone. p. 319
Objections removed. p. 321
Doct. 3. Faithfull Actions not the onelyonly things by which the man is justified. p. 324
Sect. 3. 1. Not as causes. ib.
2. Not as our Evangelicall Righteousnesse accepted instead of fulfilling the Law. p. 325
3. Nor as means to apply Christs righteousnesse. p. 326
4. Nor lastly, are they the onelyonly things by which the man is justified, as by a condition. p. 327
Here first what we hold, and we deny, as touching conditions and qualifications. ib.
Qu. 2. Particularly two Questions are resolved. 1. Whether the addition of the word (as by a Condition) be a fit salvo for those words as the only things, &c. 331.
2. Whether they be indeed an Antecedent condition to Justification. ib.
Four reasons to the contrary. 1 From the Nature of the Covenant. 334.2. From the Gift of God. 337.3. From the nature of Faith and Repentance. p. 338. 4. From the order of Faith and Works, p. 340
Two grand Arguments for concurr-nce of Works with Faith to Justification, answered. ibid.
Those places, Jam. 2.21. and Rom. 4.18, 22. opened. p. 343.344.
The end of the Table.
HE…. 5.13, 14.
For every one that useth Milke, is unskilfull in the word of Righteousnesse, for he is a Babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full Age, even those, who by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discerne both good and evill.
THe Apostle from verse 11. of Chap. 5.The Introduction. to ver. 13. of Chapter 6. makes a digression, wherein he sharply reproves the Hebrews, for their non-proficiency in the Doctrine of Christ, that so he might provoke them to a greater heedfulnesse and attention unto those deep points, which he is about to speak of afterwards. The scope of our Ministery is, first to beget Children unto God, and then to build them up in the Faith. At first men are but Children in understanding, and they must be fed with Milke, that is, with the first principles of Religion, Doctrines easie to be understood: But as it is a thing abhorring to Nature, to be Children still, we desire to out-grow our childish nature and understanding, to become grown men: so in Religion it is a great deformity, and a signe of grosse negligence, still to stick in the A. B. C. as it were of the Doctrine of Christ, we must be men in understanding, perfectly rooted and stablisht in the Faith, Col. 2.7.as we have been taught, that is, according to the time and means vouchsafed unto us; not like Children, tossed to and fro, Eph. 4.….with every winde of Doctrine. Phil, 1.9, 10.But, our love must abound more and more in knowledge, and in all judgement, that we may be able to try and approve things that differ, and so be sincere, and without offence, that our hearts may be comforted; being knit together in love unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mysterie of God, and of the Father, and of Christ, that no man be able to beguile us with enticing words, Col. 2.2.4.8.nor spoile us through Philosophy and vaine deceits, by the cunning craftinesse of men, that lye in wait to deceive. Herein their great negligence is taxed, and they provoked to a more full and large measure of instruction in the Mysteries of the Gospell, that they may be able by diligent hearing, reading, and studying on the Word, to discerne both good and evill, what is sound, what unsound, to choose the Good, and refuse the Evill. That is the scope.
Now for the meaning of the words,Tex… opened. first the Persons, by Babes, he understandeth weak and unskilfull professours; and by men of full age, he meaneth Christians grown up to sound understanding in the Mysteries of God. Secondly, their Food, by Milke he understands the plainest and easiest principles of Religion; by strong meat, the more profound and difficult points of the Christian Faith, such as is the Analogy between the Priesthood of Melchizedech, and of Christ, of which he was about to speak, Chapter 5.11. of whom he had many things to say, and hard to be uttered, because they were dull of hearing Thirdly, their Praise and Dispraise; of the weak, he saith that they are unskilfull or unexperienced in the word of Righteousnesse, that is, in the Doctrine of the Gospell; The maine subject whereof is, the true and onelyonly righteousnesse of Faith (that is) of Christ imputed unto us, by the grace of God, and the righteousnesse of Sanctification, which is wrought in us by the Spirit of Christ: This was the fault of the weak Christian.—Of the strong Christians he sayes, that they are able to deale in higher points, able to apprehend and digest them in their spirituall judgement. As solid and hard meats are not proper food for Children, but for men of full age and strength to feed on: so high and profound Doctrine is not fitting for Novices, but for Christians of ripe age.—These he calls perfect, or of full age, not absolutely, (for the best do see but through a Glasse darkly) but comparatively in respect of the weak, whom he likeneth unto Babes. Fourthly, the meanes of ripenesse. These Perfect ones, by reason of long use and practice have their senses exercised, as in a School or University,foreign. Scholars have their wits sharpned and exercised by frequent disputations: By meanes whereof they grow expert, and able to discerne Fallacies in matters of Logick; so are these Christians in matters of Religion able to discerne, what is sound, what sophisticall and unfound, able to sever the Chaff from the Wheat, Truth from Error: he that is thus exercised hath a distinguishing faculty. As the Taste discernes of Meats, and the Eye of Colours, and the Eare of sounds; so can this mans understanding spiritually discerne between Colour and Colour, between Taste and Taste, between Light and Darknesse, between Sour and Sweet, between Food and Poison, between Good and Evill: Even as Artists in any faculty can quickly espy, when their worke is well or ill done: And this is the commendation of the strong. Babes are not to be dispraised simply, because Babes, because they were Children, but because they were Babes and Children in understanding, when they might and ought to have been men capable of higher instructions.
From the words thus opened, I observe four Doctrines, Doctrines. 4 not intending to prosecute them at large, but to touch upon them by way of introduction, to the principall matter intended.
Amongst them that be true professors of the Gospel, Doct: 1 there be degrees of knowledge in Christianity, some are weak, like Babes, some are strong, like men grown to ripe age, yet all the Children of God, Rom. 14.1. Him that is weak in the Faith receive, 1 Cor. 3.1. And I brethren, could not speak unto you, as unto spirituall, but as unto Carnall, (that is) lesse spirituall, even as unto Babes in Christ.
We that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, The ….Rom. 15.1. and not to please our selves. In our Congregations, all be not of one Capacity, all Gods household must be fed we must not disdaine the matter preacht, because it is familiar and plaine to us, Children must have their food.
The blessed word of God is the food of Souls, Doct: 2 both for the weak, and for the strong; there is Milke for Babes, and strong Meat for them of full age, and both of them are nourished by it in their spirituall life, unto life eternall; But whether it be Milk or strong Meat, easie or more profound Doctrine, it is still food.
First, Reasons. Christ himselfe is the Bread that came down from Heaven, Joh. 6.33, 48.
Secondly, The Word of God is Bread of Life, Wheat, Wine, Milke, &c.
Thirdly,John 21.15. Ministers are Stewards to give every one his portion of Meat, and Sheepherds to feed the Sheep and Lambs of Christ.
Then Ministers must prepare Doctrines, Ʋse. 1 which may be wholsome as food, it must have some nourishing quality in it, ever remember that, 2 Cor. 4.2. not handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the Truth, commending our selves to every mans Conscience in the sight of God. Food first, to refresh the weary; Secondly, to strengthen the weak; Thirdly, to make the healthy grow and increase.
People must receive the word as Food. Ʋse. 2 —Here is a threefold direction,2 Pet. 2.1. first, for Preparation; Lay aside all malice and guile, James 1.21. get a sound and pure appetite of pure Milke, for pure ends, to grow thereby. The second is, for Reception, as an engra…ted word, as Food digested and turned into our substance. Not as the Vintner that tasts of many Vessels, but lets none downe. The third is for Retention, and Practice, chew the cud, walk in the strength of it, &c.
It is a fault to be Children in knowledge still, Doct: 3 we must endeavour to conceive spirituall things aright, to discerne things that differ. Good from Evill, Truth from Errour.
Truth and Errour doe lye near together many times, Reason. and look a…k…: It is needfull therefore that we have a spirit of discerning. First, some Christians be weake in Graces, and have but little strength over their Corruptions and Temptations: they must labour for strengthning grace. Eph. 3.16.Secondly, some are weak in knowledge, as in my Text. These know first but few things; secondly, low things; thirdly, and all but weakly and ungroundedly, which discovers it selfe. First, because like children, they be fickle, delighted with new things. Secondly, easily cheated out of sound principles, and godly wayes. Thirdly, because confused, confounding things, which should be divided, &c.
The meanes to out-grow childishnesse in knowledge, Doct: 4 is to have our wits and senses exercised in Scripture. Doctrines, and Scripture-distinctions; for by reason of use and exercise, we attain that ability and dexterity, to discern things that differ. Thus you see that unto Diligence in hearing, Christians must adde Prudence in discerning. The end of Scripture is to make us wise to salvation, wise to discerne the voice of the Tempter from Gods voice, to know a false Prophet, though he come in Sheeps cloathing. It is a shame for a Carpenter, or Goldsmith, or Mathematician, not to know the use of the Instruments of their Profession, as of the Squire and Rule of the Touchstone, &c. Now Religion is every mans Profession and Trade, and it concernes all its Professours to be acquainted with the Doctrine and intents thereof: And how to help you to attaine this end and skill, I know no readier way than to lead you by the hand through the Mist and Labyrinth of some the most notorious generall and pernitious errours wherewith this Age is bewitched, like those men that were smitten with blindnesse, and led into Samaria instead of Dothan, who are in the midst of dangers,2 Kings 6.19. and know it not. And because I desire to avoid all suspition of feigning and loading men with Errors, whereof they are not guilty: I shall take them up as they are laid down by the London Ministers,Lond. Test. Anno 1647. in their Testimonie to the Truth of Jesus Christ, against the Errours, Heresies, and Blasphemies of these Times.