and infirmity which they commit partly 1. Out of ignorance 2. By being suddenly surprized with temptations 3. Contrary to their owne purposes and endeavours 4. Of Brotherly love and in it 1. The kinds of it which are 1. Loving words which are good 2. Loving deeds which are better 3. Loving thoughts in the heart which are the best of all v. 18. if this kind of love be wanting the other two will be to no purpose And if 1. We be judged of hypocrisy and want of charity by the heart v. 20. We cannot 2. Escape the judgement of God who knoweth the secrets of our hearts ibid. 2. The benefit of it 1. To others in supplying their wants especially those of our owne profession v. 17. 2. To our selves which is an assurance of our regeneration which is a passing from the death of sinne to the life of righteousnesse v. 14. 2. Of our being no Hypocrites v. 19. 5. Of Gods Commandments 1. Their summe comprehended in two words 1. Faith in Christ Jesus v. 23. 2. Love of our brethren v. 23. 2. Their reward for keeping them 1. The grant of all our prayers v. 22. 2. An interest in Christ who if we keepe his Commandments will 1. Dwell in us v. 24. 2. Discover to us that he doth dwell in us by the testimony of the Spirit ibid. CHAP. IV. 1. Concerning faith in matters of Religion wherein he exhorts them 1. Not to be too rash in believing every doctrine they heare v. 1. But 2. To examine every thing Not 1. By the rule of their owne fancies and humours But 2. By the touchstone of Gods holy Word v. ibid. 2. He sheweth 1. What doctrines 1. Are true and to be adhered to viz. the doctrine of salvation by Christ Jesus v. 2. 2. Are false and hereticall which are such as denied the Divinity and Incarnation of Christ v. 3. 2. The natures and conditions of the venters of such doctrines They are such 1. As have not the spirit of inspiration and revelation which they beast so much of v. ibid. 2. As are worldly minded v. 5. 3. As are fleshly minded And 1. Preach sensuall things pleasing to flesh and bloud as licentiousnesse of life v. ibid. 2. Have sensuall Auditours v. ibid. 3. He doth comfort them against such Heretickes by telling them that they are such as have overcome the subtilties of them Not 1. By their owne strength and power But 2. By the wisedome of God whereby they are enabled to discover the falshood of such Heretickes And 3. By his power whereby they become Conquerours v. 4. 2. Concerning 1. Gods love to us wherein observe 1. The extent and greatnesse of it 1. In loving us first v. 19. 2. In expressing this love Not onely 1. In giving us the creatures for our use and service and preservation and good of our bodies But 2. In giving up his deare and onely Sonne for the salvation of our soules v. 9. 2. Our love to our neighbours 1. Because God loveth us v. 11. 2. Because we cannot love him againe unlesse we love our brethren v. 20. CHAP. V. 1. Of Faith 1. Its fruits which are 1. Regeneration and newnesse of life whereby the Regenerate 1. Beare Gods image v. 1. 2. Have a freedome 1. From wilfull sinning and making a trade of sinne v. 18. 2. From being if not 1. Assaulted Yet 2. Overcome by Satans temptations v. ibid. 3. Obtaine victory over the world v. 4. when it doth either 1. Flatter with prosperity Or 2. Threaten with persecution 2. A strong confidence of obtaining the grant of those prayers which we shall offer up to God at any time v. 14. 1. For our selves if they be not made 1. According to our own vain and wicked desires But 2. According to Gods blessed will which should be the rule of all our prayers v. 15. 2. For others when we pray for the pardon of their sinnes so as they be not such sinners as doe not 1. Sinne against the Holy Ghost v. 16. 1. For which God will give no repentance 2. To which for want of repentance he will give no pardon But 2. Onely commit such sinnes whereof 1. They may 2. They doe repent v. 16. 2. Of the object of faith 1. Jesus Christ 2. The promises of God concerning him 3. The fulfilling the types of the Ceremoniall Law in him As 1. The types of sacrifices by bloud in his freeing us from the guilt of sinne by his death 2. The types of washing in his freeing us from the polution of sinne by the Spirit 4. The certainty of Christs being on earth to be our Saviour because we have proofe and evidence for it and that of three Witnesses which is Not 1. Of men though that were sufficient by the Law of Moses But 2. Of the Holy Trinity v. 7. 1. Of God by a voice from Heaven 1. At his Baptisme 2. At his Transfiguration 2. Of Christ himselfe 1. By his doctrine 2. By his miracles 3. Of the Spirit perswading the truth of it 1. In the Word of God 2. In the consciences of men 3. Of Brotherly love the cause whereof is 1. The love of God whose image they beare v. 1. 2. Love of his Commandments which doe 1. Enjoyne us to love others v. 2 3. 2. Are easy to be performed because by the Spirit we have both 1. Will. 2. Power to keepe them v. 3. 4. Of our service to God who hath beene so loving to us in giving us his Sonne to save our soules which must be 1. Religious 1. In Spirit 2. In Truth And not 2. Superstitious in carved images under the faire pretences of representing him who is a God of a Spirituall Essence v. 21. The Analysis of the 2. Epistle generall of Saint JOHN CHAP. I. This Epistle was writ to a Lady wherein 1. The Commendation of her 1. Generally in being called a Lady Elect either 1. Because others did probably thinke her so for her many virtues as charity hospitality c. Or 2. Because the Apostle did certainly foresee her to be in the state of salvation by the inspiration of the Spirit v. 1. 2. Particularly for the good education and bringing up of her Children in the true Religion v. 4. whereby she preserved them from those heresies which many others were fallen into 2. The love and affection which was borne to her both from himselfe and others v. 7. and herein we may observe 1. The grounds of it which was not 1. Her beauty honour and riches But 2. Her Religion for she was loved for the truths sake v. 2. 2. The fruits and effects of the love which the Apostle bore to her which were 1. Joy for her Childrens good proficiency and increase in Religion v. 4. 2. An Exhortation to her to joyn love with her faith wherein he telleth her that his doctrine of Christian love is 1. No new upstart doctrine of his own invention v. 5. But 2. Such as was taught by the Apostles
2. Negatively 1. That it is not by workes for then 1. We might glory in them v. 2. 2. The reward would be a debt 2. That Circumcision doth not conduce to it because Abraham was justified when he was not circumcised v. 11. CHAP. V. 1. The Character of a faithfull man who hath 1. Peace of Conscience v. 1. 2. Accesse to God v. 2. 3. Joy in tribulations ibid. 4. Patience v. 3. 5. Experience v. 4. 6. Hope which is grounded upon Gods love which he shewed in sending his Sonne to dye for us 1. Who were unable to raise our selves v. 6. 2. Unworthy of his love in being his enemies v. 10. 2. The Charter whereby he holdeth all these graces which is a reconciliation with God procured and purchased for us by the merits of Christ Jesus ibid. 3. Our misery by the fall of Adam who transgressed against the Law of Nature before the promulgation of the Law of Moses v. 13. 4. Gods mercy in sending his Sonne to be a propitiation for our sinnes v. 18. CHAP. VI. 1. An inference from his former doctrine wherein is 1. A prohibition to abuse Gods mercy in sinning the more because he is so mercifull to forgive and that for two reasons v. 1. 1. Because it is against the order of Gods sanctifying grace whereby they that are dead to sin cannot in all common sense live unto it v. 2. 2. Because we are baptized unto newnesse of life v. 3 4. 2. The effects of Christ death 1. In taking away the guilt of sinne 2. In taking away the strength of it v. 5.6 3. The Analogy betwixt Christ and a Christian in 1. Life v. 4. 2. Death 4. The disparity betwixt 1. The slavery of sinne wherein is force v. 18. 2. The service of God which is freedome v. ibid. 2. An Exhortation to Christian Warfare wherein is his encouragement 1. In assuring the assistance of grace against sinne v. 14. 2. In assuring a Conquest over it v. ibid. 3. The benefit of Christian liberty 1. Sanctification in this world v. 22. 2. Glorification in the next ibid. CHAP. VII 1. Sinnes tyranny before the death of Christ signified by a Husband over mans nature signified by a Wife v. 1 2. 2. Sins power in the regenerate after his death whereof we have 1. Pauls humility in making himselfe the example of it v. 18.23 2. Pauls piety in the detestation of it and desire of freedome from it v. 24 25. 3. The Nature of the Law 1. Which doth discover sinne and in that is holy v. 7. 2. Which doth occasion sinne and in that is not faulty because sinne being brought to despaire by the harshnesse of it is provoked more and more v. 8. CHAP. VIII 1. Consolation against despaire because there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus v. 1. 2. Consolation against dejection in affliction and persecution in that all things worke for good to them that are in Christ Jesus v. 28. 3. A description 1. Of Carnality wherein is 1. The effect of it i. enmity against God v. 7. 2. The end of it i. death v. 13. 2. Of the Spirituall life and its benefits whereby the regenerate man 1. Hath everlasting life v. 16. 2. Is the Sonne of God heire of God c. v. 17. CHAP. IX 1. Pauls excessive sorrow even unto sinne for the Jewe rejection his owne flesh and bloud which is the greater because the meanes of their salvation was the greater v. 1 2 3 4 5. 2. The election of the Gentiles and rejection of the Jewes is confirm'd out of 1. Hosea 2. Esay v. 25.27 3. The causes of it i. Gods meere pleasure which hâ— proveth 1. By the example of Jacob and Esau v. 14. 2. By the words of Moses v. 15. 4. The Vindication of Gods honour in not electing all by proving that it is not 1. Against Gods promise nor v. 6. 2. Against his justice v. 14. 5. The End of Election and Reprobation which is God glory 1. For his mercy in saving some v. 23. 2. For his justice in passing by others v. 22. CHAP. X. 1. A description of 1. Legall justice 2. Evangelicall 2. The difference of both in that the 1. viz. legall breedeth doubts v. 6. 2. viz. Evangelicall taketh them away 3. The graduall meanes whereby Evangelicall justice is acquired which are 1. Preaching 2. Hearing 3. Beleiving 4. The inexculablenesse of the Jewes that did heare the Word 5. Isaias his prediction 1. Of the Jewes rejection 2. Of the acceptation of the Gentiles in which was 1. Gods mercy 2. Their unworthinesse of it being but meane people v. 19. CHAP. XI 1. A Consolation to the Jewes in giving them hopes of their restitution v. 11. 2. A Caution to the Gentiles not to be proud that they were elected and the Jewes rejected v. 18. 3. Reasons against the totall ejection of the Jewes 1. From Pauls example v. 1. 2. From the example of Elias v. 2. who both were Israelites v. 3. From Gods decree v. 2. 4. Reasons for their restitution 1. A minori ad majus If the Gentiles which were strangers were chosen much more shall the Jewes that were his owne people be received againe 2. From the Prophecy of Esay 3. From their parentage because they were the Children of Abraham v. 16. 5. The Cause 1. Of Election Gods free mercy 2. Of Reprobation infidelity 6. His admiration of Gods mercy and wisedome CHAP. XII The Apostle having in the former Chapters spoken of justification he doth in this speake of sanctification and of a good life and exhorts us to duties 1. Concerning God in offering up our selves a living sacrifice to him v. 1. 2. Concerning the Church that we be not high minded in doing any office in it v. 3. 3. Concerning our selves as to be patient in afflictions c. v. 12. 4. Concerning our enemies whom he exhorts us 1. To forgive v. 19. 2. To releive v. 20. CHAP. XIII Three Exhortations 1. To subjection unto authority for three reasons 1. Because God is the Author of it v. 1. 2. Because he is the revenger of disobedience v. 2. 3. Because he is the rewarder of obedience v. 3. 4. Because government is for our good and therefore we are bound in conscience to submit unto it v. 4. 2. To charity which comprehendeth all the duties of the second table unto our neighbour v. 8 9. 3. To temperance sobriety chastity and other virtues under the allegories of light and garments v. 12 14. and that because we are under the Sunshine of the Gospell v. 12. CHAP. XIV 1. A reprehension of two sorts of people for their dissention which are 1. Some converted Jewes 2. Some converted Gentiles 2. The matter of their dissention 1. Meates 2. Daies whereof the Jewes not quiâ—â— leaving off the observation of Mosâ—â— his Law made a difference after theiâ— conversion but the Gentiles making use of their Christian liberty thought all meats and all daies alike 3. The
presence of their Masters not onely to be eye-servers in working onely whilst their Master lookes on v. 6 7. And to this they are encouraged by a promise that God will be a better Paymaster to them for it then their Masters v. 8. 4. Of Masters to their Servants who are commanded 1. Not to be too severe to them v. 9. But 2. Gentle as knowing that they are Servants to God as well as Masters to Servants ibid. 2. To the maine Christian duty of spirituall warfare v. 11. wherein he tells them 1. Their Enemies i. Satan and wicked men v. 12. 2. Their Armes 1. Defensive 1. Girdle of truth v. 14. 2. Breastplate of righteousnesse i. a good conscience ibid. 3. The Shoes of Gospell-comfort against the stormes of persecution V. 15. 4. The Sheild of faith v. 16. 5. The Helmet of salvation v. 17. 6. Prayer 1. For the whole Church 2. For him who was a prisoner that he might preach the Word boldly v. 19. 2. Offensive i. the Sword of the Word v. 17. 3. Their posture courage and diligence v. 13. 3. His Care to acquaint them with his state and condition by sending Tychicus to them who was 1. To tell them how he did doe v. 22. 2. To exhort them not to grieve too much for his imprisonment ibid. 4. His usuall Conclusion with a prayer and blessing upon them v. 23 24. The Analysis of the Epistle of Saint PAUL to the PHILIPPIANS CHAP. I. After his wonted Salutation v. 1 2. The Apostle 1. Praiseth them 1. For their constancy in their profession of the Gospell v. 5. in his absence which was his joy v. 4. 2. For their sticking close to him 1. In his suffering for the Gospell 2. In his acting for it v. 7. 2. Prayeth for them 1. For their knowledge and this 1. Speculative 2. Practicall and experimentall v. 9. 2. For their unblameable carriage 1. To God 2. To men v. 10. 3. For their piety in doing good workes v. 11. 3. Relates the state and condition in which he was in viz. his imprisonment at Rome whereof he telleth the effect 1. In respect of others who were converted and made more resolute by his suffering whereby the Gospell did the more increase v. 12 13 14. 2. In respect of himselfe who 1. Bore patiently 1. His imprisonment 2. The preaching of the false Prophets to draw the people from him v. 15 16. 2. Was ready to suffer more for Christ whom he was confident to gain by both in life and death v. 20 21. 4. He sheweth his love of them and their welfare in the desire of the continuance of his life Not 1. For his owne sake because it would be better for him to dye to enjoy the joyes of heaven then to live to endure more misery v. 23. But 2. For their sake that he might live to doe them good which he was confident he should doe v. 24 25 26. Lastly Exhorteth them 1. Not to dishonour their profession by bad lives v. 27. 2. Not to be discouraged and drawne from it by any persecution whatsoever which would be 1. For the ruine of their persecuters 2. For the good of them to whom God did vouchsafe this especiall favour not onely v. 28. 1. To believe in Christ But 2. To suffer for him as he had done v. 29 30. CHAP. II. 1. An Exhortation or rather an adjuration as they expect to reape any benefit by Christ and as they are members of the same mysticall body c. v. 1. to have 1. Loving and peaceable spirits whereby they may be all one both 1. In Opinions And 2. In affections v. 2. which will be a great comfort to him in his affliction ibid. 2. Publique spirits not regarding their own ends but the good of others v. 4. 3. Humble spirits whereby they may be conformable to Christ whose Gospell they professe whose humility was so great that though he was a God v. 6. yet he condescended so much below himselfe as 1. To take upon him our vile flesh v. 7. 2. To suffer the ignominious death of the Crosse which was onely proper for bondslaves v. 8. for which humility he was rewarded 1. With power over all things v. 9 10. 2. With honour and praises from all tongues v. 11. 4. To avoid carnall security by working out their salvation with feare and trembling v. 12. for this very reason because they can doe no good thing of themselves v. 13. 5. To take heed of murmuring and wrangling v. 14. 6. To promote the Gospell both 1. By doctrine And 2. By life v. 16. 2. His great care for them testified 1. By his intention to send Timothy 1. To know in what condition they were in v. 19. 2. To let them know in what condition he was in v. 23. Whom he commends for a man of a publique spirit v. 20. 2. By his intention to visit them himselfe v. 24. 3. By sending Epaphroditus to them who was sent by them to him with a contribution to supply his wants v. 25. and got a dangerous sicknesse by taking such a long journey to him and for whose recovery he praiseth God because his death would have added affliction to his affliction v. 27. and desires them to receive him at his returne 1. With joy both for his recovery and returne And 2. With an honourable respect for hazarding his life for bringing a supply to his necessity which he calls a worke of Christ v. 29 30. CHAP. III. 1. The Doctrine 1. Of the false Prophets whom he exhorts them to avoid as being 1. Dogges barkers against the Gospell 2. Evill workers and maintainers of Concision i. Schisme in the Church rather then Circumcision v. 1 2 which doctrine was justification by the Law and the carnall descent from Abraham 2. Of the Apostle which is No confidence to be had in the flesh i. the carnall descent from Abraham Ceremonies and workes of the Law and all other things without Christ v. 3. which he did 1. Formerly when he was a Jew account great prerogatives and gaine v. 7. But 2. Now being converted from Judaisme he accounts hindrances and losses ibid. and all things else in comparison of Christ v. 8. for whom 1. He hath suffered much and was content to doe so so he might 1. Be justified and saved 1. By faith in him v. 9. And not 2. By the workes of the Law ibid. which he will not rely upon 2. Know him feelingly and practically the power of his resurrection v. 10. in raising him 1. Here from the death of sinne to the life of grace 2. Hereafter from the death of nature to the life of glory 3. Be conformable and like unto him in suffering for him ibid. 2. Will suffer more not thinking that enough which he hath done and suffered allready for him no more then he that runs a race regards the ground he hath runne over but being as he humbly confesseth not fully perfect he will not keepe at a stand
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
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
Precepts to be observed 1. Of subjection of Servants to their Masters whether they be 1. Infidels v. 1. Or 2. Believers v. 2. 2. Of Caution to all to avoid New Teachers who teach things contrary to the doctrine of Christ v. 3. Either 1. Out of ambition of honour v. 4. Or 2. Out of needlesse curiosity more about words then matter and wrangling Questions ibid. Or 3. Out of covetousnesse of gaine which they account falsely to be godlinesse v. 5 6. 3. Of the Use of riches which are to be enjoyed onely 1. To furnish us with necessary things as Meat And Cloathing v. 8. And not 2. To maintaine us in our lusts v. 9. 2. A strict charge to Timothy 1. Concerning himselfe to practice a good life 1. In being righteous godly faithfull meeke c. 2. In Spirituall warfare against the temptations of the Flesh the World and the Devill which he professed to resist either 1. At his Baptisme Or 2. At his Ordination v. 12. 3. In observing all his rules and precepts v. 14.20 2. Concerning Rich men that they be not 1. Proud of v. 17. Nor 2. Confident in their riches v. 18. But 3. Liberall of them in doing good workes whih God will reward Not 1. For any merit in them But 2. For his promise sake v. 18 19. The Analysis of the 2. Epistle of Saint PAUL to TIMOTHY CHAP. I. After his usuall salutation and benediction v. 1 2. we may observe 1. His love of Timothy expressed 1. In his praying for him v. 3. 2. In his desire to give him a visit v. 4. 2. His joy in him occasioned 1. By his sorrow which was either 1. For his sinne Or 2. For the affliction of S. Paul ib. 2. By his faith 1. For which he thankes God ibid. 2. By which he proves that he did not degenerate from his believing friends v. 5. 3. His Request to him 1. To persevere in that faith v. 6. c. Not to be discouraged by any affliction that either did befall the Apostle or might befall him for the Gospell v. 8. and that because God had given him 1. The spirit of love which would undergoe any misery for the party loved v. 7. 2. Eternall life of his meer grace and mercy for the merits of Christ Jesus v. 9. who hath freed us freed us from death and hath promised life by the Gospell v. 10. which Gospell he did 1. Preach to the Gentiles v. 11. 2. Suffer imprisonment by the Jewes for it v. 12. 3. Trust to be rewarded for it ibid. 2. To keepe close to the doctrine which he had left him and others for a pattern to follow in two chiefe points of Christianity 1. Faith in God 2. Charity to our Neighbour v. 13. And not 3. To forsake him in affliction as some of Asia had done i. Phrygellus and Hermogenes v. 15. But 4. To sticke to him as Oenesiphorus had done whom 1. He praiseth 1. For relieving him v. 16. 2. For making strict enquiry at Rome for him v. 17. 2. Prayeth for v. 18. CHAP. II. The Apostle perseveres in encouraging him to perseverance 1. In suffering Afflictions for the Gospell by Reasons taken 1. From the property of souldiers who should be hardy and he a spirituall souldier to be so too v. 3. and who leave home and friends to serve in the warre v. 4. 2. From the nature of fights and lawes thereof whereby the Combatants are bound to doe every action belonging to them v. 5. 3. From the paines that Husbandmen take for earthly fruits how much more should he for c. v. 6. 4. From the doctrine of the resurrection after which 1. They that suffer for Christ shall be rewarded 2. They that doe not shall be rejected v. 8.11 12. 2. In chusing faithfull Ministers that may not be wranglers about words v. 14. 3. In being himselfe 1. An Orthodox and sound Divine teaching nothing but truth v. 15. 2. A shunner of novelties vaine janglings and niceties which having corrupted some members of the Church as Hymenaeus and Philetus who held onely a spirituall resurrection of the soul would like a Gangrene destroy the whole if not prevented by him v. 16 17 18. And 3. Not troubled at the salling off of some from the Church 1. Because the Elect had a sure foundation and could not be shaken and seduced by any Heretickes v. 19. 2. Because it was no more strange for some to be bad in the Church then in a house for some vessels to be of gold and others of wood v. 20. 4. In all disputes an avoider though he was a young man of that vehemency heat and rashnesse which was incident to young men v. 22. and to be gentle and meeke even to those that did most oppose him v. 25. and of whose amendment there was but a peradventure and uncertainty ibid. v. last CHAP. III. A short Narration 1. What divers would be v. 2 3 4 5. viz. selfish covetous proud voluptuous hypocrites onely for outside Religion of which sort should be such as 1. Did seduce others especially women that were 1. Silly v. 6. 2. Sinfull ibid. 3. Desirous of novelty v. 7. Either with 1. Faire perswasions Or 2. Foule threats and terrours of conscience Or 3. Superstitious observations 2. Were seduced themselves by the Devill v. 13. 3. Should be discovered and come to confusion v. 9. 2. What he was 1. In doctrine v. 13. 2. In life v. 13. 1. By Faith 2. By Charity 3. By Patience in afflictions which were the lot of all Religious men v. 12. 3. What Timothy should be viz. a Maintainer of that doctrine which he had taught him v. 14. 4. What benefit is to be got by reading the Bible which is 1. Reproofe of false doctrines 2. Correction of bad manners 3. Direction in good courses v. 16 17. CHAP. IV. 1. The Duty of preaching 2. The Diligence in preaching pressed upon Timothy 1. With vehemency as he will answer for it at the day of judgement v. 1 2. 2. By shewing the great necessity of it 1. By reason of the inconstancy of the people who were alltogether For Novelty v. 3. And Vaine opinions v. 4. 2. By reason of the shortnesse of his life which he by Revelation foresaw v. 6. 3. The strength of the Apostles faith in his confidence of enjoying 1. Eternall happinesse after this life v. 8. 2. A joyfull deliverance from all miseries in this life v. 18. 4. His earnest defire to speake with Timothy in whose absence he would send Tychicus to supply his place at Ephesus v. 9.12 to whom he relates 1. The triall of himselfe before Nero. v. 16. 2. His triall of his friends in the time of his triall whereof 1. Some out of base feare and for worldly ends forsooke him as Demas v. 10. 2. Others he sent to take care of other Churches as Crescens and Titus ibid. 3. Saint Luke stucke close to him v. 11. But 4. Especially God who was above all friends
because God is a God of justice and vengeance as well as mercy v. 30 31. 3. Of Caution against impatience and that they doe not fall into it for these reasons because is They had formerly stoutly endured afflictions which were 1. Great full of contention like unto battailes v. 32. 2. Sharpned with publique scorne and derision v. 33. and therefore a shame to be worse then they had beene 2. God would reward them for it v. 35. 3. The reward would be certaine because promised by God v. 36. 4. Their comfort and reliefe would not be long deferred v. 37. 5. Their faith would make them live chearfully in the midst of all afflictions v. 37. 6. They were not of the number of backsliders v. last CHAP. XI 1. A Description of Faith v. 1. 2. The danger of the want of it v. 6. 3. The various and severall effects of it proved in many examples especially of the Fathers of old time who were famous for what they did by it and suffered for it v. 2. As 1. The knowledge of the Creation and 1. It s Author v. 3. 2. It s manner ibid. which many learned Philosophers with all their study could not find out 2. The acceptance both of 1. Our persons in Abels example v. 4. 2. Our actions in Abels example v. 4. 3. Freedome from death in the example of Enoch who was translated v. 5. 4. Watchfulnesse and providence to prevent future evils in the example of Noah who 1. Believing a floud to come provided an Arke to save himself and family v. 7. Whilst others 2. Disbelieving it were through carnall security drowned ibid. 5. A strong trust and confidence in God for maintenance and a livelyhood at all times and in all places in the example of Abraham whose faith made him 1. Willing to leave his owne Country 2. Confident to have a better i. in Heaven v. 8 9. 6. Temporall blessings beyond all expectation in the example of Sarah who had a child unlooked for against the ordinary course of Nature v. 11 12. 7. Selfe-deniall in the example of Abraham who denied his fatherly affection to his Sonne in offering up Isaac v. 17 18 19. 8. A strong relying upon Gods providence for all good things not onely 1. Towards a mans selfe But 2. Towards his posterity in the examples of Isaac and Jacob who by this confidence bestowed estates upon their posterity which were not then in their possession v. 20 21. 9. Courage to doe things even to the hazard of life in the example of the parents of Moses who preserved him though the King had forbid it upon paine of death v. 23. 10. Contempt of the World i. the riches and pleasures of it in the example of Moses who left his Courtiers life to live a miserable life with the afflicted Israelites v. 24 25 26. 11. Gods protection of them that doe undertake dangerous journies in the example of the Israelites who were preserved in their journey through the Red Sea v. 29. 12. Victory by weake meanes in the example of Jericho conquered by Rammes hornes v. 30. 13. Preservation in the midst of dangers in the examples 1. Of Daniel preserved in the Lyons denne v. 33. 2. Of the three Children preserved in the flames of fire v. 34. 14. Deliverance from dangers in the example of Rahab v. 31. and others v. 34. 15. Victory over dangers v. 34. 16. Miraculous recovery of life in the example of the woman of Sereptaes child raised by Elias v. 35. 17. A stoutnesse and valour 1. In refusing the offers of life upon tearms of forsaking their faith and Religion v. 35. 2. In enduring 1. Afflictions 1. In their names v. 36. 2. In their bodies 1. By imprisonment and whippings ibid. 2. By disconsolate wandring up and down v. 37 38. 2. Martyrdome of severall kinds as stoning sawing asunder c. v. 37. 4. And Lastly A strong Motive to stirre them up to faith by considering the faith of them of old and how that it would be a great shame for them 1. Not to believe in Christ already come When as 2. They of old which received not the promises v. 13.39 did strongly believe in Christ before his coming CHAP. XII The Christians journey wherein 1. The nature of it it is rugged and thorny implyed in these words Runne with patience v. 1. 2. The end of it i. Heaven 3. Our guides in it and examples to follow that we be not discouraged with those afflictions that are in it And these are 1. The Fathers of old mentioned in the former Chapter who by faith overcame great afflictions v. 1. 2. Christ Jesus whom we are chiefly to observe in this journey and to consider 1. The greatnesse of his person 1. In respect of power he is the Author and finisher of our faith v. 2. 2. In respect of his honour he sits at Gods right hand ibid. 2. The greatnesse of his sufferings afflictions in body and name ibid. So that out afflictions are nothing to his 3. His encouragement to suffer i. the consideration of the joyes of Heaven to be after all this enjoyed ibid. 4. Our comforts and refreshments against afflictions least we faint under them in the serious consideration 1. Of the smallnesse and lightnesse of our sufferings which are not the losse of life as Christs was v. 4. 2. Of the causes of them which is Gods love in that they proceed from God not 1. As an angry Judge But 2. As a loving Father v. 5 6 7. and therefore if we patiently suffer 1. The corrections of our earthly Fathers who often corrects out of passionate anger to please themselves much more should we 2. The chastisements of God who is our heavenly Father and corrects us not to please himselfe but profit us v. 9 10. 3. Of the benefit by them for though afflictions are 1. Hurtfull and unpleasant to the body v. 11. Yet they are 2. Helpfull and profitable to the soule ibid. 5. Directions for our behaviour in this journey which are 1. Not to be dejected nor to hang downe our hands and heads for any affliction whatsoever v. 12. 0208 1440 V But rather 2. To make all Gospell precepts tot he bearing of afflictions easy to us by a constant practice of them v. 13. 3. To be of a peaceable and holy conversation in all our wayes v. 14. 4. To take heed 1. Not to goe out of the right wayâ— by falling into heresies v. 15. 2. Not to goe backe againe when we are in the right way ibid. for grace being once lost is hard to be recovered as appeares by the example of Esau who could not recover the blessing which he lost v. 16 17. which he too late did seeke for with teares which were not 1. Of repentance and sorrow for his sin But 2. Of discontent and disdaine against his Brother for a temporall losse ibid. 6. Reasons to perswade us to walke well in this our Christian journey which are 1. The
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
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
meeke bearing of all afflictions v. ibid. 5. Godlinesse towards God in serving him ibid. 6. Charity 1. In a more especiall manner to our brethren of the same profession v. 7. 2. In a more generall manner to all men whatsoever ibid. 3. The Reasons of his Exhortation 1. Because we are engaged to live holy lives by the goodnesse of God to us which sufficiently appeareth 1. By his gifts which 1. Are all things belonging to our temporall and spirituall life v. 3. 2. Are wrought through knowledge in Christ Jesus ibid. 2. Because by his reward of those gifts which is exceeding great promises v. 4 2. Because we are called 1. To live holy lives here That we may 2. Live happy lives hereafter v. 3. 3. Because by a holy life we are made like unto God Not 1. According to his Divine Nature and Essence as if we had thereby the Godhead in us But 2. According to his Divine Image in righteousnesse and purity of the soule v. 4. 4. Because the knowledge of Christ without a good life is 1. No true knowledge for this is fruitfull in a good life v. 8. But 2. False hypocriticall and boasting in a meer shadow and blindnesse v. 9. 5. Because a holy life doth strengthen our assurance of our Election v. 10. 6. Because a holy life is the Pathway to Heaven v. 11. 4. The Earnestnesse of his Exhortation in pressing it so much upon them and that by reason 1. Of the frailty of their memories though their understandings were good v. 12 13. 2. Of the frailty of his mortall body whereby he was not to continue long with them to instruct them and therefore the shorter his time was to be with them the more diligent he would be in his Ministry v. 14. 5. His Defence of the truth of the doctrine which he preached against all gainsayers which was concerning Christ Jesus whose wonderfull power was 1. No lye and fable of his owne devising to deceive the people v. 16. 2. No new thing never heard of before But 3. A Reall truth which 1. He had seene with his eyes v. ib. 2. They themselves had read with their eyes in the Prophers v. 19. who foretold all that power and Majestie of Christ Jesus Not 1. Of their owne heads and fancies v. 20 21. But 2. By the inspiration and direction of the Holy Spirit v. last CHAP. II. Of Heretickes in which discourse the Apostle sheweth 1. The necessity and unavoidablenesse of the being of such kind of men that none may thinke it strange or be discouraged at it in that Heretickes 1. Have beene of old in the time of the Law amongst the Israelites v. 1. 2. Will be in our dayes in the time of the Gospell amongst the Christians 1. To try the faith of some 2. To exercise the patience of others 2. The doctrines of these Heretickes 1. The deniall of the principles of Religion as Redemption by Christ v. 1. 2. Licentiousnesse of life under pretence of Christian liberty v. 19. 3. Their ends and designes which are gaine and profit as Balaams designe was when he went to curse the Israelites meerly for a reward v. 3. 14 15. 4. Their wayes to obtaine those ends 1. A subtile pretence of Religion in speaking some truths to foist and bring in privily their false doctrines v. 1. 2. Faire flattering speeches v. 3.18 5. Their power in drawing many after them v. 2. 6. The manner of their lives they are 1. Hypocrites that make a faire shew outwardly yet are wels without water i. Professours without doing any good v. 17. 2. Troublesome and turbulent men in the Commonwealth 1. In speaking dishonourably of them that are in authority v. 10. which the Angels themselves their betters would never doe v. 11. 2. In not submitting peaceably to their government v. 10. 3. Intemperate men 1. In their gluttony v. 13. 2. In their drunkennesse v. ibid. 3. In their uncleannesse and want of chastity v. 14. 7. The misery which they will bring 1. Upon themselves i. great judgements v. 1.3 which will as certainly befall them as they did befall 1. The Angels v. 4. 2. Those before the floud v. 5. 3. Those after the floud of Sodom and Gomorrah v. 6. 2. Upon others and those 1. The godly that live amongst them by tormenting 1. Their eyes with the fight of their beastly actions as was Lots v. 7 8. 2. Their eares with hearing their unseemly talke ibid. 2. The weaker sort of Christians 1. By drawing them from the true Religion wherein they were not firmely setled v. 14. 2. By bringing upon them greater judgements for their relapsing backsliding and turning to their former wicked courses like dogges to their vomits and sowes to the mire v. 20 21 22. 3. Upon the Church which is scorne contempt and reproach which will be cast upon it by the enemies thereof for having heretickes amongst the members of it v. 2. CHAP. III. Three Vses 1. Of Caution to beware that they be not deceived by those false Prophets that denied the day of judgement v. 3.4.17 2. Of Direction how to avoid them which is 1. A constant meditation of the Holy Scriptures which they had 1. Read in the Prophets 2. Heard from the Apostles v. 2. 2. A Consideration of 1. The simplicity of their opinions in thinking 1. That all things are the same from the beginning of the World which is false because the world was destroyed with water v. 4 5 6. 2. That all things will be the same when as God 1. Hath created all things of nothing and can reduce them to nothing againe And 2. Will destroy all things so that there shall be new Heavens and a new Earth if not 1. According to their naturall substance Yet 2. According to their corrupt qualities v. 7. 2. The sinfulnesse of their lives in making a trade of sinning by walking after their lustss v. 3. 3. Of Exhortation 1. Not to be impatient in thinking the day of judgement to be long in coming to put an end to the miseries of this life 1. Because that that time which seemeth long to us is but short in respect of God in that a thousand yeares with us is with him but one day v. 8. 2. Because that the delay of the day of judgement is not 1. Because he will not punish the wicked But 2. Because he will favour the Elect that the longer it is deferred the longer time they may have to repent v. 9. 2. Not to be carnally secure but 1. To stand upon our watch and guard in respect 1. Of the certainty of the coming of Christ to judgement v. 10. 2. Of the uncertainty of the time of his coming ibid. 2. To endeavour 1. To cast off the corruption and filth of our sinnes for if the whole world must be purged of its corruption at the last day much more must we be purged of ours v. 11. 2. To put on the purity of holinesse v. 14. 3. To make