greatnesse of mercies already received in that we Christians doe not live 1. Under the threats and terrours of the Law which was given 1. With a fearfull sound of the trumpet 2. With dreadfull flames of fire 3. With terrible stormes v. 18 19. But 2. Under the sweet mercies of the Gospell which doth not 1. Threaten death to sinners But 2. Promise life and pardon if they be penitent through the bloud of Christ which doth not cry 1. For vengeance as Abels did But 2. For mercy and pardon v. 24. 2. The greatnesse of judgements which will be inflicted on us if we doe not walke answerable to this great mercy 1. In respect of the greatnesse of the person of Christ for if the contempt of Moses who was but a Servant upon Earth was severely punished how much more will the despising of the mercies by Christ Jesus our great Master in Heaven v. 25 2. In respect of the nature of God who though 1. He He hath beene mercifull to us in giving us his Sonne to satisfie for our sinnes Yet 2. He will be just in punishing us if we presume upon that mercy and walke not in some measure worthy of it v. 29. CHAP. XIII The Conclusion of the Epistle 1. With an Exhortation of them to several virtues as 1. Such as concerne themselves 1. In body as chastity v. 4. 2. In estate as contentednesse v. 5. 3. In mind and judgement as a setlednesse and constancy not to be led away with superstitious doctrines concerning the observation of Mosaicall rites in abstaining from certain kinds of meats v. 9. 2. Such as concerne others 1. In generall all men as 1. Wishing well to all v. 1. 2. Doing well to all v. 16. 2. In particular concerning some 1. Those who for the most part are either our equals or inferiours as 1. Hospitality of distressed travellers v. 2. 2. Charity to prisoners v. 3. 3. Prayers for the distressed v. 18. 2. Those who are our superiours as the Ministers of the Gospell as 1. Obedience to their government v. 7.17 2. Imitation of their virtues v. 17 With a servent prayer for them v. 20 21. for Gods 1. Sanctifying grace 2. Assisting grace With the good newes of Timothy's liberty v. 23. and his usuall salutation and benediction v. 24 25. The Analysis of the Generall Epistle of Saint JAMES CHAP. I. In this Epistle which was writ to the afflicted and dispersed Jewes after their captivities by Saint James who was 1. Not the sonne of Zebedee But v. 1. of this Chapter 2. Of Alpheus v. 1. of this Chapter He speaketh 1. Of the evill of Affliction and 1. Of our behaviour in it which must be 1. With patience whereof 1. The cause is faith v. 3. 2. The perfection which is perseverance to the end v. 4. 2. With chearfulnesse in that 1. Though he be low one way in being afflicted v. 9. Yet 2. He is exalted another way in having interest in Christ Jesus ibid. 2. Of our way to get the knowledge of the Author effects and benefits of this affliction which is prayer v. 5. which if it be made 1. With faith and confidence in God that he will grant it It will be 2. Successefull because God is bountifull and liberall to grant v. 5 6 7 8. 3. The benefit by it eternall joy for momentary sorrow v. 12. 2. The evill of Prosperity which is pride and vanity implyed in the virtue which the rich are bound to give God thankes for i. humiliâ—y which virtue is got by a serious consideration of the vanity of all earthly things which are compared to the flowers of the field v. 10 11. 3. The evill of Sinne and the cause of it which is 1. Our owne naturall corruption which 1. Draweâ—h us from that which is good v. 14. 2. Entiseth us to that which is evill ibid. And not 2. God who is not 1. The Author of evill But 2. Of every good thing 1. Temporall 2. Spirituall and in particular of our regeneration by the preaching of the Word v. 18. by which great gift of regeneration being received we are bound to doe the workes thereof 1. In avoiding those common sinnes 1. Of hearing 2. Of speaking 1. Unprofitable 2. Angry and passionate talke v. 14. 2. In the diligent hearing of Gods Word v. 21 22. 3. Serious meditation of Gods Word v. 21 22. 4. Faithfull practice of Gods Word v. 21 22. in the looking into the glasse of Gods Word not 1. Slightly to see our sinnes and presently after to forget them without any care to amend them like those that slightly look into glasses to see the faults of their faces and afterwards never mend them v. 23 24. But 2. Seriously with resolution to amend all v. 25. And to be a Christian not onely 1. In outward shew and profession of Religion But 2. In the true exercise of it 1. In keeping in the tongue from wronging others by detraction and bitter talke v. 26. 2. In stretching out the hand to the charitable reliefe of afflicted people as fatherlesse and widowes v. 27. 3. In living a life free from all scandall ibid. CHAP. II. How Christians should esteeme and thinke of others 1. For their riches and for these onely men are not to be honoured because rich men are usually 1. Oppressours v. 6. 2. Contemners of Religion ibid. 2. For their poverty and for this no man is to be scorned and contemned 1. Because God respects the poore in bestowing his graces upon them often in a more plentifull manner then upon the rich v. 5. 2. Because Charity commands us to love them v. 8. 3. Because the uncharitable contempt of them is the breach of the Law though all the other parts of the Law be performed v. 9 10 11. 4. Because mercifull judging of these men without scorned and hatred will be rewarded v. 13. 3. For their outward profession of their faith and for this onely men are not to be esteemed true believing Christians for where there is not a good life answerable to their outward shâ—w of Beligion there is no true faith for faith which doth jâ—stifie is not 1. A bare naked and historicall faith for this 1. Doth helpe others no more then wishing the poor meat doth fill their bellies v. 15 16. 2. Doth not distinguish a man from a Devill v. 19. But 2. A working faith which by good workes doth 1. Declare and testifie it selfe before men v. 18. 2. Justifie us before God as it did 1. Abraham not for bare believing but for doing i. in offering up his sonne v. 23. 2. Rahab not onely for a bare beliefe of Gods promises but for her good workes in entertaining the Spies sent by Joshua v. 25. 3. Preserve its life in the exercise of it selfe by good workes which though they be not 1. The soule of faith which is the cause of them Yet 2. They are the vitall spirit and breath of faith whereby the life of it may be
3. 2. Exhortation v. 3. 3. Comfort v. 3. 2. A Direction concerning Church affaires 1. Concerning Prophets who they should be 1. Not women because that would shew a dominion over their Husbands v. 34. 2. Not above three in number to avoid confusion v. 29. 2. Concerning prophecy and in it 1. The manner of it the Prophets must doe it successively one after another not all together for that too would breed confusion v. 31. 2. The triall of it which must be made by none but Prophets v. 32. 3. Concerning the rule of all Ecclesiasticall policy which is decency of order v. last CHAP. XV. 1. Of the resurrection of bodies And 1. Of Christs which is proved against some amongst the Corinthians that denied it 1. By Scripture v. 4. 2. By ocular testimony of men of good credit 1. The Apostles v. 5. 2. Five hundred Brethren v. 6. 2. Of Christian which is proved 1. By the resurrection of Christ which is the cause of ours v. 22. 2. By naturall reason the simple plowman will teach us it by shewing us the reviving of corn after it dyeth v. 36. 3. By shewing the absurd and dangerous consequences that would be if there were no resurrection As 1. All preaching would be to no purpose and our faith too v. 14. 2. All preachers would be imposters for preaching that which never would be and God himselfe a lyar v. 15. 3. Taking up Christs crosse and all Martyrdome would be madnesse if no reward in the next World v. 30 32. 4. The Epicures life would be the best if no life to come v. 38. and many other such like consequences 2. The difference betwixt these bodies of ours and those that shall be raised which will not be 1. In substance But 2. In quality for the bodies raised shall be 1. Incorruptible v. 42. 2. Glorious i. free from that rottennesse in the grave v. 43. 3. Strong i. free from all sicknesses c. v. 43. 4. Spirituall i. free from all the naturall actions of eating and drinking c. v. 44. 3. The suddaine change of some that shall be alive at Christs second coming v. 51 52. 4. The Death of Death triumph'd over v. 55. 5. The blessed Apostles exhortation to them to stand fast to that Article of the Creed concerning the resurrection and not to be driven from it by any perswasion of such company that deny it v. last and 33. CHAP. XVI The Close of the whole Epistle 1. With an Exhortation 1. Unto Charity in releiving the poore brethren at Jerusalem v. 1. who were in want Either 1. By famine foretold by Agabus Acts. Or 2. By persecution for religion Unto which are two motives 1. The example of the Churches of Galatia v. 1. 2. The certain delivery of it by trusty men v. 3. 2. Unto a reverend esteeme 1. Of Timothy for his Ministry v. 10. 2. Of the house of Stephanus for two reasons 1. Because it was the first that was converted in Achaia v. 15. 2. Because it was charitable to the distressed brethren ibid. 3. To beware of carnall security 2. With an Apology and excuse 1. For his staying at Ephesus for two reasons in respect 1. Of the opportunity he had of converting many thronging to the feast v. 8 9. 2. Of his adversaries that would grow stronger by his absence ibid. 2. For not sending Apollos who was in great esteeme amongst them v. 12. 3. With a fervent expression of his love to them in promising to give them a visit v. 5 6. 4. With a salutation 1. Generall in the name of the Churches of Asia v. 19. 2. Particular 1. In the names of Aquila and Priscilla ibid. 2. In his owne name 5. With a Benediction upon them v. last The Analysis of the 2d Epistle of Saint PAUL to the CORINTHIANS CHAP. I. 1. The direction of this Epistle 1. To the Church at Corinth v. 1. 2. To the Saints in Achaia whereâ—â— Corinth is the Metropolis 2. The salutation in it v. 2. 3. The Apostles thanksgiving 1. For his patience in affliction v. 4. 2. For his deliverance from it v. 10. Of whicâ— he telleth 1. The quality i. that it was so great thâ—â— he despaired of his life v. 8 9. 2. The place which was in Asia v. 8. 3. Gods intent in it that in such extremity he might put his whole trust in hiâ— v. 9. 4. The good he did others by it followinâ— his example v. 6. 4. The cause that others had to be thankfull as well aâ— he for their deliverance which was 1. His sincerity in all his wayes without any selfe and by-ends v. 12. 2. His fidelity to them ibid. 5. His Apology and excuse for the delay of his coming to them the cause whereof was not 1. His inconstancy in breach of promise v. 17. from whence his enemies did inferre that he was also inconstant in his doctrine to which he answers in vindication of 1. Himselfe 2. Timotheus 3. Sylvanus That 1. The Gospell of Jesus Christ which they preach'd v. 19. And 2. The promises of God in him v. 20. were unchangeable not yea and nay v. 18. i. without contradiction But 2. Partly his affliction 3. Partly his mild intent to spare them v. 23. that they might amend before his coming to prevent his severity after his coming CHAP. II. 1. The Apostle declares 1. What was the cause of his sorrow viz. their not amendment v. 1. 2. What would be the cure of it viz. their amendment v. 3. 2. He perswades them to Clemency in their Church discipline in desiring them to receive into their Church againe the incestuous person upon his repentance whom they had by his order excommunicated v. 6 7. 3. He disswades them from rigour in their discipline and too much severity least the party punished 1. Fall into despaire v. 7. 2. Least Satan take advantage by thaâ— despaire v. 10. 4. He gives thankes for the good successe he had in his preaching v. 14. whereby God is glorified whether 1. It denounce the sharpnesse of the Laâ— against the wicked v. 15. Or 2. Pronounce the sweetnesse of the Gospâ— to the godly ibid. Lastly He vindicates himselfe from the aspersions 〈◊〉 upon him as if he had beene a Corrupter of Goâ— Word to frame it any way to please mens humourâ— v. last CHAP. III. 1. The Apostles freedome from vainglory cast upon hiâ— by his enemies v. 1. 2. His matter of true glory that the Corinthians had received the Gospell by his preaching v. 3. wherein 〈◊〉 sheweth 1. Gods all-sufficiency and goodnesse in enabling him to be so good an instrument and praiseth his name so it v. 5 6. 2. His insufficiency v. 5. 3. A Comparison of the Law and Gospell whicâ— differ 1. In Operation the Gospell giveâ— life v. 6. the Law death v. 7. 2. In Duration the Law was transitory but for a time v. 11. but the Gospell permanent ibid. 3. In manifestation the delivery of the Law was obscure v.
13. but of the Gospell plain and perspicuous ib. and that the Jewes after the coming of the Gospell did not see the mysteries of it was Not 1. Because a vaile was on the Gospell But 2. Because the vaile was on their hearts v. 14 15. CHAP. IV. 1. The Apostles diligence v. 1. And 2. His sincerity in preaching the Gospell in using no dissimulation to gaine mens favours v. 2. 3. The end of his preaching which was 1. Christs glory v. 5. 2. His owne to shew his wit and eloquence 4. His vindication of the dignity of the Gospell which he strongly maintaineth not to be disparaged 1. Because it was not understood of all which was the fault of the men not it v. 3. 2. Because it was delivered by contemptible men v. 4. for therein did Gods glory more appeare 5. His courage in suffering stoutly for the Gospell v. 8 9 10. and in it his motives which were 1. The example of Christ himselfe whâ—â— suffered the like v. 10. 2. The hopes of being rewarded for it by raigning with him ibid. 3. The peoples good v. 15. 6. His comfort and support in affliction in that he wâ—â— not cast downe v. 8 9 10. 7. His comparison made betwixt 1. This life whereof it s 1. Miseries v. 1 2. Shortnesse v. lâ—â— 2. The next and in it 1. The joyes aâ— glory v. 17. 2. The continuaâ—â— and perpetuityâ— CHAP. V. 1. A Consolation to those that suffer in a good cause 〈◊〉 the doctrine of the resurrection v. 1. wherein 〈◊〉 Apostle speaketh of two sorts of bodies 1. Earthly and fraile like a tabernaâ— that is set up for a time and is sooâ— taken downe againe 2. Heavenly incorruptible and perâ—â—nent v. 1. For the hope of havinâ— such a body the godly doe not 1. Feare death but 2. Desire it v. 4.8 2. The meanes to attaine the blessed resurrection spoke of v. 1. which is sanctification of life v. 9. Whereunto are two Motives 2. The love of Christ who died for us for which great mercy we are bound in gratitude to live a holy life v. 14 15. 3. The Apostles profession of his integrity and sincerity in his calling wherein he 1. Vindicates his reputation v. 12. 2. Contemneth the scandalous reports raised upon him by his enemies which cannot discourage him from his Ministry v. 13. Of which Ministry he sheweth the dignity in two things 1. The authority of it it is from God v. 19. 2. The benefit of it it bringeth unto us good newes of our reconciliation with God and of righteousnesse which is not 1. Inherent But 2. Imputative v. 21. CHAP. VI. 1. An Exhortation not onely 1. To the profession But 2. To the practice of what they had learn'd of him v. 1. for three reasons 1. Because they had a faire opportunity for it v. 2. the Apostles living amongst them 2. For avoiding the scandall that might be cast upon them by the Heathen v. 3. if they should be onely formall Professours 3. Because they had his example for it ibid. wherein is presented a Catalogue of virtues necessary for all but especially for a Minister As 1. The virtue for suffering ill viz. Patience which is exercised with these evils 1. Afflictions v. 4. 2. Necessities v. 4. 3. Distresses v. 4. 4. Stripes v. 5. 5. Imprisonments v. 5. 6. Tumults v. 5. 7. Labours v. 5. 8. Watchings v. 5. 9. Fastings v. 5. 2. The virtues for doing well As 1. Chastity v. 6. 2. Knowledge v. 6. 3. Gentlenesse v. 6. 4. True love 5. Speaking the truth 6. Constancy 1. Not to be puâ—â— up on the righâ— hand with prâ—sperity as with praise 2. Not to be cast down on the left hand with adversity as with scorne and contempt v. 7 8. 7. Contentednesse v. 9 10. 2. A Dehortation 1. Before which he 1. Tells them his plaine affectionate dealing with them by way of preface v. 11. 2. Their ungratefull dealing with him in not shewing the like affection v. 12 13. 2. In which he forbids them to keepe company with Idolaters v. 14. as men that were unworthy of their company and as inferiour to them as 1. Righteousnesse is to unrighteousnesse ibid. 2. Light to darknesse ibid. 3. Belial to Christ and unbeleivers to beleivers v. 15. 4. Idols to the Temple of God which they were v. 16. 3. The benefit which they will have by leaving of Idolatrous company i. Gods favours who will be 1. Their Father And 2. Owne them for his Children v. last CHAP. VII 1. An Exhortation to purity to restifie our thankfulnesse for the grace received 1. Inward 2. Outward in abstaining from Idolatouâ— company which pollutes the flesh v. 1. 2. His love to them wherein 1. The extent of it to live and dye with them v. 3. 2. An excuse for writing so sharply to theâ— in his former Epistle being moved to do so out of love and not malice v. 8. 3. His sorrow and 1. It s Cause which was 1. The troubles by his adversaries Jewes and Gentlâ— without 3. His feares within for thâ— weaker sort least they shouâ—â— be either dejected or seâ—â—ced v. 5. 2. It s Cure which was 1. His joyfull meeting with Tâ—tus v. 6. whom he sent to Câ—rinth 2. The good newes by Titusâ— the effect of his former Epâ—stle in their amendment aâ— sorrow which was not 1. Worldly But 2. Godly v. 9. The effects whereof were 1. Carefullnesse 2. Holy indignatitâ— for their sinnes 3. Feare zeale v. 11. 3. Their kind usage of Titâ—â— v. 13. 4. His commendation of them to Titus v. last CHAP. VIII 1. An Exhortation to Charity in releiving the poore Saints at Jerusalem 1. By the example of the Macedonians v. 1. who being poore and afflicted gave 1. Chearfully of their owne accord v. 3. 2. Beyond their ability ibid. 3. Beyond his expectation v. 5. 2. By the Commendation of their virtues as utterance knowledge c. v. 7. 3. By the example of Christ who out of charity became poore for our sakes v. 9. 4. By the example of what they themselves had done formerly v. 10. 2. The Qualification of their charity which must be exercised 1. Chearfully v. 12. 2. Not beyond our ability v. 13. 3. His great expectation and encouragement of their charity by sending men of great note and integrity to receive it as 1. Titus his fellow-labourer v. 23. 2. Saint Luke 3. Sylas as is supposed whom he desires may be kindly used by them v. last 4. His Care 1. Of a good conscience 2. Of a good name v. 21. Least if he went himselfe he might be suspected to doe it to enrich himselfe CHAP. IX The Continuation of his Exhortation to Charity wherein he 1. Commends their forwardnesse to make thee the more ready to give v. 2. 2. Excuseth his earnestnesse with them for it and his sending the brethren to gather it not as 〈◊〉 1. He doubted of their Charity But 2. Least 1. He should suffer in his credit which
but will labour to be more perfect v. 12 13 14. and exhorts them to doe the like and 1. To follow 1. Him as an example 2. The Word as the rule 1. Of faith 2. Of life 2. To avoid dissention v. 15 16 17. 2. The life 1. Of the false Prophets 1. Who mind nothing but earthy things the belly i profit and pleasure 2. Whose actions will be their shame and whose end their destruction v. 18 19. 2. Of the Apostle and the converted Philippians he writes to 1. Who mind heavenly things v. 20. 2. Whose end shall be a joyfull resurrection to life everlasting v. last CHAP. IV. 1. An Exhortation 1. To them in generall whom he speakes to with many loving expressions v. 1. 1. To perseverance v. 1. 2. To courage and joy in afflictions v. 4. 3. To meeknesse and modesty v. 5. 4. To a faithfull relying upon Gods providence for the supply of our necessities without carting care v. 6. 5. To a constant endeavour to get all virtues necessary for a Christian conversation v. 8. and practice of 1. His doctrine v. 2. 2. Life v. 2. 2. To some in particular 1. To Enodias and Syntiche two women who had the office of Deaconship for the poore who were at some variance to be reconciled v. 2. 2. To the chiefe Pastour of the Church to whom he directed his Epistle to be communicated to the rest to be helpfull to some that were his Assistants v. 3. 2. A thankfull Commemoration and remembrance of their benevolence to him to supply his wants 1. Formerly at Thessalonica which was the more commendable because they rereleived him when he preach'd to others v. 16. 2. Of late when he was prisoner at Rome by Epaphroditus for which he did rejoyce not so much 1. For his owne sake because his wants were thereby supplyed v. 17. because he could have beene content if they had sent him nothing as having learn'd the Art of contentment in all estates as well of adversity as prosperity v. 11 12. But 2. For their sakes because God would reward them for it v. 17 18 19. 3. A Conclusion and in it 1. A Doxology and praising of God v. 20. 2. A Commendation 1. From himselfe 2. From others v. 21. 3. A Benediction v. last The Analysis of the Epistle of Saint PAUL to the COLOSSIANS CHAP. I. After his wonted Salutation 1. His Thanksgiving v. 3. and in it 1. The cause which was 1. Their faith in God v. 4. 2. Their charity to men ibid. 2. The reason of it because they would obtaine eternall life v. 5. 2. His praise 1. Of the Gospell 1. For the spreading of it v. 6. 2. For the fruit of it ibid. 2. Of Epaphra their Minister the Preacher of this Gospell whom he praiseth 1. For his calling the Ministry v. 7. 2. For the good performance of it with faithfulnesse ibid. 3. For bringing him intelligence of their state and good condition i. of having those virtues before mentioned v. 8. for the increase of which Virtues in them he fervently prayeth v. 9 10 11. 3. His doctrine of our Redemption which the false Prophets so much opposed wherein 1. The motive cause of it the love of God who hath 1. Made us partakers of Heaven a lightsome place v. 12. And 2. Hath delivered us from Hell a darksome place v. 13. 2. The meritorious cause the suffering and bloudshedding of Christ upon the Crosse v. 14. who is described 1. To be God by the Attributes of the Godhead 1. Creation for he is a Creatour v. 16. 2. Eternity for he was before all things v. 17. 2. To be Head of the Church v. 18. 3. A Peace-maker betwixt an angry God and sinfull man v. 20. 4. His Application of his doctrine of Redemption to the Colossians wherein 1. He sheweth 1. Their misery in the state of nature before their Conversion by being enemies to God v. 21. 2. Their happinesse in the state of grace after their conversion by being made friends and reconciled unto God ibid. and not onely having their persons justified but natures sanctified v. 22. 2. He exhorteth them to perseverance in this doctrine v. 23. for these reasons 1. Because he was the Preacher of it ib. which he would not be if it were not true 2. Because he was a Sufferer for it and that with chearfulnesse which did shew the truth of it too v. 24. 3. Because this doctrine being gratiously revealed and made knowne to them which was concealed from former ages v. 26. did oblige them to continue in it 4. Because it contained the riches of Gods mercy in the salvation of the Gentiles by Christ Jesus v. 27. CHAP. II. His publique care of the Church expressed 1. In his earnest endeavour for the perseverance of the Colossians in their Christian profession v. 1. The fruits of which perseverance would be 1. Comfort v. 2. 2. Love ibid. which proceed from an agreement in Religion 2. In his Exhortation to perseverance mixed with a Commendation of them to move them to it v. 5 6. whom he would have to persevere in three things 1. Stedfastnesse of faith compared to the rooting of a tree and foundation of a building v. 7. 2. Abundance of that faith ibid. 3. Thanksgiving to God the giver of it ibid. 3. In his Caution to them to take heed of Imposters and false Teachers and of being seduced 1. By the vanity of Philosophers wherein he doth not condemne Philosophy it selfe as being an usefull thing in Divinity But 2. The Traditions of men 3. The Ceremonies of Moses v. 8. All which are unnecessary to supply any defect in Christ because there is no defect in him and therefore no need of these as the false Teachers did tell them for these reasons 1. Because Christ being God v. 9. all perfection is in him and we perfect in him without those v. 10. 2. Because there is no necessity of the Jewish carnall circumcision to us that have the spirituall v. 11. 3. Because by Christ we have 1. Mortification of sinne And 2. Newnesse of life v. 12 13. 4. Because we have a full Acquittance from our debt to the Law being paid by Christ v. 14. and therefore no necessity of observing any ceremony of it 5. Because in him we have the conquest of Sin Satan and death v. 15. 4. In his Exhortation to put no confidence in and to give no credit to false Teachers 1. Of Mosaicall ceremonies concerning the difference 1. Of meats v. 16. 2. Of dayes v. 16. Because they were shadowes which vanished away when Christ the substance came v. 17. 2. Of the Traditions of men concerning worshipping of Angels v. 18. meates and drinkes v. 21. which are meer hypocrisy v. 23. CHAP. III. After his doctrine of the justification of their persons by faith he doth as in other Epistles exhort them to sanctification of life by good workes wherein he telleth them 1. The maine end they should aime at which
is eternall happinesse in Heaven v. 1. 2. The meanes unto that end 1. Mortification of sinne by the death of Christ v. 3. 2. Vivification and newnesse of life by the resurrection of Christ v. 1. 3. What they are to avoid in their mortification 1. Fornication and in it 1. The outward acts i. uncleannesse 2. The inward acts inordinate affection concupiscence v. 5. 2. Covetousnesse whereby men trust in money as in their God ibid. 3. The sinnes 1. Of the heart anger malice 2. Of the tongue 1. Censuring detraction speaking ill of others 2. Obscene talke 3. Lying v. 8 9. 4. Why they are to avoid these sinnes 1. Because of the punishment which will be inflicted for such sinners v. 6. 2. Because of their conversion from those sinnes so that their newnesse of life requires new manners and that they should not any more follow their old sinfull courses v. 7.9 5. What they are to doe in their justification i. newnesse of life i. the putting on i. practising 1. Of mercy in relieving those that are in want v. 12. 2. Of meeknesse patience c. towards those that have wrong'd us 1. In enduring the wrongs 2. In forgiving the wrongers after the example of Christ v. 13. 3. Of charity which is the perfection of of virtues wherein they are linked together v. 14. 4. Of a peaceable and quiet carriage and behaviour amongst all men v. 15. for these reasons 1. Because peace was established betwixt them being Gentiles and the Jewes who were formerly at odds ibid. 2. Because they were bound to live peaceably to testifie their thankfulnesse for that peace established amongst them by being made one Church who were formerly enemies ibid. 6. Why they are to practice these virtues in their newnesse of life 1. Because of their Election 2. Because of their Baptisme whereby they were consecrated unto holinesse 3. Because of Gods love unto them to whom they ought to testifie their love by a new life v. 12. 7. The rule of all their actions words and thoughts i. the Scripture out of which he bids them gather matter 1. Of instruction v. 16. 2. Of admonition v. 16. 3. Of praise v. 16. 8. The end of their Actions c. which should be Gods glory v. 17. 9. Particular Family duties 1. Of wives to husbands whose subjection is not 1. Absolute in all things But 2. Conditionall and limited i. in all things that are not displeasing to God v. 18. 2. Of husbands to their wives who 1. Are commanded to love them 2. Are forbid to be harsh to them either in 1. Thoughts v. 19. 2. Words v. 19. 3. Deeds v. 19. 3. Of children to their parents of whom they have their 1. Being 2. Nourishment 3. Education and therefore are bound to be obedient to them v. 20. 4. Of fathers to their children who are forbid to provoke their children to anger which may be done v. 21. 1. By denying them necessary things 2. By laying too heavy commands on them 3. By sharpe rebukes when they are not faulty 5. Of servants to their masters to whom he 1. Exhorts them to doe true and faithfull service and not onely whilst the masters eye is on them v. 22. But 2. Encourageth them to it by the promise of a reward in Heaven v. 24. CHAP. IV. 1. An Exhortation 1. In particular to masters to doe justice to their servants with this motive because they are servants too to Christ their master who is 1. Holy and hates injustice 2. Omnipotent and can punish it v. 1. 2. In generall to all 1. To be constant in prayer 1. For themselves v. 2. 2. For him and other Ministers that they might preach the Word boldly v. 3. 2. To be wary circumspect and prudent in their carriage v. 5. 3. To be discreet in their talke v. 6. 2. The Reasons why he sent Tychicus and Onesimus to them whom he highly commends for their fidelity in the Ministry to make them more gracious with them v. 7.2 were 1. To let them know his imprisonment at Rome by Nero and his condition in it v. 7.9 2. To let him know their state and condition v. 8. 3. To comfort them ibid. 1. That his affliction might noâ— make them sorrow too much 2. That it might not discourage them and make them fall off from the Gospell 3. Courteous Remembrances and Commendations from him and some particular persons 1. To the Colossians in generall as from 1. Aristarchus his fellow prisoner v. 10. 2. Marcus 3. Jesus called Justus for his integrity all which did 1. Helpe him in his Ministry 2. Comfort him in his misery v. 11. 4. Epaphras their Minister whom he commends to make them love him the more v. 12 13. 5. Saint Luke the Physitian v. 14. 2. To some of them in particular as 1. To the brethren in Laodicea v. 15. to whom he desires them to communicate this Epistle v. 16. 2. To Nymphas and his religious family v. 15. 4. A Memorandum 1. To Archippus not to be slothfull in his Ministry v. 17. 2. To them not to forget him in his imprisonment v. 18. 5. A Benediction ibid. The Analysis of the 1. Epistle of Saint PAUL to the THESSALONIANS CHAP. I. After his wonted Salutation in the name of Sylvanus Timotheus and his owne to confirme his doctrine by the approbation of them two v. 1. and benediction ibid. 1. He expresseth his thankes to God for them v. 2. the cause whereof was 1. Their Faith which was not a bare one without good workes v. 3. 2. Their Charity which refuseth to undergoe no toyle and paine and cost ibid. 3. Their Hope which by the expectation of eternall blisse causeth patience in afflictions ibid. 4. His assurance that they were the elect people of God 1. Because they received the Gospell not onely in their eares but hearts v. 5. 2. Because they chearfully suffered for it after the example of him and our Saviour v. 6. 3. Because they by their examples life and doctrine did encourage others to sticke close to the Gospell as those of Macedonia and Achaia 2. He telleth of their fame and great name that they had through the whole World so that there was no necessity of his commendation of them 1. For their readinesse in receiving the Gospell preached by him v. 9. 2. For their conversion from Heathenisme wherein they served Idols which were dead Gods to the service of the true living God ibid. 3. For their earnest expectation of Christs second coming to judgement v. last which made them the more patient and couragious in their afflictions CHAP. II. 1. His Commendation of himselfe without any vaine-glory wherein 1. He sheweth 1. The good successe of his preaching v. 1. 2. His courage in preaching without feare of any persecution v. 2. 3. His sincerity without base flattery of any though never so great v. 4 5. 4. His Freedome 1. From vainglory in not making the peoples applause the end of his pâ—eaching
By trusting and hoping in him 3. To follow the example of Christ and not to take it ill if they suffer wrongfully when as Christ himselfe was not free from afflictions v. 18. and did not onely suffer 1. By unjust men But 2. For unjust men ibid. Who is 1. More righteous and holy then they in doing good Not onely 1. In the flesh in the New Testament But 2. By his Spirit in the Old by inspiring Noah to preach repentance to those sinners of his time whereof 1. Some for not repenting are now damned in Hell v. 19. 2. Others upon repentance were saved by water v. 20. to which water Baptisme may be compared whose virtue doth consist Not 1. In the bare outward act of washing the outside of the body But 2. In cleansing the inside of the soule v. 21. 2. More powerfull in that though 1. He died in the flesh Yet v. 18. 2. He was quickned by the Spirit v. ibid. 3. More honourable in that he sits at Gods right hand v. last CHAP. IV. An Exhortation to many Christian duties taken from the Doctrine of our Redemption mentioned in the former Chapter As 1. To mortification of the flesh wherein we have 1. The motives to it which are 1. The consideration of the death of Christ v. 1. 2. The serious consideration of our former ill led lives v. 3. 2. The effect of it which is not the taking away 1. Of the very essence and being of sinne But 2. Of the power and dominion of it v. 1. 3. The meanes whereby it is wrought i. the preaching of the Gospel v. 6. 2. To the Devotion of the soule in prayer whereunto is required 1. The consideration of the day of judgement v. 7. 2. Vigilancy over the heart against drowsinesse and distracted wandring thoughts ibid. 3. To Charity 1. In thinking well of others 2. In speaking well of others 3. In doing well to others 1. In our owne private Houses by hospitality v. 9. in relieving the hungry and distressed Strangers 2. In Gods House the Church wherein those that are lawfully called to the Ministry are bound to doe good to the souls of others by their gifts in preaching Gods holy Word v. 10. which is to be delivered with that 1. Gravity 2. Reverence as may become it v. 11. 4. To patience in Afflictions where we may consider 1. Their nature what they are i. trials of our faith v. 12. 2. Their kinds which are 1. In estate as losse of riches 2. In body as losse of health 3. In name as slanders and reproaches v. 4.14 3. Their Causes which are 1. Bad as theft murther medling too much with other mens businesses v. 15. 2. Good as profession of Religion v. 16. for which Christians were persecuted in those Primitive times 4. Their Extent which is to all men good and bad v. 17. 5. Our behaviour and carriage in these afflictions which doth consist 1. In not wondring at them as new things that never happened to any but our selves v. 12. 2. In not being dejected and cast downe with them but rather rejoycing v. 13. 1. Because we have Christ for the Example of our sufferings ibid. 2. Because we shall have joy for the reward of our griefe ibid. 3. Because it is the lot of all Christians v. 17. 3. In submitting to Gods will in all our sufferings 4. In committing our selves and our cause to Gods care and protection in all distresses whatsoever v. last CHAP. V. 1. Other Duties 1. Of Ministers towards their flock which are 1. The constant instruction of them 2. The carefull government of them v. 2. to both which are required 1. Willingnesse of the mind ibid. 2. Honesty of the heart in respecting 1. Gods glory 2. The peoples good And not 3. Their owne gaine and profit ibid. 3. Their loving carriage towards them without insulting over them v. 3. To which duties is annexed their encouragement in their calling i. their reward v. 4. 2. Of the people 1. To the Ministers that they and especially the younger sort use a reverent carriage towards them v. 5. 2. To one another in using a friendly and a loving carriage to all without pride and insolency Because pride is 1. Hatefull to God ibid. 2. A hindrance to the receiving of his graces which are given onely to the humble ibid. 3. Of all both Pastour and flock to God Allmighty 1. In a patient bearing of afflictions sent by him 1. Because it is in vaine to resist him who is all-powerfull v. 6. 2. Because meeknesse in afflictions is the way to deliverance from them v. ibid. 2. In a sincere relying on him and trusting in him for deliverance v. 7. 3. In keeping a strict watch over our selves that we may not be surprized by the temptations of Satan who is an Enemy 1. Cruell And 2. Subtile and industrious v. 8. 4. In arming our selves against his temptations with a lively faith and not thinking our selves the worse for them because they befall the best men v. 9. 2. The Apostles Conclusion of the Epistle wherein 1. His Prayer and therein 1. The Preface of it wherein are 1. Gods titles 2. Gods goodnesse v. 10. 2. The matter of it that they may persevere and continue in Gods grace ibid. 3. The Conclusion of it Gods praise v. 11. 2. The Party by whom he sent it i. Sylvanus with his commendation v. 12. 3. The Men with whom he was and the place where he was when he writ it and his Farewell v. 13 14. The Analysis of the 2. Epistle generall of Saint PETER CHAP. I. 1. His Salutation of the same persons writ to in his former Epistle wherein is 1. His calling and this 1. Generall a Christian v. 1. 2. Particular an Apostle ibid. 2. Their calling which is the profession of the Christian faith whereof consider 1. The worth of it as being pretious ibid. 1. In respect of its Object i. Christ 2. In respect of its End i. the salvation of our soules 2. It s comparison with the faith of the Apostle which is the same 1. In respect of its virtue v. ibid. Though not 2. In respect of its degree 3. The cause of it Gods mercy in that it is Not 1. A worke of our selves But 2. A gift of God through the righteousnesse of him and our Saviour ibid. 3. His prayer for them v. 2. 1. For grace and peace ibid. 2. For their increase in both v. ibid. 2. His Exhortation of them to holinesse of life 1. In leaving off the sinnes which they have followed in the time past v. 4. 2. In becoming new men for the time to come by a constant endeavour to get by the assistance of Gods grace 1. A working and no bare and naked faith but such as is joyned with a good life v. 5. 2. Knowledge in the mysteries of Religion v. ibid. 3. Temperance in prosperity in the moderate use of all temporall blessings v. 6. 3. Patience in adversity in the
themselves from the beginning of the preaching of the Gospell ibid. 3. A Caution to her to take heed 1. Of the dangerous doctrine of Heretickes who denied 1. The Incarnation of Christ 2. The Redemption by Christ v. 7. 2. Of the dangerous company of Heretickes v. 10. 1. Because they were deceivers cheats and coseners able to deceive well grounded Christians if they did not look to themselves v. 7. 2. Because if they did not persevere in that course they had begun but should unhappily be misled by Heretickes there would be a losse 1. Of all his pains taken with them 2. Of all that ever they had done and suffered for Christ 3. Of that reward which God will give to perseverers v. 8. 3. Because by being familiar with them they would sinne 1. By encouraging them in their sinnes 2. By giving scandall to others v. 11. 3. An Apology and excuse for the shortnesse of his Epistle v. 12. The Analysis of the 3. Epistle Generall of Saint JOHN 1. He expresseth 1. His affection to Gaius the Host at Corinth which was not 1. Fained and complementall But 2. Reall and true as appeares by his hearty praver for the health of his body answerable to the health of his soule v. 2. Which consisted 1. In a joyfull communion with God 2. In a chearfull peace of conscience 2. His commendation of him for his great hospitality whereof 1. The ground and cause of it which was Not 1. Vaine-glory But 2. A lively faith in that whatsoever he did in this kind he did it faithfully v. 5. 2. The extent of it which was Not onely 1. To the brethren of his owne profession as Christians who were persecuted for the Gospell v. 7. But 2. Even to strangers as men v. 5. 2. He encourageth him to continue in his hospitality by telling him 1. The thankfulnesse of those that were relieved by it which they expressed by making a publique report of it before the Church v. 6. 2. The acceptablenesse of it God as being done after a godly sort ibid. 3. The generall duty of all Christians to relieve those that are in distresse v. 8. 4. The hospitality of Demetrius as a fit example for him to follow v. 11. who hath 1. A good report both 1. Of others v. 12. 2. Of himselfe v. 12. 2. A true report as being of the truth it selfe ibid. 3. Sheweth his disaffection to Diotrephes a Minister at Corinth wherein 1. The cause of it which was his want of charity to the distressed brethren v. 10. and of this uncharitablenesse in Diotrephes observe 1. The cause of it which was ambition v. 9. he would not have the brethren respected least their respect should lessen his respect amongst them 2. The aggravation and hainousnesse in that he was not onely 1. Uncharitable himselfe But 2. Hindred the charity of others v. 10. 2. His intention to exercise his authority in calling him publiquely to question for it ibid. 4. He concludeth his Epistle with an Apology as in the former for the shortnesse of it v. 13 14. The Analysis of the Epistle generall of Saint JUDE 1. The Parties to whom the Epistle is writ which are Not 1. Particular men or Churches as those to whom the other Apostles writ But 2. All men whatsoever that are 1. Inwardly sanctified by the Spirit v. 1. 2. Outwardly called by the practice of the Word ibid. 2. His care of their salvation 1. In writing to them of a weighty matter concerning the salvation of their soules 1. To discharge his duty For saith he it is needfull for me to doe so v. 3. 2. To forewarne them to be constant and to keepe close to the faith Which is not here meant 1. A justifying faith But 2. The doctrine of the Gospell which is the object of it v. 3. 2. In not neglecting the fit season and opportunity of writing when Heretickes began to stirre themselves whom that they may the better avoid he doth 1. Shew the wickednesse and abhomination 1. Of their Tenents and Doctrines which was 1. The denying of the Godhead of Christ 2. A preaching of licentiousnesse of life under the pretence of Christian liberty v. 4. 2. Of their lives 1. In generall as being men 1. Who were not loved by God But 2. Let to their owne wayes and permitted by his divine providence to fall into those damnable opinions v. ibid. 2. In particular 1. By comparing their sinnes with the sinnes of old as 1. Their murmuring against Governours with that of the Israelites v. 6. and more particularly with that of Corah v. 11. the aggravation whereof appeareth in that 1. They used their Governours worse then Michael the Archangell did the Devill for Michael did not raile against Satan v. 9. Though 1. He was greater then they and had authority to doe it 2. Satan was worse then the worst of Governours 2. They railed against them out of ignorance v. 10. 2. Their contempt not onely of Governours but of Government it selfe with that of the Angels that fell v. 6. 3. Their uncleannesse and bestiality with that of Sodom and Gomorrah v. 7. 4. Their covetousnesse in venting their heresyes meerly for gaine with that of Balaam v. 11. and respecting and admiring men more 1. For their outside riches and greatnesse to advance their fortunes v. 16. Then 2. For their inside holinesse 2. By shewing 1. The hypocrisy of their carriage in making a shew of more learning and piety then they had in being men 1. Of faire pretences and promises 2. Of no performance and for this reason they are compared unto 1. The clouds that promise raine but yeild none v. 12. 2. To wels without water and trees without fruit ibid. 2. Their gluttony and drunkenesse without feare 1. Of offending God by it 2. Of being ashamed amongst men for it ibid. 3. Their frothy and rotten discourse which they belch out as the Sea doth mire and dirt v. 13. 4. Their ficklenesse and inconstancy running from one opinion unto another like Planets that observe no regular motion ibid. 2. To disswade them the more to forsake Heretickes he further sheweth 1. The disgrace of being in their company and having any familiarity with them as being blemishes to their company especially in their feasts as spots from fat and liquor are to garments v. 12. 2. Their punishment 1. From the example of Gods justice upon the like sinners as the Israelites the Angels those of Sodom and Gomorrah c. 2. From the certainty of Gods judgement upon them at the day of judgment the certainty of which day appeares by the prophecy of old by Enoch who foretels 1. The coming of Christ to judgement v. 14. 2. The pomp and state of his coming i. with Angels waiting upon him ibid. 3. The dreadfull sentence that will be passed by him 1. Upon ungodly deeds v 15. 2. Upon bitter and railing speeches 1. Against Magistrates 2. Against the mysteries of Religion ibid. Lastly He concludeth with praising God 1. For his power which can 1. Keep them from backsliding and Apostasy v. 24. 2. Present them at the day of judgement 1. Without fault v. ibid. And 2. Without feare because without fault so that his presence which will be 1. Dreadfull to great sinners Will be 2. Joyfull to them v. ibib 2. For his wisedome v. 25. which is 1. Excellent above all humane wisedome confounding the wisedome of the wisest 2. Perpetuall shewing it selfe at all times when as the wisest man upon earth is not wise allwayes 3. For his goodnesse in using 1. His power for our good in that he is our Saviour ibid. 2. His wisedome for our good in that he is our Saviour ibid. FINIS