The Being and Well-Being of a Christian, Title page 1 – Table of contents
THE BEING AND WELL-BEING OF A CHRISTIAN.
In Three TREATISES:
The First, Setting forth the Properties of the Righteous.
The Second, The Excellency of Grace.
The Third, The Nature and Sweetness of Fellowship with Christ.
By Edward Reyner, late Minister of the Gospel in Lincoln.
Together with an INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE, containing Mens mistakes about Grace, and their Chief Happiness, and the true Nature of both; with a Character of a Gracious Person, and the great Absurdity of those Cavils and Reproaches he meets with from the World. By the PUBLISHER, J. Reyner.
LONDON, Printed, by R. W. for Henry Mortlock, at the Sign of the White Hart in Westminster-Hall: and Samuel Richards Bookseller in Nottingham. 1669.
THE CONTENTS OF THE Introductory Discourse.
AN Account of the Three following Treatises, Pag. 1.
Many mistakes about Grace, Pag. 3
A true Description of it, Pag. 7
A Character of a gracious person, as such, Pag. 9
Who is,
I. Most Gods creature of any in the Creation, Pag. 15
II. Most a Man of any in the World, proved by three Arguments. ibid.
He is incomparably the Wisest man, both in reference to
His conceptions and resentments. Pag. 17
The conduct of his choice and actions. Pag. 19
And his body as well as his soul, Pag. 23
He is the only Happy man, Pag. 24
This is made out by shewing that,
1. Those things wherein others place their happiness are so far from meriting that title, that they are themselves upon divers accounts, very unhappy, Pag. 25
For, They owe most of their reputed goodness to the Opinions and fancies of men, Pag. 25
What they are not, is much more than what they are: And what they are, much less than what they seem, ibid.
They are allayed and embased with great disadvantages and ungrateful mixtures. Pag. 26
They are fading, and grow worse with keeping, Pag. 28
They cannot better his noblest part; but frequently embase and ruine it, Pag. 29, 30
Their usefulness cannot reach beyond death, nor many times to all the parts and conditions of life, Pag. 31
They cannot terminate mens desires, Pag. 32
2. He seeks for happiness only in the enjoyment of God, the Highest and Best of Beings, the vast disparity between whom and other things, in goodness and ability to render happy, is intimated, Pag. 34
III. Most a Christian of any in the Church, Pag. 37
For, He only is what others but seem, or say they are, ibid.
He is of the most noble spirit, proved, Pag. 39
He accounts no sin little, and why, Pag. 41
He is very circumspect, Pag. 42
Resigned up to the Divine pleasure, Pag. 43
Patient and meek, Pag. 44, 45
Forgiving others all their offences, for which he hath the most cogent reasons, Pag. 46, 47
He is every way charitable, Pag. 48
He is careful to perform the duties of the several Relations he stands in, which is shewn in various instances, Pag. 49
He serves God in his family as well as Closet, and in both gives him a Morning as well as an Evening Sacrifice, Pag. 52
Which is proved to be a Christians duty. Pag. 53
He will not alienate any part of the Lords Day, Pag. 56
Nor be sloathful in business on other dayes, Pag. 57
He is ever mindful of redeeming Time, and that in company too, where so much is lost, Pag. 57
He hallows Gods Name, Pag. 58
IV. Yet he is a Paradox, wonder and derision to the men of his Generation, being,
1. Not understood, Pag. 59
2. Not affected by them, Pag. 61
Their manners and faith are different, ibid.
Therefore they cast many reproaches on him, but such as in the fall dash out their own brains, Pag. 63
Instances of their Cavils and reproaches are brought, and their monstrous unreasonableness shewn, Pag. 64
And in the Close, that of his being too strict, and making more ado than needs to be Religious, Pag. 72
An earnest Address to the Authors of that imputation, Pag. 77
And another to those that are young, to disswade from deferring repentance and piety. Pag. 79
The Contents of the First Treatise, upon Psal. 92.14.
THe words considered as to their,
1. Matter, Pag. 85
2. Form. Pag. 87
Doct. I. God will have his people, (the plants in his house) fruitful, that is,
1. He will have them bring forth fruits; as,
1. Of Piety, ibid.
2. Of Righteousness and Charity, Pag. 88
3. Of Sobriety, ibid.
4. The acts of all Graces and holy affections, ibid.
2. He will have them bring forth abundantly, Pag. 89 This appears,
1. Because this is the end of all his pains, cost and patience towards them, for therefore are they
1. Well-planted,
1. In an excellent stock, ibid.
2. In a very fertile soil, Pag. 90
2. Well-watered, ibid.
3. Well-fenced, Pag. 91
4. Well pruned, ibid.
5. Well-look'd to, ibid.
6. Well-waited on, ibid.
2. Because this is an honour to God, and very pleasing to him, Pag. 93
3. Because its the greatest praise of the godly, ibid.
4. Because this is the way for them to be exemplary, and to gain others, Pag. 94
Ʋse I. Here is matter of Humiliation to Gods people for their
1. Degenerateness, in bringing forth evil fruits, ibid.
2. Barrenness of good fruits, Pag. 96
Ʋse II. Exhortation to bring forth good fruits, and good store of them, Pag. 97
With 1. Motives hereto.
1. Then God will bless all our other fruits of body, ground, &c. Pag. 98
2. We shall be full of joy, for we shall eat the fruit of our doings, ibid.
3. Hereby we may escape the ax of temporal Judgements, ibid.
4. Fruit will abound to our account, and our reward be increased, Pag. 99
5. The wicked are fruitful in wayes of sin, Pag. 100
6. Barrenness in Gods house is the way to be destroyed for ever, ibid.
2. Means of fruitfulness.
1. Get to be cut out of the Crabstock of Nature, Pag. 101
2. Get to be grafted into Christ the good Olive, Pag. 102
3. Draw daily much spiritual sap from Christ, ibid.
4. Lay hold on promises of fruitfulness, Pag. 103
Hos. 14.5, 6, 7, 8. explained, Pag. 104, 105
5. Improve those dayes of the Sun of Righteousness, the Sabbaths, Pag. 106
6. Depend on God for his blessing on all the means of fruitfulness, ibid.
7. Make conscience of all your thoughts, words, deeds, Pag. 107
8. Take all opportunities of doing God service, others and your own souls good, and beg heavenly wisdom to improve them, Pag. 108
9. Avoid what may hinder fruitfulness, ibid.
Doct. II. God will have his plants still (or continually) fruitful; yea, even in old age, Pag. 109
1. God requires and expects they should be so, Because,
1. Its spring-time with them all their life long, Pag. 110
2. God is still doing them good, Pag. 111
3. They owe him much fruit for his care and bounty, and can bring forth but little at once, and their time of fruit-bearing is short, ibid.
4. Old age hath advantages above youth, Pag. 112
2. God will make them so, and that
1. To shew the energy and power of his Grace, Pag. 113
2. To bring the more honour to his own name, Pag. 114
3. To manifest the constancy of his love to them, ibid.
4. To fit them for being transplanted to Heaven, Pag. 115
Ʋse I. This reproves three sorts of persons.
1. Those who have not yet begun to bear fruits, Pag. 116
Two Considerations for them, ibid.
2. Those who have brought forth some good fruits formerly, but desist; to whom five Considerations are proposed, Pag. 117
3. Those that are still fruitful, but in evil, Pag. 119
Ʋse II. This calls on the righteous to be constantly full of fruits; yea, even when full of dayes, ibid.
Doct. III. God will have the plants in his house to be fat, that is full of Grace. Pag. 121
Here is shewn,
1. That he will make them so, argued from,
1. His Promises of Grace, Pag. 122
2. That he is styled The God of all Grace, ibid.
3. That matchless Act of Grace, the sending of his Son, ibid.
4. His promising and conferring of the Spirit of Grace, Pag. 123
5. His affording of the Means of Grace, ibid.
2. The Reasons why he will make them so, viz.
1. That they may be full of fruits, Pag. 124
2. That their fruits may be full, Pag. 125
3. To bring them to their fulness of stature, ib.
4. To shew that he is not unequal, but upright in his dealings with the righteous and the wicked, Pag. 126
3. That it is their duty to be so, Pag. 127
Ʋse I. Reproof of Professors who are sapless or lean in Grace, Pag. 128
To further your humiliation for it, Consider,
1. To what end God hath planted you in his house, and granted you so long the means of spiritual nourishment, Pag. 129
2. You are a disgrace to Gods House, Ordinances, Ministers, and to the body of Christ, Pag. 130
3. You must needs be barren of good works, Pag. 131
4. And be Dwarfs and Shrubs in Christianity, ibid.
5. You would have all fat that you keep; And can you be content your souls, your chief part should be lean? ibid.
Ʋse II. Here is comfort to poor Christians, though they have not fat ground, cattel, bodies, they may have fat souls, which is the best of all, Pag. 132
Ʋse III. Let us examine whether we have this spiritual fatness, Pag. 134
This may be discerned by the signs of fatness in Trees, as their
1. Much weeping, Pag. 135
2. Pliantness, ibid.
3. Weightiness, Pag. 136
4. Spreading much, ibid.
Object. I grow not fat in Grace, but rather find a decay; for I am not so forward to duties, nor have such enlargements and joyes as formerly, but am more straitned, and my affections less stirring, my spirit duller. Pag. 137, 270
Answ. 1. It may be thy negligence is the cause, Pag. 137
2. Know that a Christian may grow,
1. In Stability, Pag. 138
2. In radical Graces, as self-denyal, faith, humility, &c. ibid.
3. In experience of Gods dealings with the soul, and of the variety of soul-states, Pag. 139
4. In the substance, solidity and ripeness of affections and actions: Though he flourish not so much in the outward performance of Duties, and in shews and ostentation of Graces, as formerly, and have not such joyes and inlargements, Pag. 140, 141
3. There are some special seasons, wherein God bestows a greater measure of assistance, grace and comfort, than at other times, ibid.
4. Mistake not a decay of gifts, or of nature for a decay of Grace, Pag. 142
Ʋse IV. Then get and keep this spiritual sap or fatness, ibid.
To that end,
1. Drink in the water of life, Pag. 143
2. Suck in the fatness of Gods House, Pag. 144
1. Attend duly on the word, ibid.
2. Improve Sacraments, Pag. 145
3. Pray earnestly that God would satiate your Ministers souls with fatness, ibid.
4. Meditate seriously of God day and night, ib.
5. Be liberal, ibid.
6. Be diligent, ibid.
Doct. IV. God will have the plants in his house to be green, Pag. 146
Green imports a prosperous, vigorous, flourishing estate, for three Reasons, Pag. 147
The greenness of the Righteous appears in their
1. Profession, ibid.
2. Conversation, Pag. 148
3. Consolation, Pag. 149
And it is
1. Natural, Pag. 150
2. Continual, lasting even,
1. In the hot Summer of vehement Temptations and persecutions, of fiery tryals, Pag. 151
2. In the Autumn of Apostacy through errors or sensuality, Pag. 153
3. In the cold Winter of the withdrawings of the Sun of Righteousness, of outward wants, and of old age, ibid.
In order to this greenness God hath promised them
1. Dew and Showers, Pag. 154
2. Sun-shine, Pag. 155
Ʋse I. Then let Christians get the true and lively colour of Grace upon them, Pag. 157
By being green,
1. You will resemble Christ, stiled a green tree, ibid.
2. You will have an evidence both of life and growth, Pag. 159
3. You will be most beautiful and comely, ibid.
4. A verdant, lively, chearfull profession and conversation is an object that
1. Much takes and pleases the eye of Christ, Pag. 160, 161
2. Is very delightful and chearing to the godly, ib.
3. Clears and strengthens eyes weak in discerning the beauty of holiness, &c. And is a means to cure those that have sore or evil eyes at Gods people, Pag. 162
5. You shall have that inheritance and crown of glory which fades not, Pag. 163
Three Cautions,
I. Though you must be green, yet place not all in colour, Pag. 164
II. Joyn fatness and fruitfulness with your greenness, Pag. 166
III. Let not your flourish be above the rate of your fruitfulness, ibid.
Ʋse II. Take heed you do not change colour; that your verdure be neither,
1. Withered by Apostacy, Pag. 167
2. Blasted by error, ibid.
3. Appaled by cowardise, Pag. 168
4. Faint and fading by remisness, Pag. 169
5. Soiled and stained by any allowed sin, ibid.
6. Dull'd and darken'd by sadness and melancholy, Pag. 170
How to refresh decaying greenness, Pag. 172
How to maintain and preserve it, viz. Get,
1. Store of the sap of Grace, Pag. 173
2. The life of faith, ibid.
3. Warmth of love, Pag. 176
4. The Light of Gods favour, ibid.
5. The influences of the Spirit, as he is the Spirit of Truth, Wisdom, Power; and the Comforter, Pag. 177, 178
6. Plead and rely on suitable promises, Pag. 179
The Contents of the Second Treatise.
SEtting forth the Excellency of Grace as in it self, So,
I. Above those things which most resemble it, and are taken for it, which are reduced to five heads, Pag. 183
Grace excells these in six particulars.
I. In its nature, Pag. 195
II. In its rise, from
1. Gods special love, Pag. 198
2. Union with Christ, Pag. 199
III. In its Effects, viz.
1. Grace illightens and quickens the soul, Pag. 201
2. It resists, and by degrees mortifies sin, Pag. 204
3. It sanctifies throughout, Pag. 206
4. Its very active and operative, Pag. 209
5. It guides to act,
1. From pure principles, Pag. 211
2. For high and holy ends, ibid.
3. In a right manner, Pag. 212
6. It disposes to suffer as well as do: and to suffer,
1. Confidingly, Pag. 214
2. Patiently,
3. Joyfully, Pag. 215
4. Boldly,
5. Sincerely, Pag. 216
6. Constantly, Pag. 217
7. Grace strengthens the soul to the forementioned effects, Pag. 218
8. It abstracts us from the world, Pag. 220
9. It saves everlastingly, Pag. 225
It accompanies salvation five wayes, Pag. 226
10. It satisfies the soul, Pag. 230
11. It makes humble, Pag. 232
12. Its diffusive and communicative, Pag. 234
13. Its Victorious, and that over evils in others, whether
1. Evil qualities, Pag. 237
2. Evil words, Pag. 238
3. Evil deeds, & that six ways, ib.
Over sin in our selves, Pag. 242
Over Self, ibid.
Over the World, Pag. 243
Over the Devil, ibid.
Four Properties of that Conquest that overcomes others evils with our good, Pag. 244
14. Grace grows, Pag. 247
Where are 1. Reasons for its growth: as,
1. Its little, low and weak at first, ibid.
2. It hath still defects in this life, Pag. 249
3. Its compared to things small in their begining, but great in their growth, Pag. 249
4. God hath given,
1. Precepts,
2. Promises,
3. Presidents for growth,
Pag. 251
5. We may meet with great assaults, oppositions, troubles, difficulties before we die, Pag. 252
6. Growth in Grace will prevent falling from it, Pag. 253
7. To this end God grants means to grow by, and time to grow in, Pag. 254
2. Means of growth, viz.
1. Poverty of Spirit, Pag. 255
2. Hungring and thirsting after Christ, Pag. 256
3. A soft and tender heart, Pag. 257
4. A diligent and constant use of all Gospel-Ordinances and duties, Pag. 258
5. Exercise Grace on all occasions, Pag. 259
6. Shun impediments of growth.
Dye daily,
1. To sin, by daily repentance and mortification of it, Pag. 260
2. To self, by self-examination, self-judging, self-denyal, &c. Pag. 262
3. To the world, by weaning your minds and hearts from it, Pag. 263
7. Get afflictions sanctified, Pag. 264
3. Marks of Grace's growth,
1. True growth is inward as well as outward, Pag. 265
2. Its general and total, Pag. 266
3. Its a growing up into Christ in all things, Pag. 267
We grow up into our selves three wayes, Pag. 268
Two Objections answered.
Object. 1. I have long desired and endeavoured to grow in Grace, yet perceive little increase thereof, Pag. 269
Object. 2. I find not those joyes, enlargements and ravishments which heretofore I did; therefore suspect I am in a spiritual consumption, Pag. 137, 270
IV. In its subjects or proprietaries, Pag. 274
V. In its duration, Pag. 277
VI. In beauty and glory, Pag. 280
II. Above all other things that are of most account in the world; as above
I. Riches, Pag. 284
For, 1. They cannot satisfie, ibid.
2. Nor make good or better, Pag. 285
3. Nor deliver from wrath, ibid.
4. Nor help towards Heaven, Pag. 286
5. They are perishing and corruptible in themselves, and uncertain to us, ibid.
II. Honours,
For, 1. They cannot exalt a man to heavenly priviledges, relations, dignities, Pag. 287
2. They cannot countervail or conquer great discontents, though upon small occasions, ibid.
3. They are inconstant as wind, Pag. 288
4. They puff up with pride, ibid.
III. Pleasures,
For, 1. They are but shallow & superficial, Pag. 290
2. But short, Pag. 291.
3. But sad in their effects and consequents, ibid.
Viz. 1. They make mens hearts stupid and insensible: and
2. Uncharitable, Pag. 292
3. They choak the seed of the Word.
4. They are fuel to lusts.
5. Thay end in pain and sorrow, ib.
The Contents of the Third Treatise.
I. THE Nature of our Fellowship with Christ, consisting of mutual Interest & Intercourse.
I. Mutual Interest, considered as to its Nature and Grounds.
I. Its Nature; hereby
1. Christ is ours and we his, Pag. 297
2. All that's his is made ours, and all ours made his, Pag. 298
I. All that's his is made ours, viz.
1. His Righteousness, Pag. 299
2. His Holiness, ibid.
3. His Sonship, Pag. 300
4. His Redemption, Pag. 301
5. His Ascension, Session and Intercession, Pag. 302
1. His Ascension into Heaven, viz.
1. To open Heaven for us, ibid.
2. To take possession of it for us, Pag. 303
3. To strengthen our belief of this, that we shall follow him thither in due time, ib.
4. To draw up our hearts to Heaven, ibid.
5. To comfort our hearts against all troubles here, Pag. 304
2. His Session at Gods right hand, which may be considered two wayes, ibid.
The Benefits of it, Pag. 305
3. His Intercession,
1. For giving us actual possession of his benefits, Pag. 308
2. For acceptance of our persons and performances,
3. For continuance of our reconciliation with God notwithstanding daily failings and trespasses.
4. For our perseverance in the state of Grace.
5. For the sending of the Comforter.
6. For the pleading of our cause throughly as our Advocate. Pag. 309
7. For compleating our salvation for ever, Pag. 310
6. His Salvation, which he hath
1. Prayed for, ibid.
2. Purchased, Pag. 311
3. Ensured, and that
1. By Peldges,
His Spirit
and Our Flesh,
Pag. 311
2. By Promises, Pag. 312
II. All that's ours is made his, viz.
1. Our Nature, Pag. 313
2. Our sins, or rather the punishment of them, he being made sin for us, that is, a sacrifice for our sins, ibid.
3. Our Afflictions, Inward and Outward, Pag. 314
Both are made his by way of Passion and Compassion, Pag. 315
II. The Grounds of this Interest are Three:
1. The Fathers mutual Donation of Christ to us, and us to Christ, Pag. 317
2. Mutual Dedition and Reception between Christ and us, ibid.
3. Mutual Relations between Christ and us, Pag. 318
II. Mutual Intercourse, considered as to its Nature, and the wayes wherein it is exercised.
I. Its Nature; It stands, Pag. 318
I. In Expectance of what our souls most desire from Christ, Pag. 391
Viz. 1. The sight of his face, ibid.
2. The hearing of his voice, Pag. 320
3. The smell of his perfumes and good Ointments, ibid.
4. The taste of his goodness and sweet fruits, Pag. 322
5. The receiving and feeling of his Spirit, Grace, Strength, Pag. 324
II. In Performance of what Christ best accepts from us, Pag. 325
Especially, 1. Faith, ibid.
2. Love,
1. In looking and longing for him, Pag. 326
2. In having high thoughts of him, ib.
3. In counting nothing too dear to part with for him, Pag. 327
4. In opening our hearts wide to him, ib.
And that by earnest
1. Desires, Pag. 328
2. Prayers, Pag. 329
5. In keeping our hearts entire and peculiar for him alone, ibid.
3. Delight, Pag. 332
4. Holiness and purity, Pag. 333
5. Obedience, Pag. 336
6. Patience, ibid.
1. In suffering, Pag. 337
2. In waiting, Pag. 337
7. Humility and Meekness, ibid.
8. Sincerity, Pag. 338
9. Knowledge and Acknowledgement of him, Pag. 339
10. Suitableness of disposition and carriage to him, Pag. 340
II. The Wayes wherein this Intercourse is exercised; namely, the way of
I. Relations, our Intercourse with him being like that
I. Of Members with their head, Pag. 342
Standing,
1. In receiving from him the benefits of a head: viz.
1. Life,
2. Sense,
3. Motion,
4 Direction,
5. Provision and Protection,
6. Spiritual nourishment, Pag. 343
2. In giving up our selves wholly to him as members to our head,
1. To follow his Counsels,
2. To be serviceable to him in every thing,
3. To be made conformable to him,
4. To give him the preheminence in all things, Pag. 344
II. Of a Wife with her Husband,
Standing,
1. In receiving from him the seed of Grace and secret demonstrations of his love, Pag. 344
2. In cleaving and being subject to him, Pag. 345
II. Afflictions: In suffering,
1. With Christ,
2. For him,
3. Like him, Pag. 346
III. Holy Ordinances and Duties, as,
1. Prayer,
2. The Word,
3. The Sacrament, Pag. 347
4. Communion of Saints,
5. Meditation, Pag. 348
6. Singing of Psalms, Pag. 350
IV. Providences, By
1. Observing God in them, Pag. 351
2. Searching out the meaning of them,
3. Being affected continually as God gives us occasion,
4. Improving them to a holy use, Pag. 352
II. Incitements to Fellowship with Christ.
I. This is the best Fellowship of all,
1. For its Transcendency, ibid.
2. For Satisfaction, Pag. 354
3. For Duration, ibid.
4. For Compensation of the want of other Fellowships, Pag. 357
5. For Preparation to our dissolution, Pag. 358
6. For Sweetness, Pag. 359
II. God the Father calls us to the Fellowship of his Son, that we may have Fellowship with the Father, which is both,
1. Fatherly on his part, in six Particulars, viz.
1. The Manifestation of himself, his mind and will, Pag. 361
2. His reconciliation to us, ibid.
3. Complacency in us, Pag. 262
4. Fatherly Affections to us, Pag. 363
5. Fatherly Blessings, Pag. 364
6. Fatherly Patience, Corrections and Consolations, ibid.
2. Filial on our part,
1. By Believing on God the Father,
2. By Honouring him,
3. By Obeying his Commands,
4. By Submitting patiently to his inflictions, Pag. 365
III. Directions how to obtain or regain the enjoyment of Fellowship with Christ and the comforts of his presence and relations, Pag. 360
I. Search out the Cause of Christs Estrangement, ib.
1. Its commonly some iniquity in us: yet,
2. Christ may estrange himself out of design for good to us, ib.
1. To try and exercise our Graces, ibid.
2. To endear his presence and Fellowship, Pag. 368
II. Get right and title to Christ, and to relations to, and communion with him cleared up: and to that end enquire of your selves three things, ibid.
III. Get out of Gods Word Grounds of security that Christ will renew his Fellowship with you,
As, 1. The verity, certainty and constancy of his Relations,
2. The Properties of his Person.
3. The plenty & pregnancy of his Promises, Pag. 370
IV. Fill your mouths with Arguments. Plead thus, Pag. 375
1. That it is not presumption in you, but obedience to desire effectual Fellowship with him, ibid.
Seeing 1. God the Father hath called you to it, 2. Christ so often calls you to come to him, Pag. 376
2. That the Lord is your Redeemer and Husband, ibid.
3. That he hath declared his desire to be towards, and his delight in his espoused ones, Pag. 377
4. Doth he not bid us return after we have backslidden, Pag. 379
5. Remind him of the many prayers, tears, sighs, wherewith you have sought and lamented after him, Pag. 380
V. Recollect former experiences of Christs dealings in this case,
And those both
Your Own
and Others,
Pag. 381
VI. Reckon how joyful his returns to, and renewed Fellowship with your souls will be, and have an eye to the conditions of those Promises that relate thereunto, Pag. 384
FINIS.