A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word.

Title

A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word.

Author

Downame, John, d. 1652.

Publication

Printed at London :: By Felix Kingstone [and William Stansby] for Ed: Weuer & W: Bladen at the north dore of Pauls,

[1622]

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Subject terms

Christian life -- Early works to 1800.

Link to this Item

https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A20762.0001.001 content_copy

Cite this Item

"A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A20762.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 3, 2024. content_copy

Contents

• engraved title page
• TO THE MOST RE∣VEREND FATHER IN GOD, GEORGE, BY GODS PROVIDENCE, ARCH∣bishop of CANTERBVRY his Grace, Primate of all England, and Metropolitane, and one of his Maiesties most Honourable Priuie Councell, I. D. wisheth all happinesse, temporall and eternall.
• TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.
• A TABLE CONTAI∣NING IN IT THE CONTENTS of the Chapters and Sections in the Treatise following.
  • The Contents of the first Booke.
  • THE SECOND BOOKE of a godly life, containing the maine parts and principal duties of it, which wee ought generally to performe at all times, and vp∣on all good occasions.
  • THE THIRD BOOKE OF a godly life, contayning in it those duties which are required in our daily exercise, both gene∣rally at all times of the day, and vpon all occasions, and specially in the seuerall parts of it. p. 163
  • THE FOVRTH BOOKE of a godly life, containing in it the properties of it, and all the duties required vnto it. p. 403
  • THE FIFTH BOOKE of a godly life, contayning in it the helpes and meanes which inable vs vnto it. p. 448
  • THE SIXT AND LAST Booke of a godly life, intreating of the impediments which vsu∣ally hinder and discourage men from entring into, & proceeding in the Christian duties which are required vnto it, and of the helps and meanes whereby they may be remoued. 742
• THE FIRST BOOKE OF A GODLY LIFE, CON∣TAINING THE GROVNDS AND fundamentall graces whereby it is supported.
  • CAP. I.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the end of euery thing is to be prefer∣red before the meanes which are destinated vnto it.
    • §. Sect. 2 That the pra∣ctice of Religi¦on and godli∣nesse is to bee preferred be∣fore the theo∣ry and bare knowledge of it.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the pra∣ctice of godli∣nesse is an in∣fallible signe of the sincerity of our know∣ledge and pro∣fession.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the pra∣ctice of godli∣nesse is the touch-stone of our faith.
    • §. Sect. 5 That though a godly life is not the cause, yet it is the way to euerla∣sting happi∣nesse.
    • §. Sect. 6 That all Gods Ministers should much inforce this do¦ctrine and pra∣ctice of a godly life.
  • CAP. II.
    • §. Sect. 1 What a godly life is, both ac∣cording to the Law, and also Gospel.
    • §. Sect. 2 That a godly life, chiefely consisteth in Euangelicall and filiall obe∣dience, and what this is.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the rege¦nerate onely can lead a god∣ly life.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the Spirit of God is the Author of spi∣rituall life. 1.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the Spirit inlighteneth vs in the wayes of godlinesse.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must bee ingrafted into Christ, be∣fore wee can leade a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 7 That onely those can leade a godly life, who are in the couenant of grace.
    • §. Sect. 8 That a liuely faith is neces∣sarily required vnto a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 9 That the du∣ties of a godly life must spring from the foun∣taine of loue.
    • §. Sect. 10 That the du∣ties of a godly life must pro∣ceede from thankfulnesse.
    • §. Sect. 11 That the du∣ties of a godly life must bee done in humi∣lity.
    • §. Sect. 12 That we must propound Gods glory as the end of all our actions.
  • CAP. III.
    • §. Sect. 1 That wee can no otherwise please God, then by fra∣ming our liues according to his will.
    • §. Sect. 2 That not Gods secret but re∣uealed will must be the rule of our liues and actions.
    • §. Sect. 3 Reasons proo∣uing that wee can no other∣wise please God then by doing his will.
    • §. Sect. 4 The speciall duties in which a godly life chiefly con∣sisteth.
  • CAP. IIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That these de¦sires, resoluti∣ons, and inde∣uours are re∣quired of all those who will serue and please God.
    • §. Sect. 2 That all Euan∣gelicall obedi∣ence consisteth chiefly in these desires, resolu∣tions and inde∣uours.
    • §. Sect. 3 That our de∣sires, resoluti∣ons, and inde∣uours must not be faint and weake, but ser∣uent and ear∣nest.
    • §. Sect. 4 They must be intire and to∣tall, both in re∣spect of the subiect and obiect.
    • §. Sect. 5 That our de¦sires, resoluti∣ons, and inde∣uours, must aime at the meanes as well as the end.
    • §. Sect. 6 That they must not be la∣zie and idle, but diligent and painfull.
    • §. Sect. 7 That our de∣sires, resoluti∣ons, and inde∣uours must not be by fits and flashes, but constant and durable.
  • CAP. V.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the maine grounds of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 That sauing knowledge is the prime ver∣tue, and mo¦ther grace, from which all others haue their begin∣ning.
    • §. Sect. 3 That igno∣rance estran∣geth vs from God, and the life of grace and glory.
    • §. Sect. 4 That God is the chiefe Au∣thor and effi∣cient cause of sauing know∣ledge.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the instru∣mentall causes of sauing knowledge.
  • CAP. VI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That there is a God, and how we may know it.
    • §. Sect. 2 Who this God is, and how he may be descri∣bed.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of Gods attri∣butes, and how they are ascri∣bed vnto God.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of Gods pri∣mary attri∣butes, and how they may be described.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of Gods se∣condary attri∣butes, and how they differ from those shadowes of them which are in the crea∣tures.
    • §. Sect. 6 What Gods secondary at∣tributes are, and how they may be descri∣bed.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of the persons in Trinity.
    • §. Sect. 8 Of the know∣ledge of Gods works, and first of his decree.
    • §. Sect. 9 Of the execu∣tion of Gods decree in mans creation, fall, and misery.
    • §. Sect. 10 Of our recoue∣ry out of our misery.
  • CAP. VII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the quan∣tity of know∣ledge, and the diuers degrees of it.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the quality of our know∣ledge, that must be effe∣ctuall.
    • §. Sect. 3 That sauing knowledge is necessary to a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the meanes of sauing knowledge.
  • CAP. VIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That without fayth we can∣not performe any duties of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 That faith and a godly life are inseparable companions.
    • §. Sect. 3 That all those deceiue them∣selues, who dis∣ioyne faith from a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of a generall faith.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of iustifying faith, what it is, and what are the things required vnto it.
    • §. Sect. 6 That after illu∣minatiō there are three de∣grees of faith; and the maner how they are wrought in vs.
    • §. Sect. 7 That the du∣ties of a godly life hold a pro∣portion with our faith, whe∣ther it bee weake or strong.
  • CAP. IX.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of fiue speciall meanes wher∣by we may ob∣taine a liuely faith.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the last meanes of ob∣taining faith, which is me∣ditation on di∣uers subiects.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the meanes whereby we may attaine vnto fulnesse of perswasion.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of that special faith whereby we apply Christ for our sanctification.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the meanes whereby wee may strength∣en our faith in the assurance of our sanctifi∣cation.
  • CAP. X.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of a pure heart, what it is; and whence it ariseth.
    • §. Sect. 2 That all true fruits of god∣linesse spring from a pure heart.
    • §. Sect. 3 That God chiefly desi∣reth the heart aboue all other parts.
    • §. Sect. 3 That God re∣specteth no duty, vnlesse it proceed from a pure and sin∣cere heart.
    • §. Sect. 4 That all true reformation & repentance must begin with the con∣secrating of our whole hearts vnto God.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we must take speciall care for the purifying of our hearts, and wherein it chiefely con∣sisteth.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the causes of the hearts purity.
  • CAP. XI.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the inward signes of a pure heart.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the out∣ward signes of a pure heart.
    • §. Sect. 3 The meanes of a pure heart, is, highly to esteeme▪ it.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the mani∣fold euils accompany a polluted heart.
    • §. Sect. 4 The second meanes of a pure heart is a liuely faith.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the meanes to preserue the purity of our hearts.
    • §. Sect. 6 The second meanes is to preserue them from all sinne.
    • §. Sect. 7 The third meanes is, to a¦uoid the occa∣sions of sinne.
    • §. Sect. 8 The fourth meanes is, of∣ten to examine our hearts in Gods sight.
    • §. Sect. 9 The fifth meanes is, con∣tinually to be taken vp in ho∣ly exercises.
  • CAP. XII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the na∣ture of Consci∣ence may part∣ly bee knowne by the name.
    • §. Sect. 2 What consci∣ence is, being generally con∣sidered.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the diuers offices of con∣science.
    • §. Sect. 4 That consci∣ence hath all its power and authority from God onely.
  • CAP. XIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 What a good conscience is; and of the cause efficient which workes it in vs.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the merito∣rious cause of a good consci∣ence.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the instru∣mentall causes of a good con∣science.
    • §. Sect. 4 That a good conscience springeth from a liuely faith.
  • CAP. XIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That a good conscience speaketh goodnesse and peace only.
    • §. Sect. 2 That a good conscience speaketh peace accor∣ding to the truth of Gods Word.
    • §. Sect. 3 The difference betwixt the peace of a good and bad conscience, as first, that the peace of the wicked proceedeth frō ignorance of their estate.
    • §. Sect. 4 The peace of a good consci∣ence procee∣deth from spi∣rituall life: of an euill, from senselesnesse and deadnesse.
    • §. Sect. 5 The third dif∣ference be∣tweene a good and euill con∣science.
    • §. Sect. 6 The last cause of the peace of an euill consci∣ence, is worldly imployments.
  • CAP. XV.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first thing which it wit¦nesseth, is par∣don of our sins and reconcilia∣tion with God.
    • §. Sect. 1 That a good conscience wit∣nesseth vnto vs our sancti∣fication.
    • §. Sect. 2 That a good conscience wit∣nesseth vnto vs that we are in all estates bles∣sed.
    • §. Sect. 3 That a good conscience ma∣keth vs cheer∣full in Gods seruice.
  • CAP. XVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first signe are the causes of it.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second signe is taken from the man∣ner of work∣ing this good conscience.
    • §. Sect. 3 That a good conscience is knowne by the effects of it.
    • §. Sect. 4 That a good conscience is knowne by the properties of it, as first, that it is pure and peaceable.
    • §. Sect. 5 That a good conscience keepeth it selfe cleere before God and men.
    • §. Sect. 6 That a good conscience knoweth it selfe to be so.
    • §. Sect. 7 That a good conscience ma∣keth vs merry and cheerefull.
    • §. Sect. 8 That a good conscience may be known by the integri∣ty and constan∣cie of it.
  • CAP. XVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first meanes of get∣ting a good conscience, is highly to esteeme it.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the second meanes to ob∣taine a good conscience.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third meanes of a good consci∣ence is a liuely faith.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the exer∣cises of repen∣tance are nota∣ble meanes to get a good conscience, & also the loue of God and our neighbours.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the meanes whereby a good consci∣ence may be preserued.
• THE SECOND BOOKE OF A GODLY LIFE, CON∣TAINING THE MAINE PARTS and principall duties of it, which we ought generally to performe at all times, and vpon all good occasions.
  • CAP. I.
    • §. Sect. 1 That a godly life consisteth in doing all those duties which God hath comman∣ded.
    • §. Sect. 2 That a godly life consisteth in euangelicall obedience, both in forsa∣king that euill which God for∣biddeth, and in doing that good which he commandeth.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must in a godly life performe obe∣dience to the Law, after an Euangelicall manner.
    • §. Sect. 4 That in a god∣ly life we must ioyne together the duties of piety, righte∣ousnesse, and sobriety.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of piety, com∣prising in it all duties of Gods seruice.
    • §. Sect. 2 Reasons moo∣uing vs to im∣brace piety, first, because it is most excel∣lent.
    • §. Sect. 3 The second reason is taken from the profit of Piety.
    • §. Sect. 4 The third rea∣son, which is taken from the necessity of piety.
    • §. Sect. 5 The fourth reason perswa∣ding vs to pie∣ty, which is the consideration of Gods mani∣fold mercies, and of Christs comming to Iudgement.
  • CAP. III.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the summe of the first Commande∣ment.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of adhering to God, what it is, and the ne∣cessity of it.
    • §. Sect. 3 The proper∣ties of sound resolution: As first, that it must be vni∣uersall, &c.
    • §. Sect. 4 The necessity of our adhe∣ring vnto God, proued by di∣uers reasons.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the meanes whereby wee may confirme our resolution of adhering vnto God.
  • CAP. IIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of affiance in God, & where∣in it consist∣eth; and of the reasons which may mooue vs vnto it.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the meanes of affiance.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of hope in God, what it is, and wherein it consisteth.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the meanes of hope.
  • CAP. V.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the loue of God, what it is, and wherein it consisteth, and of the measure and meanes of it.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the zeale of Gods glory, what it is, and wherein it con∣sisteth.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of reioycing in God, what it is, and the meanes wher∣by we may at∣taine vnto it.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of thankful¦nes vnto God, what is requi∣red vnto it; and the meanes of it.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of obedience vnto God, what it is, and wherein it consisteth; and of the proper∣ties of true o∣bedience.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the meanes of obedience, whereby we may be ena∣bled to per∣forme it.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of passiue o∣bedience, and patience in af∣flictions.
  • CAP. VI.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the feare of God, what it is, and the cau∣ses of it.
    • §. Sect. 2 That this feare of God is com∣mended vnto vs in the Scrip∣tures, and of the great pro∣fit of it.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the meanes of obtaining this feare of God.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of humility, what it is, and the causes of it.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the excel∣lency and vti∣lity of humi∣lity.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the meanes whereby we may attaine vnto humility.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of externall worship with our bodies.
  • CAP. VII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the things generally re∣quired in the second Com∣mandement.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of prayer and inuocation.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the du∣ties of Gods Ministers.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the duties of hearers, and such as respect their prepara∣tion.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the duties required in hearing, and after we haue heard.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the admini∣stration of the Sacraments.
  • CAP. VIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the sancti∣fying of Gods Name, which is taken diuers∣ly in the Scrip∣tures, &c. and how it ought to be done.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the sancti∣fying of Gods name in law∣full oathes.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the sancti∣fying Gods name by ma∣king and per∣forming our vowes.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the sancti∣fying Gods Sabbath, and what things are required vnto it.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the spiritu∣all sanctificati∣on, & the out∣ward rest.
  • CAP. IX.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the duties of righteous∣nesse towards our neigh∣bours.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the dutie of sobriety to∣wards our selues.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the duties of charity.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the meanes and manner of working cha∣rity in vs.
    • §. Sect. 5 What charity is, and the pro∣perties of it.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the obiect of charity, which is our neighbours.
    • §. Sect. 7 The meanes of louing our neighbours, namely, as our selues.
    • §. Sect. 8 That naturall and carnall selfe loue is not the rule of louing our neighbours, but that which is holy and spi∣rituall.
    • §. Sect. 9 The properties of lawfull selfe-loue.
    • §. Sect. 10 That we must loue our neigh∣bors, as Christ hath loued vs.
  • CAP. X.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the excel∣lency of cha∣rity.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the profit of charity, in respect of our neigh∣bours.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the profit of charity in respect of our selues.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the necessi∣ty of charity.
  • CAP. XI.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the general duties required in the fifth Commande∣ment.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the duties of superiours in excellency, and of inferi∣ours towards them.
    • §. Sect. 3 The duties of superiours in authority in generall, and of inferious to∣wards them.
    • §. Sect. 4 The duties of superiours and inferiours in the family: And first, of man and wife towards one another.
    • §. Sect. 5 The duties of husband and wife towards the rest of the family.
    • §. Sect. 6 The duties of parents and children.
    • §. Sect. 7 The duties of masters and seruants.
    • §. Sect. 8 The duties of Ministers and people.
    • §. Sect. 9 The duties of Magistrates and subiects.
  • CAP. XII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the summe of this Com∣mandement: And of anger and hatred.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the inward duties and ver∣tues heere re∣quired
    • §. Sect. 3 Of outward duties here re∣quired, respect∣ing the person of our neigh∣bours.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the duties which we owe to our neigh∣bours soule.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of duties be∣longing to our owne persons.
  • CAP. XIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 The summe of the seuenth Commande∣ment▪ The du∣ties which it inioyneth, and vices which it forbiddeth.
    • §. Sect. 2 The meanes of preseruing chastity.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the duties which are re∣quired in the right getting of our goods.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the duties which respect the right vse of our goods.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of truth, which is re∣quired in the ninth Com∣mandement.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the preser∣uation of our neighbours good name, & the meanes of it, respecting our inward disposition.
    • §. Sect. 7 Other duties respecting our outward pro∣fession.
    • §. Sect. 8 Of the preser∣uing our owne good name.
    • §. Sect. 9 What is re∣quired in this Commande∣ment, to wit, originall righ∣teousnesse, and spirituall Con∣cupiscence.
    • §. Sect. 10 Of the Spirit lusting against the flesh.
    • §. Sect. 11 Of the meanes inabling vs vnto the obe∣dience of this Commande∣ment.
• THE THIRD BOOKE OF A GODLY LIFE, CON∣TAINING IN IT THOSE DV∣ties which are required in our daily exer∣cise, both generally at all times of the day, and vpon all occasions, and specially in the se∣uerall parts of it.
  • CAP. I.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the du∣ties contained in the former Booke, are to be performed daily and con∣stantly vpon euery fit occa∣sion.
    • §. Sect. 2 That no time is exempted from Gods ser∣uice, prooued first by testi∣monies of Scripture.
    • §. Sect. 3 Diuers reasons proouing the necessity of the daily exercise of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 4 The many and great dangers which follow the neglect of this daily exer∣cise.
    • §. Sect. 5 Another rea∣son taken from our calling and profession.
    • §. Sect. 6 The last reason taken from the vncertainty of our liues.
  • CAP. II.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the daily renewing of our couenant with God, by the renewing of our faith and repentance.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the daily renewing of our repen∣tance. First, by recalling our sinnes to re∣membrance; And secondly, by humbling our selues be∣fore God in the sight and sense of them.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the daily confession of our sinnes, and iudging our selues for them
    • §. Sect. 4 Of our detesta∣tion and ha∣tred of sinne.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of our feare and care that we be not cir∣cumuented with sinne.
    • §. Sect. 6 The benefits which would arise of this ex∣ercise of re∣newing our re∣pentance.
  • CAP. III.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the daily renewing of our faith is ve∣ry profitable and necessary.
    • §. Sect. 2 What this re∣newing our faith is, and the meanes wher∣by we may be inabled to doe it, which con∣sist, first, in di∣uers medita∣tions.
    • §. Sect. 3 The second sort of meanes consist in the performance of diuers actions.
    • §. Sect. 4 The manifold benefits which would arise from the daily renewing of our faith.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of diuers o∣ther benefits which follow the daily re∣newing of our faith.
  • CAP. IIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That our see∣king God dai∣ly, is a necessa∣ry duty.
    • §. Sect. 2 What it is to seeke God.
    • §. Sect. 3 What is requi∣red vnto the seeking of God. First, that wee daily la∣bour more per∣fectly to know him, and re∣member him.
    • §. Sect. 4 The second thing is, that we adhere vn∣to him with our hearts and affections.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we must cleaue vnto God by fer∣uent loue.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must labour daily to haue our com∣munion with God increa∣sed.
    • §. Sect. 7 That vnto the seeking of God is required, that we daily renew our re∣pentance.
    • §. Sect. 8 That we must seeke to haue and hold Gods grace and fa∣uour in Iesus Christ.
  • CAP. V.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must seeke God first and principal∣ly, seasonably and constantly,
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must seeke God in Iesus Christ, sincerely, zea∣lously, and with all dili∣gence.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the fruits and benefits which we in∣ioy by our dai∣ly seeking of God.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the euils which follow our neglect of seeking God.
  • CAP. VII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the seuerall parts of the Christian ar∣mour.
    • §. Sect. 2 That the put∣ting on the Christian Ar∣mour is very necessary.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the mani∣fold benefits which arise from being thus daily armed.
    • §. Sect. 4 That euery se∣uerall part of this Armour bringeth spe∣ciall profit.
  • CAP. VIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must necessarily arme our selues against all sin, and the reasons of it.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the meanes to work in our hearts a true hatred of sin.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the meanes whereby we may be streng∣thened against sinne.
    • §. Sect. 4 That wee must imbrace all vertues and Christian duties.
  • CAP. IX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must conforme our thoughts, words, and actions, accor∣ding to Gods Law.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the right ordring of our tongues, and the meanes of it.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the right ordering of our workes and actions.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the sixth maine duty, which is, to submit our selues to Gods good pleasure in all things.
  • CAP. X.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must pray daily and continually.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of ordinary prayers at set times, and how often to bee performed.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the extra∣ordinary pray∣ers vpon euery good occasion.
    • §. Sect. 4 Diuers mo∣tiues vnto the daily exercise of prayer.
  • CAP. XI.
    • §. Sect. 1 What things are required in the duty of thanksgiuing.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must giue thankes in all things.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must giue thankes at all times.
    • §. Sect. 4 Reasons which may mooue vs vnto daily thanksgiuing.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the meanes whereby wee may be stirred vp to thank∣fulnesse.
  • CAP. XII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of lifting vp our hearts vnto God, assoone as we awake, that we may offer vnto him our first seruice.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of lifting vp our hearts by some short prayer.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the subiect matter of our Morning me∣ditations.
    • §. Sect. 4 That in our first meditati∣ons, we must renew our faith and re∣pentance.
    • §. Sect. 5 The manifold benefits which will arise from these religious morning exer∣cises.
  • CAP. XIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the fruit and profit of prayer.
    • §. Sect. 2 Their obiecti∣on answered, who pretend want of leisure to pray.
    • §. Sect. 3 That before we pray, we must vse pre∣paration, and what is requi∣red vnto it.
  • CAP. XIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must pray in truth, with attention, and not with wandring thoughts.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must with all dili¦gence banish out of our minds all wan¦dring thoghts, and the means hereof.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must pray with our vnderstan∣dings.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must pray in faith.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we must pray in humi∣lity, and with reuerence and feruencie.
  • CAP. XV.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of our gesture and voyce in prayer.
    • § Sect. 2 That we must not affect pro∣lixity and su∣perfluity of words in our prayers.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the quali∣ty of our prayers.
  • CAP. XVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of formes of prayer set downe by others.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of formes of prayers inuen∣ted by our selues.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of conceiued prayers, and how far foorth they are com∣mendable.
    • § Sect. 4 What method is best to be obserued in disposing the parts of our prayers.
    • §. Sect. 5 What duties are to be per∣formed after wee haue prayed.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the time in the morning when we are to vse priuate prayer.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of prayer with the rest of the family.
  • CAP. XVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That singing of Psalmes is inioyned in the Scriptures, and practised by the faith∣full.
    • §. Sect. 2 How we may sing Psalmes in a right maner.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must diligently reade the Scriptures, and the great profit of this exercise.
  • CAP. XVIII.
    • § Sect. 1 That we must make choyce of lawfull callings.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must be regenerate, before we can serue God ac∣ceptably in our callings.
    • § Sect. 3 That we must performe the duties of our callings in faith.
    • § Sect. 4 That the du∣ties of our cal∣lings must pro∣ceede from Loue.
    • §. Sect. 5 That they must be direct∣ed to right ends.
    • §. Sect. 6 That the du∣ties of our cal∣lings must bee performed af∣ter a right man¦ner, and first, with heauenly mindes.
    • §. Sect. 7 That the du∣ties of our cal∣lings must be sanctified by the Word and prayer.
    • §. Sect. 8 Of the vertues which must accompany vs in the duties of our callings.
  • CAP. XIX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That God hath ordained man to labour; and hath in many places of the Scriptures strictly inioy∣ned it.
    • §. Sect. 2 That it is Gods ordinance that wee should la∣bour in our callings.
    • §. Sect. 3 That God blesseth the diligent with many benefits.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the Lord abhorreth idle∣nesse and neg∣ligence, and se∣uerely punish∣eth it.
    • §. Sect. 5 That idlenesse is the cause of innumerable sinnes.
    • §. Sect. 6 That idlenesse maketh vs li∣able to many punishments.
  • CAP. XX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the for∣mer reasons bind all men to painfulnesse in their callings.
    • §. Sect. 2 That Gentle∣men haue no priuiledge of idlenesse, and how they should spend their time.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the poo∣rer sort must labour painful∣ly in their cal∣lings, notwith∣standing that the bad∣nesse of their trades afford small earnings.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the im∣potent are not bound to la∣bour, but may with good con∣science take their case.
  • CAP. XXI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we can∣not continually be exercised in the workes of our callings.
    • §. Sect. 2 What lawfull recreation is; and that it may be vsed with a good consci∣ence.
    • §. Sect. 3 That recreati∣ons are profita∣ble and neces∣sary.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must make choice of such recrea∣tions as are lawfull, and which they are.
    • §. Sect. 5 Whether it be lawfull to play at games which stand vpon hazzard and chance.
  • CAP. XXII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That recreati∣ons must bee vsed with mo∣deration, in re∣spect of our loue of them.
    • §. Sect. 2 Moderation must be vsed in respect of time.
    • §. Sect. 3 That they must be so vsed as that they may refresh the body, not pamper the flesh.
    • §. Sect. 4 That in our re∣creations we must auoid giuing of of∣fence.
    • §. Sect. 5 That all due circumstances must be obser∣ued in our re∣creations, and what they are.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must consort our selues with good com∣pany.
    • §. Sect. 7 That we must take heed that our recreations do not steale a∣way our hearts from God.
  • CAP. XXIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That greedy gaming for gaine is vn∣lawfull.
    • §. Sect. 2 Whether it be simply vnlaw∣full to game for money.
    • §. Sect. 3 A serious ad∣monition that none abuse their liberty in recreations of this nature.
  • CAP. XXIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we ought to take speciall care of our ca∣riage at our meales.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the duties which ought to be perfor∣med before we eate, and first, that we must sanctifie the creatures to our vse by the Word.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we ought to sanctifie the creatures to our vse by prayer and thanksgiuing.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of some short meditations before we eate.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the duties which ought to bee perfor∣med at our meales; & first, that wee vse Gods creatures with tempe∣rance and so∣briety.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must be temperate and moderate, in respect of the quantity of our meates and drinkes.
    • §. Sect. 7 Other directi∣ons concer∣ning the quan∣tity of our meates and drinkes.
    • §. Sect. 8 Of moderation in respect of the quality of our meates.
  • CAP. XXV.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we ought to be content with our al∣lowance.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we may be merry at our meales.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of our confe∣rences and dis∣courses at our tables.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the choyce of our compa∣ny at our meales.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the mani∣fold abuses of our feasting one another.
    • §. Sect. 6 That after our meales we must shew our thankefulnesse by praysing God.
  • CAP. XXVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That when we are alone, we must not be idle and vn∣fruitfull.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must spend our soli∣tary houres in good exerci∣ses, shunning vaine thoughts and intertai∣ning Christian meditations.
    • §. Sect. 3 That in our so∣litarinesse we must auoyde carnall concu∣piscence and the pleasures of sinne.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must in our solitari∣nesse beware of sinfull acti∣ons and secret sinnes.
    • §. Sect. 5 That it is plea∣sant, profita∣ble, and neces∣sary to spend our solitary houres in Chri∣stian duties.
  • CAP. XXVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That ciuill conuersation excelleth soli∣tarinesse.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must not rashly rush into all compa∣nies, but with good choyce and aduice; and also with due preparation.
    • §. Sect. 3 That our whole carriage and conuersa∣tion must be religious, ciuill and honest.
    • §. Sect. 4 How we must carry our selues in the company of those which are worldly and wicked.
  • CAP. XXVIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That our spee∣ches must bee gracious and prudent.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of Christian admonition, and what is re∣quired to the right perfor∣ming of this duty.
    • §. Sect. 3 That wee may lawfully con∣ferre of morall and ciuill things.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must carefully auoid all cor∣rupt commu∣nication.
  • CAP. XXIX.
    • §. Sect. 1 How wee must carry ourselues when we con∣ferre with those who ex∣cell vs in gifts.
    • §. Sect. 2 How we must behaue our selues when we conferte with ciuill worldlings.
    • §. Sect. 3 How we must deale with those who are openly pro∣phane.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the mani∣fold and dan∣gerous abuses of Conferen∣ces in these daies; and the causes of them.
    • §. Sect. 5 That Christian and religious conferences are exceeding profitable.
  • CAP. XXX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must labour both to do and receiue all the good we can, in our dealings with others.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must take all occasi∣ons of gayning others to Christ.
    • §. Sect. 3 That in all our dealings and bargainings we must carry our selues vp∣rightly and ho∣nestly.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must sell only things saleable.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we must set and sell our wares at an e∣quall price.
    • §. Sect. 6 That in buy∣ing and selling all fraud and deceit must be auoided.
    • §. Sect. 7 How to auoid the faults com∣monly cōmit∣ted betweene buyers and sellers.
  • CAP. XXXI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That it is not enough for go∣uernours to be themselues re∣ligious, but they must also traine vp those which are vn∣der their go∣uernment, in the knowledge and practice of Religion.
    • §. Sect. 2 Diuers reasons which may mooue gouer∣nours to the performance of this duty.
    • §. Sect. 3 That it is the dutie of hous∣holders to ca∣techize their family; and of the causes why it is neglected.
    • §. Sect. 4 Reasons which may moue all Gouernours to this dutie of catechizing. First, because it is Gods Commande∣ment.
    • §. Sect. 5 Other reasons inforcing the former duty.
    • §. Sect. 6 Examples of the faithfull who haue ca∣techized their family.
    • §. Sect. 7 Reasons moo∣uing children to submit themselues to be catechized.
    • §. Sect. 8 Reasons moo∣uing those which are of yeeres to sub∣mit themselues to be catechi∣zed, if they be ignorant.
    • §. Sect. 9 Of the great profit of this exercise of ca∣techizing.
  • CAP. XXXII.
    • §. Sect. 1 What things are required vnto wise go∣uernement.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the iustice & loue which are required in gouernement.
  • CAP. XXXIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 What prospe∣rity is, and how apt wee are to abuse it through our corruption.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must bee diligent, lest our pro∣sperity become vnto vs an oc∣casion of sin; and how this is to be done.
    • §. Sect. 3 That in our prosperity we must take heed lest we forget God, that his blessings doe not draw our hearts from him, and that we be not vn∣thankfull.
    • §. Sect. 4 That in our prosperity we must beware of pride, secu∣rity, and hard∣nesse of heart, licentiousnes, and contempt of spirituall and heauenly things.
    • §. Sect. 5 That in our prosperity we must beware of being sloth∣full in Gods seruice, and that worldly things doe not become thorns and snares vn∣to vs.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must carefully arme our selues a∣gainst the ten∣tations vnto which this estate is indan∣gered; and take heede that it hinder not our hea∣uenly happi∣nesse.
    • §. Sect. 7 That we must not too highly esteeme, nor too earnestly affect and seek after earthly things.
  • CAP. XXXIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must vse Gods tem∣poral blessings as helpes vnto sauing graces and spirituall duties.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must vse the bles∣sings of pro∣sperity for the common good of Church and Common∣wealth.
    • §. Sect. 3 Three other Cautions to be obserued for the right vse of prospe∣rity.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the right vse of apparell.
  • CAP. XXXV.
    • §. Sect. 1 What afflicti∣ons are, and the diuers kinds of them.
    • §. Sect. 2 How we ought to prepare our selues before afflictions come, that we may be able to beare them with patience when they come.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must beare our af∣flictions with patience, and what things are required heereunto.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the meanes of patience, first, because God is the Au∣thor of all our afflictions.
    • §. Sect. 4 That our affli∣ctions tend to the setting foorth of Gods glory.
    • §. Sect. 5 That God v∣seth our affli∣ctiōs as means of our owne good.
    • §. Sect. 6 That this world is a place destinated to afflictions and trials.
    • §. Sect. 7 That all the faithfull haue been partakers of the like, or greater afflicti∣ons with vs.
    • §. Sect. 8 Comforts ari∣sing from the good issue of all our affli∣ctions.
  • CAP. XXXVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the Eue∣ning must not bee spent in sloth and idlenesse.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the Eue∣ning exercises, as Meditation, reading, and Christian con∣ferences.
    • §. Sect. 3 Duties to be done at our going to bed.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must examine our selues, how we haue spent the day past.
    • §. Sect. 5 Meditations at our first lying downe.
    • §. Sect. 6 Duties to bee done in the night. And first, Prayer and Thanks∣giuing.
    • §. Sect. 7 Meditations fit for the night.
    • §. Sect. 8 That the pro∣fit of these du∣ties will farre exceede the paines.
  • CAP. XXXVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That this mo∣deration is commanded in the Scriptures, and the con∣trary sloth condemned.
    • §. Sect. 2 The manifold euils which ex∣cessiue sleepe bringeth.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the ex∣pence of our time in sloth, is displeasing vn∣to God; and how this is to be auoided.
  • CAP. XXXVIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That if wee would sanctifie the Lords Day, we must pre∣pare for it be∣fore it com∣meth.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of our general preparation in the whole weeke.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of speciall pre∣paration to be vsed in the Euening be∣fore the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 4 That in our preparation we must purge our selues from all sinfull cor∣ruption.
    • §. Sect. 5 That in our preparation we must vse al helps which may further vs in the san∣ctifying of the Lords Day.
  • CHAP. XXXIX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must spend the whole Day in religious ex∣ercises.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must rest from our owne workes on the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 3 That on the Lords Day we must abstaine from carnall recreations.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must rest from sinne of all kinds on the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we must not thinke our own thoughts on the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must not doe the Lords workes after our owne manner.
  • CAP. XL.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must rise betimes on the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of meditati∣ons fit to be vsed on the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of Prayer, Thankesgi∣uing, and rea∣ding the Scrip∣tures priuately on the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 4 Duties to be performed when we are going to the Church.
  • CAP. XLI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must ioyne with the Congregation in all the du∣ties of Gods seruice.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of our hearing of the Word, and what is required vn∣to it.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must stay in the Church from the beginning to the end of the Sermon.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of our duty in receiuing the Lords Supper.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of our duties to be perfor∣med when Baptisme is administred.
  • CAP. XLII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must meditate vpon that which we haue heard.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of family exer∣cises after we are come from the Church.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of other pri∣uate duties to be done on the Lords Day.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the eue¦ning must be spent n religi¦ous exercises.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we must performe all our seruice to God in inte∣grity and sin∣cerity of heart.
• THE FOVRTH BOOKE, CONTAINING IN IT THE PROPERTIES OF A GODLY LIFE, and of all the duties which are required vnto it.
  • CAP. I.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of that vni∣uersall and totall obedi∣ence which is required.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of integrity and sincerity.
    • §. Sect. 3 Reasons mo∣uing vs to im∣brace integri∣ty and sinceri∣ty. 1. Because the Lord chiefly loveth and de∣lighteth in it.
    • §. Sect. 4 That our im∣perfect obedi∣ence is accep∣ted of God, if if it be done in sincerity and integrity.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the soundnesse of all graces and holy duties consisteth in the sincerity of them.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the re∣wards of sin∣cerity and integrity.
  • CAP. II.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first meanes is, to set God before our eyes, and our selues in his presence.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second meanes is to meditate on the excellen∣cy, profit, and necessity of integrity and sincerity.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third meanes of integrity and sincerity.
    • §. Sect. 4 The fourth meanes is, to watch ouer our hearts.
    • §. Sect. 5 The fifth meanes, to meditate on the Day of Iudgement.
  • CAP. III.
    • §. Sect. 1 That God re∣quireth out∣ward seruice to be ioyned with the in∣ward.
    • §. Sect. 2 Reasons mo∣uing vs to per∣forme outward seruice.
    • §. Sect. 3 That Christi∣an apologie and outward profession of the Truth is required.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must practise what we know, in our works and actions.
    • §. Sect. 5 Diuers reasons perswading vs to good workes.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the rewards of good works.
  • CAP. IIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That only v∣niuersall obe∣dience to Gods will & Word is accepted of him.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must performe o∣bedience to both Tables ioyntly, and to the Gospell, as well as the Law.
    • §. Sect. 3 Reasons per∣swading to v∣niuersall obe∣dience. 1. Because God requi∣reth it.
    • §. Sect. 4 That our obe∣dience cannot be sincere, vn∣lesse it bee vniuersall.
    • §. Sect. 5 That without totall obedi∣ence we can∣not attaine to heauenly happinesse.
  • CAP. V.
    • §. Sect. 1 That all du∣ties should spring from the loue of God.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must propound Gods will, and our obedience thereunto in all duties.
    • §. Sect. 3 That all true seruice is done in obedience to Gods will.
  • CAP. VI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must performe all duties of a godly life with cheerefulnesse.
    • §. Sect. 2 Reasons which may mooue vs to this cheere∣fulnesse.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must serue God in all holy duties zealously and deuoutly.
  • CAP. VII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That this dili∣gence must be vsed in all good duties, and a∣bout the meanes of them.
    • §. Sect. 2 Diuers reasons which may moue vs to diligence. First, because God requi∣reth it.
    • § Sect. 3 Of the rewards promised to the diligent.
    • §. Sect. 4 That this dili∣gence in all Christian du∣ties is in many respects most necessary.
    • §. Sect. 5 The last rea∣son taken from the vnwearied diligence of worldlings, in pursuing of earthly things.
  • CAP. VIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That all those which are sin∣cere, are also constant in the duties of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 The former point illustra∣ted by some comparisons.
    • §. Sect. 3 A complaint of mens vn constancie in performing the duties of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 4 That constan∣cie in all Chri∣stian duties is strictly requi∣red in Gods Word.
  • CAP. IX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That constan∣cie is an inse∣parable com∣panion of in∣tegrity.
    • §. Sect. 2 The manifold euils which accompany vnconstancy in good duties.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the meanes whereby we may be ina∣bled to serue God constant∣ly in the du∣ties of a god∣ly life.
  • CAP. X.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must perseuere both in profession and practice of godlinesse.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the meanes of perseue∣rance. 1. Meanes.
    • §. Sect. 3 The 3. meanes is to consider that we can no otherwise be accepted and approued of God.
    • §. Sect. 4 The last means of perseue∣rance, is Prayer.
• THE FIFTH BOOKE OF A GODLY LIFE, CON∣TAINING IN IT THE HELPES AND MEANES WHICH INABLE VS VNTO IT.
  • CAP. I.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the helpes inabling vs to leade a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 The first rule is, that wee make God the supreme end of all Christian duties, and wholly deny our selues in them.
    • §. Sect. 3 The second rule respect∣ing our Saui∣our Christ; namely, that we aime at him as the mayne scope of all our actions.
    • §. Sect. 4 The third rule, respecting the Spirit of God dwelling in vs.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we often renew the Co∣uenant of grace between God and vs.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must take more care to approue our wayes to God and our owne consciences, then vnto men.
    • §. Sect. 7 That we must performe all good duties with a quiet and peaceable minde.
    • §. Sect. 8 That all our duties must a∣rise from the fundamentall graces of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 9 That we must chiefly esteem, chuse, & affect the duties of godlinesse, ac∣cording to their worth and ex∣cellency.
    • §. Sect. 10 That we must vse all helpes and meanes which may in∣able vs vnto godlinesse.
  • CAP. II.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must make precious account of our time which God hath al∣lotted vs for his seruice.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must not stay for oc∣casions of Christian du∣ties, but seeke for them be∣fore they offer themselues.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must set our selues most seriously about Christi∣an duties, whē wee finde our selues best pre∣pared and fit∣ted for them.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must obserue an or∣der in doing these duties, & auoid confu∣sion.
  • CAP. III.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we can no otherwise aspire to per∣fection in Christian du∣ties, then by proceeding by degrees.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the degrees by which we must aspire to perfection.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must fit our bur∣then accor∣ding to our strength.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must exercise our selues in the duties of a godly life, ac∣cording to the measure of grace receiued.
    • §. Sect. 5 That they who vnder∣take matters aboue their strength, can∣not doe them in sincerity, but in shew onely.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must not vndertake too many things at once.
    • §. Sect. 7 That we must not busie our selues in other mens matters.
    • §. Sect. 8 That we must take heed, lest daily vse of Christian du∣ties make vs cold and for∣mall in them.
  • CAP. IIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the Scriptures require this growth in grace, from the least de∣grees to the greatest.
    • §. Sect. 2 Reasons mo∣uing vs to aspire vnto perfection.
    • §. Sect. 3 That except we grow in grace, we can haue no sound comfort in our estate.
    • §. Sect. 4 That if we de∣sire to grow in grace, we must carefully vse the meanes which may further vs in it, and what these meanes are.
  • CAP. V.
    • §. Sect. 1 That if we will leade a godly life, we must vse the meanes inabling vs vnto it.
    • §. Sect. 2 That the mi∣nistery of the Word is a chiefe meanes of our spirituall life.
    • §. Sect. 3 That it is the ordinary meanes of our new birth, and of working Gods graces in vs.
    • §. Sect. 4 What is requi∣red in the Mi∣nister, that by his preaching he may further the people in the duties of godlinesse.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the word must be prea¦ched power∣fully and plainely.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the duties of the people, respecting the Ministery of the Word.
  • CAP. VI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must vse preparati∣on before the hearing of the Word, and wherin it con∣sisteth.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of duties to be perfor∣med in the hearing of the Word.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of duties to be performed after the hea∣ring of the Word.
  • CAP. VII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the Sa∣craments fur∣ther vs much in a godly life, as they are seales of the Couenant.
    • §. Sect. 2 That the Sa∣craments fur∣ther vs in god∣linesse, as they are testificati∣ons of our ser∣uice to God.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the Sa∣crament of Baptisme fur∣thereth vs in godlinesse, as we are thereby ingrafted into Christ.
    • §. Sect. 4 Secondly, as it is the Sacra∣ment of our new-birth.
    • §. Sect. 5 Thirdly, as it is our restipulati∣on in the Co∣uenant of grace.
    • §. Sect. 6 That the Sa∣crament of the Lords Supper is a powerfull meanes to fur∣ther vs in Chri∣stian duties, first, because thereby our Communion with Christ is confirmed, and secondly, our faith streng∣thened.
    • §. Sect. 7 Thirdly, be∣cause it is the spirituall food and nourish∣ment of our soules.
    • §. Sect. 8 Fourthly, be∣cause it is an action which we doe in re∣membrance of Christ.
    • §. Sect. 9 Because there∣by we are oc∣casioned to renew our Co∣uenant with God.
  • CAP. VIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That prayer is Gods ordi∣nance to ob∣taine his gifts and graces.
    • §. Sect. 2 That by pray∣er we obtaine Gods Spirit and the graces thereof.
    • §. Sect. 3 That publike prayer is most effectuall for the obtaining of all Gods graces.
  • CAP. IX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must not rest vpon the publike meanes onely, but vse the priuate also.
    • §. Sect. 2 That Christiā watchfulnesse is not a bodily, but a spirituall exercise.
    • §. Sect. 3 The former poynt proued by the Scrip∣tures.
    • §. Sect. 4 What the Christian watchfulnesse is.
    • §. Sect. 5 That this watch is to be kept in all things.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must watch ouer all the powers and parts of our soules and bodies.
    • §. Sect. 7 That we must chiefly watch ouer our hearts.
    • §. Sect. 8 That we must chiefly clense and keepe our hearts from those corrup∣tions which are most dan∣gerous.
  • CAP. X.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of watching ouer our sen∣ses.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must watch ouer our tongues.
    • §. Sect. 3 That this watch consist∣eth in the right ordering of them.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of our watch∣fulnesse ouer our workes and actions.
  • CAP. XI.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of three spe∣ciall ends of our Christian watch.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must watch ouer our selues, that we be not circum∣uented by our spirituall ene∣mies.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must keepe this watch in all places, and at all times.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must watch ouer our brethren.
  • CAP. XII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That this watch is neces∣sary, because God requi∣reth it.
    • §. Sect. 2 Other reasons shewing the necessity of keeping this watch.
    • §. Sect. 3 That this watch is most profitable, be∣cause it help∣eth vs much to the leading of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 4 That by this watch we are made constant in the course of Christia∣nity.
  • CAP. XIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 The 1. meanes is temperance and sobriety, and the se∣cond, the feare of God.
    • §. Sect. 2 The third meanes is the remembrance of Gods Iudgements.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the fourth meanes, which is, to remem∣ber the day of death.
    • §. Sect. 4 The last means is, to meditate often on the day of Iudge∣ment.
  • CAP. XIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 The reason why it is heere handled.
    • §. Sect. 2 What Medita∣tion is, & how it differeth from other ex∣ercises of the mind.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the effici∣cient cause or person who is to meditate.
    • §. Sect. 4 That Medita∣tion is an exer∣cise which be∣longeth to all Christians.
    • §. Sect. 5 The first rea∣son taken from the excellency of this exercise.
    • §. Sect. 6 The second reason, taken from the pro∣fit of it.
    • §. Sect. 7 The third rea∣son taken from the necessity of this exer∣cise.
  • CAP. XV.
    • §. Sect. 1 What extra∣ordinary me∣ditation is, and the subiect of it.
    • §. Sect. 2 What ordina∣ry meditation is, and the sub∣iect of it.
    • §. Sect. 3 The difficulty of this religi∣ous exercise.
    • §. Sect. 4 The singular profit of ordi∣nary medi∣tation.
    • §. Sect. 5 That this Me¦ditation ef∣fectually wor¦keth vpon the heart and af∣fections for the sanctifying of them.
    • §. Sect. 6 That the exer∣cise of Medita∣tion is very ne∣cessary.
  • CAP. XVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 The obiection of difficulty acknowledged and answered.
    • §. Sect. 2 The obiection of naturall want and weakenesses in performing this exercise answered.
    • §. Sect. 3 Their obiecti∣on answered, who pretend want of matter to meditate vpon.
    • §. Sect. 4 Other hinder∣ances remoo∣ued.
    • §. Sect. 5 That company and worldly busines should not hinder vs from this exer∣cise of Medi∣tation.
  • CAP. XVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the place of meditation.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the time, that it must not be conti∣nuall, but as we get fittest opportunity.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the fittest time for medi∣tation.
    • §. Sect. 4 Constancy in this exercise.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the dispo∣sition and ge∣sture of the body.
  • CAP. XVIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That this pre∣paration is ne∣cessarie▪ and wherein it consisteth.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must chiefly prepare our hearts and affections.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the subiect matter of our Meditations.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the Scrip∣tures them selues, and the things reuea∣led in them, are fit matter for Meditation: As the nature of God, his actions and decree.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the exe∣cution of the Decree in the creation and gouern∣ment.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the great worke of Re∣demption by our Sauiour Christ.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of the exter∣nall meanes of executing Gods Decree of Election.
    • §. Sect. 8 Of the meanes of executing the Decree of reprobation.
    • §. Sect. 9 Of the eternall execution of Gods Decree at the end of the world, &c.
    • §. Sect. 10 Rules direct∣ing vs in the choice of the fittest matter for our Medi∣tations.
    • §. Sect. 11 That we must conclude our preparation vnto Medita∣tion with Prayer.
  • CAP. XIX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must proceed order∣ly in this exer∣cise, laying downe the grounds in our vnderstandings and building vpon them in our hearts and affections.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must finde out a fit theame, and then discourse vpon it accor∣ding to the rules of rea∣son.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we are in our medita∣tions chiefly to respect our will, harts and affections, our liues and actions.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must not be discou∣raged, though we cannot at the first feele the fruit of our medita∣tions.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the meanes whereby we may feele our hearts affected with a liuely taste and sense of the things whereon we meditate.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the egresse and conclusion of our Medita∣tion.
  • CAP. XX.
    • §. Sect. 1 The reason of this choice: what repen∣tance is, and the causes thereof.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of the matter, forme, & parts of repentance, and first, of hu∣miliation.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the second part of repen∣tance, which consisteth in conuersion and amend∣ment.
    • §. Sect. 4 The final cau∣ses, subiect, and properties of repentance, the contraries vnto it, and comparisons which illu∣strate it.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the kinds of repentance, ordinary and extraordinary.
  • CAP. XXI.
    • §. Sect. 1 How our harts are to be af∣fected with feruent desires to practice this duty of re∣pentance.
    • §. Sect. 2 Motiues to re∣pent, taken from the Au∣thour and ef∣ficient causes of this grace.
    • §. Sect. 3 Motiues to perswade vs to the renewing and perfecting of our repen∣tance, and first, our humiliati¦on and vnfai¦ned sorrow for sinne.
    • §. Sect. 4 Motiues per∣swading to re∣pentance and amondment of life.
    • §. Sect. 5 Motiues to bring forth the fruits of repen∣tance in all the parts thereof.
  • CAP. XXII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of Examina∣tion.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of Confes∣sion.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of Com∣plaint.
    • §. Sect. 4 A hearty wish to haue all wants sup∣plyed. Jer. 9. 1.
    • §. Sect. 5 Acknowledge∣ment of im∣potency.
    • §. Sect. 6 Petition.
    • §. Sect. 7 Inforcement.
    • §. Sect. 8 Confidence.
    • §. Sect. 9 Congratulati∣on and thanks∣giuing.
  • CAP. XXIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 How conside∣ration and exa∣mination differ.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of examinati∣on, what it is, and wherein it consisteth.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we are chiefly to exa∣mine our selues in respect of our sinnes; and first, our origi∣nal corruption.
    • §. Sect. 4 Secondly, we must examine our selues, con∣cerning our actuall trans∣gressions, ac∣cording to the Law.
    • §. Sect. 5 How we must aggrauate our sins, in respect of circumstan∣ces.
    • §. Sect. 6 That it is a profitable course to keep a Catalogue or Register of our speciall sinnes; and the manifold fruits which will arise of it.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the consi∣deration of our misery and punish∣ment.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of the end of this examina∣tion, and time when it is to be performed.
    • §. Sect. 8 A complaint of the neglect of this duty, and the causes thereof.
  • CAP. XXIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That this duty is required in the Scriptures.
    • §. Sect. 2 The great pro∣fit of this ex∣ercise of exa∣mination.
    • §. Sect. 3 That this exer∣cise of Medita∣tion is very ne∣cessary.
    • §. Sect. 4 The former point, prooued by the Scrip∣tures. Esa. 1. 3.
  • CAP. XXV.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we are alwayes in Gods presence.
    • §. Sect. 2 That it would be a powerfull meanes to re∣straine vs from all sinne, if we would alwayes set God before vs.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the con∣sideration of Gods presence would effectu∣ally moue vs vnto all good duties.
  • CAP. XXVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 What this ex∣perimentall knowledge is, and the pra∣ctice of it in many exam∣ples.
    • §. Sect. 2 The experi∣mentall know∣ledge of our owne estates, in respect of our contrary courses.
    • §. Sect. 3 That no knowledge is to be compa∣red with this of experience.
  • CAP. XXVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That nothing more then prayer, maketh vs godly and religious.
    • §. Sect. 2 That prayer is the meanes of obtaining all Gods gifts and graces.
    • §. Sect. 3 That all the parts of prayer are singular helpes to a godly life.
  • CAP. XXVIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Who are to exercise them∣selues in this dutie of rea∣ding.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we are chiefly to be exercised in reading and studying of the Scriptures.
    • §. Sect. 3 Their obiecti∣on answered, who pretend the obscurity of the Scrip∣tures.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must not reade the Scriptures onely, but also other religious writings.
    • §. Sect. 5 Some speciall directions for the choyce of fit Authours which may helpe vs in the practice of godlinesse.
  • CAP. XXIX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must come in reue∣rence to this holy exercise, and bring faith vnto it.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must bring honest hearts, and earnest desires to profit by this exercise.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must come with a purpose to make good vse of all we reade.
    • §. Sect. 4 That we must pray before we reade.
  • CAP. XXX.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the ends at which wee must ayme in our reading.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must obserue the Theme and Argument.
    • §. Sect. 3 That we must obserue a due order in our reading, and make choyce of fittest Au∣thors.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the de∣uoute Reader is not to reade many bookes of the same argument, but to make choyce of some few which are best.
    • §. Sect. 5 That we must labour to vn∣derstand thorowly what we reade.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must ioyne with our reading, seri∣ous Meditati∣on.
    • §. Sect. 7 That we must reade with af∣fection and de∣uotion, apply∣ing all to vse.
    • §. Sect. 8 That we must reade orderly with diligence and constancy.
    • §. Sect. 9 Of the fittest time for this exercise of reading.
    • §. Sect. 10 Of the wofull neglect of this holy exercise.
  • CAP. XXXI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That reading is a most profi∣table exercise.
    • §. Sect. 2 That by rea∣ding, the mind is much in∣lightened in the know∣ledge of Gods will.
    • §. Sect. 3 That reading bringeth with it many other benefits.
  • CAP. XXXII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That we must carefully auoid the society of wicked and prophane per∣sons.
    • §. Sect. 2 That the Scriptures of∣ten warne vs to shun wic∣ked company.
    • §. Sect. 3 Examples of the faithfull who haue shunned wic∣ked company.
    • §. Sect. 4 Reasons per∣swading vs to shun the socie∣ty of wicked men, first, be∣cause it is a strong tentati∣on vnto euill.
    • §. Sect. 5 Other reasons to disswade vs from euill company.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we must consort our selues with the godly and ver∣tuous.
    • §. Sect. 7 That good company ta∣keth away all tediousnesse in good exercises.
    • §. Sect. 8 That good company pre∣serueth vs from falling into many sins, and inciteth vs to many du∣ties.
    • §. Sect. 9 That by good company wee are fitted to performe Christian du∣ties one to∣wards another.
  • CAP. XXXIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of solemne thankesgiuing what it is, and when to be performed.
    • §. Sect. 2 When this so∣lemne thanks∣giuing is most seasonable; how it diffe∣reth from that which is ordi∣nary, and the kinds of it.
  • CAP. XXXIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 What a true fast is, and how it diffe∣reth from all other fasts.
    • §. Sect. 2 That the duty of fing is not ceremoni∣all, but ei∣ed Go∣spel, as well as the Law.
    • §. Sect. 3 The causes of a true fast, and when it is most seasonable.
    • §. Sect. 4 The ends of a true fast.
  • CAP. XXXV.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the out∣ward fast con∣sisteth in to∣tall abstinence.
    • §. Sect. 2 That wee must in our Fast abstaine for the most part from all worldly com∣forts.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the inward and spirituall exercises in our fast.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of humiliati∣on and peni∣tencie in the time of our fast.
    • §. Sect. 5 That prayer must be ioy∣ned with our fasting. Ieiunium ora∣tionem roborat, oratio ieiunium sanctificat, Bernard. in Quadrages. Serm. 4.
    • §. Sect. 6 That with our fasting wee must ioyne vnfained re∣pentance.
    • §. Sect. 7 That we must in our fast, ex∣ercise our selues in all Christian duties.
  • CAP. XXXVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first sort of reasons ta∣ken from Gods nature and attributes.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second reason, taken from Gods loue towards vs.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third rea∣son, taken from Gods decree of our election.
    • §. Sect. 4 The fourth reason taken from the bene∣fit of our crea∣tion.
    • §. Sect. 5 The fifth rea∣son taken from the benefit of our preserua∣tion.
  • CAP. XXXVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the inesti∣mable gift of Iesus Christ, which should moue vs to loue and serue God.
    • §. Sect. 2 That the work of redemption should mooue vs to serue our Redeemer in all duties of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 3 That by the Couenant of Grace we are strongly bound vnto all Chri∣stian duties of a godly life.
  • CAP. XXXVIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the be∣nefit of our effectuall Cal∣ling should moue vs to serue God in the duties of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second reason taken from our Iusti∣fication, and the fruits which fol∣low it.
  • CAP. XXXIX.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first rea∣son, taken from that thanke∣fulnesse which we owe vnto God.
    • §. Sect. 2 The 2. reason taken from that desire which should be in vs to glo∣rifie God.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third rea∣son taken from the will of God, that we should thus serue him.
    • §. Sect. 4 The fourth reason is, that we may a∣dorne the Gospell of God which we professe.
    • §. Sect. 5 The 1. reason, that we may a∣uoid giuing of offence.
  • CAP. XL.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first rea∣son taken from that dignity vnto which God hath cal∣led vs.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second reason is, be∣cause hereby we are assured that we shall prosper in all our wayes.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third rea∣son, because without this indeuour all outward exer∣cises are vaine.
    • §. Sect. 4 The fourth reason, taken from the consi∣deration of our lost time be∣fore our con∣uersion.
  • CAP. XLI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That godlines is the chiefest gaine.
    • §. Sect. 2 That by lea∣ding of a god∣ly life, we are assured of free∣dome from all our sins, both in respect of their guilt, punishment, and corrup∣tion.
    • §. Sect. 3 That by lea∣ding a godly life, wee are freed from the punishment of our sinnes.
    • §. Sect. 4 That a godly life doth much strengthen vs against Satans tentations.
    • §. Sect. 5 That by a godly life we are prepared against the day of death.
    • §. Sect. 6 That by lea∣ding of a god∣ly life we are assured to be freed from iudgement & condemnation.
  • CAP. XLII.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first pri∣uiledge is, that the image of God is repay∣red in vs.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second priuiledge is, that by a god∣ly life we haue title & interest in all Gods pro∣mises, and first, of temporall blessings.
    • §. Sect. 3 That by a godly life, Gods sauing graces are much increa∣sed in vs.
    • §. Sect. 4 That a godly life strength∣neth and in∣creaseth our hope and con∣fidence in God.
    • §. Sect. 5 That a godly life bringeth courage and true fortitude.
    • §. Sect. 6 That a godly life keepeth our conscien∣ces pure and peaceable.
    • §. Sect. 7 That a godly life causeth constancy and perseuerance vnto the end.
    • §. Sect. 8 Of the bene∣fits which a godly life bringeth at the houre of death.
    • §. Sect. 9 Of the inesti∣mable bene∣fits which a godly life will bring in the world to come.
  • CAP. XLIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Their con∣ceits confu∣ted, who ima∣gine that God wholy reser∣ueth the re∣wards of those that serue him, for the life to come.
    • §. Sect. 2 That God or∣dinarily giueth greatest plenty of worldly bles∣sings to world∣ly men.
    • §. Sect. 3 That euen in this life God endoweth the Godly with many singu∣lar and peculi∣ar priuiledges, and first, that hee loueth them aboue all other his creatures.
    • §. Sect. 3 That God watcheth ouer the godly with his special pro∣uidence; and the benefits of this priuiledge.
    • §. Sect. 4 That he gui∣deth and go∣uerneth the godly with his grace and holy Spirit: 1. In their prosperity.
    • §. Sect. 5 Secondly, he guideth the godly in the time of their afflictions.
    • §. Sect. 6 That God in∣wardly gui∣deth the god∣ly by his grace and holy Spirit.
  • CAP. XLIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That God sea∣leth vnto the godly, the as∣surance of their adop∣tion.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second speciall priui∣ledge, is spiri∣tuall illumina∣tion.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third speciall priui∣ledge, is San∣ctification by the Spirit.
    • §. Sect. 4 The fourth speciall priui∣ledge, is inter∣nall and spiri∣tuall ioy.
    • §. Sect. 5 The last speci∣all priuiledge is Christian liberty.
  • CAP. XLV.
    • §. Sect. 1 The sixth mayne priui∣ledge, is, that God bestow∣eth vpon the godly the spirit of prayer and supplication.
    • §. Sect. 2 The seuenth maine priui∣ledge, is, that God granteth vnto them the meanes to build them vp in grace vnto saluation.
    • §. Sect. 3 The eighth maine priui∣ledge i▪ that they shall per∣seuere in the state of grace vnto saluation.
    • §. Sect. 4 The great and inestima∣ble priuiledges wherewith God crowneth a godly life in the world to come.
• THE SIXTH AND LAST BOOKE OF A GODLY LIFE, INTREATING OF THE IMPE∣diments which vsually hinder and discourage men from entring into, and proceeding in the Christian duties which are required vnto it, and of the helpes and meanes whereby they may be remooued.
  • CAP. I.
    • §. Sect. 1 That Satan bendeth all his forces against vs, to hinder vs in the duties of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 How we may remoue the former im∣pediments.
    • §. Sect. 3 That Satans might & ma∣lice compared with our weakenesse and simplicity, must not dis∣courage vs, and the reasons hereof.
    • §. Sect. 4 Satans tentati∣ons, whereby he impugneth our faith.
    • §. Sect. 5 Satans tenta∣tions, whereby he seeketh to hinder vs from entring into the wayes of godlinesse, or from procee∣ding in them.
  • CAP. II.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first pub∣like impedi∣ment arising from euill Magistrates.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the impe∣diments which arise from euill Ministers.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the means whereby the former impe∣diments may be remoued, first, in respect of the Mini∣sters.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of other meanes re∣specting the people.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the impe∣diment of a godly life, arising from the euill liues of some Mini∣sters.
    • §. Sect. 6 Of the publike impediments which respect the people.
  • CAP. III.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the tentati∣ons of pros∣perity, which are most dan∣gerous impedi∣ments of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of such impe∣diments as a life frō world∣ly things, as honours, ri∣ches and plea∣sures, and from the society and familiarity of wicked men.
  • CAP. IIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 How the world seeketh to hinder our course in god∣linesse by af∣flictions and persecutions.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the worlds professed ha∣tred, whereby it seeketh to discourage vs in the duties of a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the for∣mer poynt ought to be held with di∣uers cautions.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the false iudgement of the world, shewed in their bitter censures of the godly.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of worldly contempt, vnto which the godly are liable.
  • CAP. VI.
    • §. Sect. 1 How we may be armed against the slaunders of the world.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of derision and scoffes, which the world vseth to discourage the godly.
    • §. Sect. 3 How wee may be armed against the derisions, and scornes of worldlings.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the neces∣sity of Chri∣stian Apology and profession of the truth.
  • CAP. VII.
    • §. Sect. 1 Of the worlds cruelty, in per∣secuting the godly.
    • §. Sect. 2 That it hath alwayes been the lot of the godly to bee persecuted in the world.
    • §. Sect. 3 That our Saui∣our hath fore∣told these per∣secutions.
    • §. Sect. 4 That worldly persecutions cannot greatly hurt vs.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of the pati∣ence which the Saints haue shewed in suffering persecutions.
    • §. Sect. 6 That our per∣secutions for righteousnesse sake shall bee richly rewar∣ded.
  • CAP. VIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first scan∣dall arising from the pro∣sperity of the wicked.
    • §. Sect. 2 The second scandall ari∣sing from iudgement deferred.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third scandal arising from hypo∣crites.
  • CAP. IX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the most dangerous im∣pediments arise from our owne corrupt flesh.
    • §. Sect. 2 That igno∣rance is a great impediment to a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 3 That vaine cu∣riosity is a great impedi∣ment to a god∣ly life.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of impedi∣ments arising from corrup¦ted and erro∣neous iudge∣ment.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of impedi∣ments arising from speciall errours in iudgement.
    • §. Sect. 6 That infideli∣ty is a great impediment to a godly life.
  • CAP. X.
    • §. Sect. 1 The first impe∣diment is an heart hardned through the deceitfulnesse of sinne.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the second impediment respecting the heart, which is the world.
    • §. Sect. 3 The third im∣pediment ari∣sing from worldly cares.
  • CAP. XI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That carnall hopes are great impedi∣ments to goodnesse.
    • §. Sect. 2 That carnall presumption is a great impe∣diment to a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 3 Of the meanes to remoue the former impe∣diment.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of presumpti∣on in neglect∣ing the meanes of holinesse.
  • CAP. XII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That scrupulo∣sity is a great impediment to a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 2 Of the meanes whereby we may be freed from supersti∣tious scrupulo∣sitie.
    • §. Sect. 3 That carnall feare is a great hinderance vnto godli∣nesse, and the meanes to be freed from it.
    • §. Sect. 4 That carnall sorrow is an impediment to a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 5 Of desperati∣on, and that it is a great im∣pediment to godlinesse.
    • §. Sect. 6 That pride is a singular impe∣diment to a godly life.
    • §. Sect. 7 That sloth and lazinesse is a great impedi∣ment to a god∣ly life.
    • §. Sect. 8 Of wearinesse in well doing, and how it hin∣dreth vs in all Christian du∣ties. And first, that which proceedeth from an ill dis∣position of the body.
    • §. Sect. 9 Of wearinesse in well-doing, arising from the auersenesse of our wils vn∣to good duties.
  • CAP. XIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That a godly life is possible vnto vs.
    • §. Sect. 2 To whom a godly life is difficult, and the causes of it.
    • §. Sect. 3 The causes why the duties of a godly life seeme difficult and tedious euen to the regenerate. Rom. 7 22.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the dif∣culty of a god∣life must not discourage vs from it.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the re∣compence of reward must make vs to o∣uercome all difficulties.
    • §. Sect. 6 That a godly life, in it owne nature is not difficult and tedious, but sweet and de∣lightfull.
  • CAP. XIIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the rege∣nerate haue a new nature, vnto which a godly life is easie and pleasant.
    • §. Sect. 2 That a godly life is made ea∣sie, through the power of God the Father assisting vs.
    • §. Sect. 3 That God the Sonne ioyning with vs, taketh away all diffi∣culty.
    • §. Sect. 4 That the du∣ties of a godly life are made easie by the assistance of the holy Spirit.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the sa∣uing graces of the Spirit wrought in vs, make the godly life easie and familiar.
    • §. Sect. 6 That Christi∣an fortitude o∣uercommeth all difficulties, and maketh a godly life easy.
    • §. Sect. 7 Of the meanes whereby wee may attaine vnto Christian fortitude.
    • §. Sect. 8 That by daily and constant practice we may easily o∣uercome all difficulties.
    • §. Sect. 9 That world∣lings take more paines about earthly vanities, and in the seruice of sinne and Satan, then is required to a godly life.
  • CAP. XV.
    • §. Sect. 1 That though a godly life were sad and sorrow∣full, yet this should not dis∣courage from it.
    • §. Sect. 2 That sanctifi∣cation taketh not away our ioy & delight, but only chan∣geth and im∣proueth it.
    • §. Sect. 3 That no ioy of worldlings is comparable to that which is in Christians.
    • §. Sect. 4 Of the diuers obiects of our spirituall ioy.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the Christians chiefest ioy is Spirituall, and wherein it ex∣ceedeth all o∣ther ioyes.
    • §. Sect. 6 That this spi∣rituall ioy is proper to the godly, and be∣longeth to no other.
    • §. Sect. 7 An admoniti∣on to the faith∣full, to lay hld on this ioyfull priui∣ledge, and to shake off sor∣row and sad∣nesse.
  • CAP. XVI.
    • §. Sect. 1 That a godly life taketh a∣way no lawfull liberty, but ra∣ther establi∣sheth it.
    • §. Sect. 2 That a godly life doth not take away friendship and good society, but rather in∣creaseth it.
    • §. Sect. 3 That a godly life doth not bring with it want and po∣uerty.
    • §. Sect. 4 That though many godly men are poore, yet godlinesse is no cause of their pouerty.
  • CAP. XVII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That Gods Commande∣ments bind vnto obedi∣ence both poore and rich.
    • §. Sect. 2 That pouerty hindreth not Gods graces in vs, but rather furthereth them.
    • §. Sect. 3 That the more poore we are, the more ear∣nest we should be in Gods seruice.
    • §. Sect. 4 That if being poore, we care∣fully serue God, we may securely cast our selues vpon his gracious prouidence, and expect him to be our reward.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the ob∣iection of po∣uerty is but a friuolous and false excuse.
  • CAP. XVIII.
    • §. Sect. 1 That earthly blessings are no hindrances vnto godlines, but the immo∣derate loue of them.
    • §. Sect. 2 That we must not vndertake all imploy∣ments which the world and flesh wil presse vpon vs.
    • §. Sect. 3 That no busi∣nesse is of like moment, as by seruing God to saue our soules.
    • §. Sect. 4 That they who neglect the du∣ties of Gods seruice, cannot expect good successe to their labours.
    • §. Sect. 5 That the du∣ties of our par∣ticular callings, must giue place to the generall calling of Christianity.
    • §. Sect. 6 That we haue time sufficient for Religious and ciuill du∣ties, if it be wisely hus∣banded.
    • §. Sect. 7 That none are exempted by God from the duties of his seruice, vn∣der pretence of any other businesse.
  • CAP. XIX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That the cor∣ruption of the times is a strong tenta∣tion to with∣draw vs from godlinesse.
    • §. Sect. 2 That though it be hard to flesh & blood to liue religi∣ously in cor∣rupt times, yet it is possible, yea easie to the regene∣rate.
    • §. Sect. 4 A note of dif∣ference be∣tweene true zeale and de∣uotion, and that which is false and hy∣pocriticall.
  • CAP. XX.
    • §. Sect. 1 That it is not enough to liue harmlesly, vn∣lesse we per∣forme religi∣ous duties.
    • §. Sect. 2 That it is not sufficient to serue God in some things, and at some times.
    • §. Sect. 3 Their obiecti∣on answered, who pretend that they haue outgone many others.
    • §. Sect. 4 Their obiecti∣on answered, who affirme that Ministers only are bound to the strict performance of religious duties.
    • §. Sect. 5 Their obiecti∣on answered, who pretend the want of meanes.
    • §. Sect. 6 Their obiecti∣on answered, who pretend, that it is not safe to be more forward then other men.
    • §. Sect. 7 That the du∣ties of a godly life must not be delayed.
    • §. Sect. 8 The Conclu∣sion of the whole Trea∣tise.
• A PARAPHRASE VP∣ON THE LORDS PRAYER.
  • A priuate Prayer for the Morning.
  • Another priuate Prayer for the Morning.
  • A Prayer for the Family in the Morning.
  • Another Prayer for the Family in the Morning.
  • A Prayer for the Family in the Euening.
  • Another Prayer for the Family in the Euening.
  • A Prayer for the Lords Day in the Morning.
  • A Prayer for the Euening of the Lords Day.
  • A Prayer before receiuing the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.
  • A thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.
  • A Prayer for the Sicke.
    • But if the sicke party be a child, and so not capable of the outward and ordina∣ry meanes of saluation, then pray for him after this manner:
    • If the party be irrecouerably sicke, or ready to depart out of this world, then we may, in stead of praying for his restoring to health, make, in his behalfe, these following petitions:
  • A Prayer for Children.
• Faults escaped in Printing.
• title page
• TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE, Sir Henrie Mountagu, KNIGHT; Baron of KIMBOLTON, Viscount MANDEVILLE, Lord President of his MAIESTIES most Honorable Priuie Counsell; And to the truely Noble and Vertuous Lady, the Lady MARGARET his Wife.
• Faults escaped in the Treatise of Securitie.
• THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST BOOKE: Jntreating of Carnall Securitie.
• THE CONTENTS OF THE SECOND BOOKE: Intreating of Spirituall and Christian Securitie.
• Section
• OF CARNALL SECVRITIE.
  • THE FIRST BOOKE.
    • CHAP. I.
      • §. 1 That God the supreme good∣nesse turneth all, euen euill it selfe into good.
      • §. 2 That it is the nature of sinne and corruption to turne all in∣to euill.
      • §. 3 That fleshly corruption a∣buseth prospe∣ritie, to the be getting in vs carnall secu∣ritie. Psal. 111. 10. Pro. 1. 7.
      • §. 4 The motiue which induced me to the wri∣ting of this Treatise.
      • §. 5 That it is ne∣cessary to di∣stinguish secu∣ritie into its se∣uerall kinds.
      • §. 6 Of securitie in the state of Innocency.
      • §. 7 Of securitie in the state of Corruption, and the origi∣nall of it.
    • CHAP. II.
      • §. 1 Of the general Parts of this Treatise.
      • §. 2 Carnall secu∣ritie defined.
      • §. 3 Testimonies of Scripture, shewing what it is.
      • §. 4 Examples of carnall secu∣ritie.
    • CHAP. III.
      • §. 1 The first cause of Securitie, ignorance of God, and his sauing attri∣butes.
      • §. 2 The second cause, want of consideration of that wee know.
      • §. 3 The third cause, selfe confidence.
      • §. 4 The fourth cause, abuse of worldly pro∣speritie.
      • §. 5 The fift cause of Securitie, is customable sinning.
      • §. 6 The sixt cause of Securitie, is the present im∣punitie of sin∣ners.
      • §. 7 The seuenth cause, presump∣tion on Gods mercy.
      • §. 8 The eight cause, the neg∣lect or con∣tempt of the meanes of grace and sal∣uation.
      • §. 9 The ninth cause, hearing the Word without Faith.
      • §. 10 The tenth cause, the not applying the Word preach∣ed.
      • §. 11 The eleuenth cause is the misse-applying of the promi∣ses of the Go∣spell.
      • §. 12 The last cause, is a flattering Ministerie.
    • CHAP. IIII.
      • §. 1 Of naturall se∣curitie, which is in all men.
      • §. 2 Of carnall se∣curitie which is affected and voluntarie.
      • §. 3 Of carnall se∣curitie which is in the vnre∣generate.
      • §. 4 Of that carnal securitie which remayneth in the regenerate; and how it groweth vpon them.
      • §. 5 Of insensible and sensible se∣curitie in the faithfull.
      • §. 6 Of the causes of carnall se∣curitie in the faithfull. First, prosperitie, worldly or spi∣rituall.
      • §. 7 The second cause is spiri∣tuall pride.
    • CHAP. V.
      • §. 1 That the car∣nall securitie of the vnrege∣nerate and re∣generate, are in many things alike.
      • §. 2 Of the diffe∣rēces between the carnall se∣curitie of the vnregenerate, and that which is in the rege∣nerate in the highest degree.
      • §. 3 Of the diffe∣rences be∣tweene carnall securitie in the Faithfull and Wicked: and first, in respect of their causes.
      • §. 4 The second difference in their effects.
      • §. 5 Another diffe∣rence in their effects.
      • §. 6 That they dif∣fer in respect of the subiect.
      • §. 7 That they dif∣fer in their properties.
      • §. 8 That they dif∣fer in time of continuance.
    • CHAP. VI.
      • §. 1 That the cau∣ses of carnall securitie doe argue and shew the ef∣fect.
      • §. 2 The first signe of carnall secu∣ritie, is igno∣rance of God and his Attri∣butes.
      • §. 3 The second signe, is when wee are forget∣full of God and his Attributes.
      • §. 4 The third signe Pride and self-Confidence.
      • §. 5 The fourth signe, abuse of prosperitie.
      • §. 6 The fift signe, is customable sinning.
      • §. 7 The sixt signe, abuse of Gods Patience to impenitency. Rom. 2. 4.
      • §. 8 The seuenth signe, presump∣tion on Gods mercy.
      • §. 9 The eight signe, is the contempt of the meanes of saluation.
      • §. 10 The ninth signe, hearing the Word with∣out Faith.
      • §. 11 The tenth signe, not ap∣plying of the Word.
      • §. 12 The eleuenth signe, misse-ap∣plying of the Promises.
      • §. 13 The twelfth signe, is to de∣light in a flat∣tering Ministe∣rie.
    • CHAP. VII.
      • §. 1 The first signe, not to profit by afflictions. First, on others.
      • §. 2 Secondly, such as are inflicted on our selues.
      • §. 3 The second signe, is to haue no desire to keepe Gods Commande∣ments.
      • §. 4 Secondly, when we yeeld obedience but by fits:
      • §. 5 Thirdly, when we doe not yeeld obedi∣ence to the whole Law, but some parts onely.
      • §. 6 Fourthly, when our obedience ariseth not from spirituall causes, nor is directed to right ends.
      • §. 7 The third signe, delaying of Repen∣tance.
      • §. 8 The fourth signe, is hypo∣crisie.
      • §. 9 The fift signe, is to feare Man more then God.
      • §. 10 The sixt signe, immoderate feare in time of danger.
      • §. 11 The seuenth signe, is to run from God and to rest on infe∣riour meanes, in danger and affliction.
      • §. 12 The eight signe, is con∣tempt of Gods Ministers.
    • CHAP. VIII.
      • §. 1 That it is ne∣cessary to haue our hearts wrought vnto the hatred of this Vice.
      • §. 2 That Christ hath giuen vs speciall war∣ning to flee securitie.
      • §. 3 The examples of securitie in others seuere∣ly punished, ought to be warnings vnto vs.
      • §. 4 That Christs holy Apostles haue giuen vs many war∣nings, to take heed of carnall securitie.
      • §. 5 That carnall securitie is a most dange∣rous sicknesse of the soule.
      • §. 6 That carnall securitie is a disease hardly cured.
      • §. 7 That carnall securitie is the cause of all sinne.
      • §. 8 That securitie emptieth the heart of all grace, and pre∣pareth and ma∣keth it fit to re∣ceiue Satan, with all his tentations.
    • CHAP. IX.
      • §. 1 That carnall securitie depri∣ueth of Gods fauour and protection, and dispoyleth vs of all spirituall grace.
      • §. 2 Of some spe∣ciall graces whereof car∣nall securitie depriueth vs.
      • §. 3 That Gods Spirit will not dwell in a se∣cure heart.
      • §. 4 That Carnall securitie depri∣ueth vs of eter∣nall happines.
      • §. 5 That Carnall securitie expo∣seth vs to posi∣tiue euils, and first to all dan∣gers.
      • §. 6 That carnall securitie expo∣seth vs to Gods fearfull Iudge∣ments.
      • §. 7 The former point illustra∣ted by exam∣ples.
      • §. 8 That carnall securitie plun∣geth men into euerlasting condemnati∣on.
      • §. 9 That carnall securitie is a fearful punish∣ment of other sinnes.
    • CHAP. X.
      • §. 1 The first reme∣die, is to auoid ignorance, and labour after knowledge.
      • §. 2 The second remedie, is to consider and meditate often on Gods attri∣butes.
      • §. 3 The third meanes is, to cast off all self-confidence.
      • §. 4 That it is a no∣table meanes to weaken self-confidence, if wee consider the strength of our spirituall enemies.
      • §. 5 The third re∣medie, is to vse well our pro∣speritie.
      • §. 6 The fift reme∣die is to shun customable sinning.
      • §. 7 The sixt reme∣die is to make precious ac∣count of Gods grace and for∣bearance.
      • §. 8 The seuenth remedie is to shunne pre∣sumption.
      • §. 9 The eighth re∣medie is to vse carefully the meanes of sal∣uation.
      • §. 10 The ninth re∣medie is, to heare the Word with faith.
      • §. 11 The tenth re∣medie is, to ap∣plie the Word vnto ourselues.
      • §. 12 The eleuenth remedie is not to misapplie the promises.
    • CHAP. XI.
      • §. 1 The first reme∣die is, to with∣stand securitie in the first de∣grees of it.
      • §. 2 The second re∣medie is, to nourish in our hearts the true feare of God.
      • §. 3 The third re∣medie is, to make great ac∣count of a soft and relenting heart.
      • §. 4 The fourth re∣medie is, exa∣mination of our estate.
      • §. 5 The fift reme∣die is, to e∣steeme much of priuate ad∣monitions.
      • §. 6 The sixt reme∣die is, to visite those who are in affliction.
      • §. 7 The seuenth remedie is, to meditate on the tentations and sufferings of Christ.
      • §. 8 The eighth re∣medie is, to consider that securitie in this life is vnseaso∣nable.
      • §. 9 The ninth re∣medie is, to meditate often on the last iudgement.
      • §. 10 The last reme∣die is, frequent and feruent prayer for Gods blessing vpon all the former meanes
  • OF SPIRITVALL AND CHRISTIAN SECVRITIE.
    • CHAP. I.
      • §. 1 That all secu∣ritie is not to be condem∣ned, but that it is in some kind commendable; and to be desi∣red.
      • §. 2 The descripti∣on of spirituall Securitie.
      • §. 3 That God is the authour of spirituall secu∣ritie.
      • §. 4 That the rege∣nerate onely are the subiect of spirituall se∣curitie.
      • §. 5 The grounds of spirituall securitie, on which it re∣steth.
      • §. 6 Of the conti∣nuance and perpetuitie of spirituall secu∣ritie.
    • CHAP. II.
      • §. 1 The causes of spirituall secu∣ritie respecting God.
      • §. 2 The causes of spirituall secu∣ritie respecting our selues.
      • §. 3 Of the particu∣lar causes of spirituall secu∣ritie, first, sa∣uing know∣ledge.
      • §. 4 The second cause, a liuely Faith in Christ.
      • §. 5 The third cause, Cha∣ritie.
      • §. 6 The fourth cause, the true feare of God.
      • §. 7 The last cause is new obedi∣ence.
      • §. 8 Of the effects of spirituall securitie.
    • CHAP. III.
      • § 1 Th st ms, highly to e∣steeme it and e i and in him.
      • §. 2 The second meanes is, to labour to be in the number of Christ Dis∣ciples, and of his flocke.
      • §. 3 The third meanes is, that we labour to be in the Co∣uenant of Grace.
      • §. 4 The fourth meanes is, to labour to haue the causes of it in vs. As, first, the Spirit of adoption, and the chayne of sauing graces.
      • §. 5 The fift means is, to labour to be indued with those peciall sauing graces, which are the causes of, first, knowledge and remembrance of God and his Attributes. Secondly, A liuely Faith.
      • §. 6 The sixt meanes, con∣tempt of the World.
      • §. 7 The seuenth meanes to keepe our hearts vpright, and our con∣sciences pure.
      • §. 8 The last means is, Christian watchfulnesse and often exa∣mination of our estates.
• duplicate pages