Pleroma to Pneumatikon, or, A being filled with the Spirit wherein is proved that it is a duty incumbent on all men (especially believers) that they be filled with the spirit of God ... : as also the divinity, or Godhead of the Holy Ghost asserted ... : the necessity of the ministry of the Gospel (called the ministry of the Spirit) discussed ... : all heretofore delivered in several sermons from Ephes. 5. 18 / by ... Mr. John Goodwin ... ; and published after his death ...

Title

Pleroma to Pneumatikon, or, A being filled with the Spirit wherein is proved that it is a duty incumbent on all men (especially believers) that they be filled with the spirit of God ... : as also the divinity, or Godhead of the Holy Ghost asserted ... : the necessity of the ministry of the Gospel (called the ministry of the Spirit) discussed ... : all heretofore delivered in several sermons from Ephes. 5. 18 / by ... Mr. John Goodwin ... ; and published after his death ...

Author

Goodwin, John, 1594?-1665.

Publication

London :: Printed by E.C. for Henry Eversden ...,

1670.

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Subject terms

Bible. -- N.T. -- Ephesians V, 18 -- Sermons.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit -- Early works to 1800.

Sermons, English -- 17th century.

Link to this Item

https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A41499.0001.001 content_copy

Cite this Item

"Pleroma to Pneumatikon, or, A being filled with the Spirit wherein is proved that it is a duty incumbent on all men (especially believers) that they be filled with the spirit of God ... : as also the divinity, or Godhead of the Holy Ghost asserted ... : the necessity of the ministry of the Gospel (called the ministry of the Spirit) discussed ... : all heretofore delivered in several sermons from Ephes. 5. 18 / by ... Mr. John Goodwin ... ; and published after his death ..." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A41499.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 4, 2024. content_copy

Contents

• title page
• THE PUBLISHERS TO THE Ingenuous and Christian READER.
• To all that desire to be filled WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
• The Contents of the Chapters.
• ERRATA.
• OR, A being filled with the Spirit.
  • CHAP. I. The coherence, and sense of the words opened. What it is to be filled with the Spirit: Four Doctrines raised from the words: Proved from the Scriptures that it is the duty of all Christi∣ans to be filled with the Spirit.
  • CHAP. II. The first Reason of the Doctrine propounded and argued, viz, That it is the duty of all persons (especially of all the Professors of the Gospel, or Christianity) to be filled with the Holy Ghost, or Spirit of God; Because if men be not filled, or in a way of being filled, with the Spirit of God, they will be filled with some evil Spirit one or other.
  • CHAP. III. The second Reason of the Doctrine; without being filled with the Spirit, the hearts of men and women will never serve them to do excellent things for God, Acts 5.3. Ch. 13.9, 10. Ch. 20.22. 2 Cor. 5.13. in part opened.
  • CHAP. IV. The Doctrine demonstrated by a third ground, viz. That we are never like to be any great Benefactors unto the world, which yet we stand bound in duty to be, unless we be filled with the Spirit. He is a great Benefactor unto the world, that gives a real account of his believing in Christ. Why Abraham called the Father of Believers. The force of Example. A mans keeping the Commandments of Jesus, a great benefit and accommodation unto the world, in two respects, Gal. 6.2. in part opened. 2 Tim. 3.8. in part opened. So Eph. 3.14, 15, 16. The Saints praying for any good thing, frequently in their prayer mention the means, by which God is wont to give, or effect it.
  • CHAP. V. The fourth Reason of the Doctrine propounded, and argued: Men are not capable of receiving the rich Consolations of the Gospel, unless they be filled with the Spirit, 1 Pet. 2.9. in part open∣ed. So Heb. 6.17, 18. Eph. 3.17, 19. 1 Pet. 1.8. Eph. 1.18. Jam. 2.13. Prov. 19.16. Acts 17.28. Mar. 4.5. and 6.16.
  • CHAP. VI. The fifth (and last) Reason of the Doctrine argued: Men stand bound in duty to put themselves into a capacity of the fullest, and highest rewards which God hath prepared for, and holdeth forth unto the Children of men. Inequality of rewards in glo∣ry argued. The Parable of the Penny, Mat. 20. considered. The advantages of late Converts. Inconveniences incident to the early, which yet may be avoided. Dan. 12.3. in part opened. 1 Cor. 3.8. Eph-6.8. Gal. 6.7. 1 Cor. 15.58. Rom. 6.23. Psa. 138.2. Psa. 25.8, 10. Mat. 13.43. Phil. 3.21. 2 Tim. 4.8. Mat. 20.20, 21. Rom. 9.15. Mat. 5.48. Num. 25.11, 12, 13. 2 Thes. 1.10. Eph. 1.23, 2 Pet. 1.4. 1 Joh. 3.3. 2 Cor. 7.1. Heb. 11.10, 17, 18, 19, 26. Heb. 12.2. Joh. 17.5. Luke 22.43.
  • CHAP. VII. Three Questions propounded, to give further light into the Doctrine; The first of them enquired into, namely, who, or what this Spirit (mentioned in the Tex) is, viz. Whether he be an increated Spirit, even God blessed for ever; or whe∣ther a created Spirit? Several Scriptures opened and argued (both from the Old and New Testament) proving that the Spirit, spoken of in the Text, is none other than Jehovah, or the most high God. The several Pleas brought against these Scriptures, by persons contrary minded, taken off, and ren∣dered invalid. As also some Grounds in Reason propounded and argued to prove that the Holy Ghost is very God.
  • CHAP. VIII. The most material Arguments that are generally insisted on, by those who deny the Divinity of the Holy Ghost, are weighed in the balance of the Sanctuary. Wherein also those Scri∣ptures which are generally insisted on by those who perswade themselves, and would also perswade others, that he that is the Searcher of hearts is but of a finite extraction; Or the Holy Spirit of God is but a Creature, are all discharged from bearing that burthen which is laid upon them. As also the great profitableness, yea, the great necessity of this Discourse (though somewhat large) is asserted.
  • CHAP. IX. The Second Question propounded, namely, How, or by what means a Believer, or any other Person, may be filled with the Spirit of God. Some difficulties removed, with one direction propounded, and largely discoursed, whereby men and women may understand the intent of the Exhortation, and what it is that is required of them when they are com∣manded to be filled with the Spirit. VVherein also the Grace of God, and the free working of his Spirit is clearly vindi∣cated and asserted.
  • CHAP. X. The Resolution of the Second Question further prosecuted: And six Directions more given to shew how men and women may come to be filled with the Spirit of God; and what is to be done by them in order hereunto.
  • CHAP. XI. A third Question propounded, viz. How a man or woman may know whether himself or others are filled with the Spirit of God, or with some other Spirit that pretendeth to be the Spirit of God, but is (indeed) a Spirit contrary to it. Wherein are several Rules laid down in order to a clear understanding thereof. Prov. 6.9, 10. 1 Cor. 12.8, 9, 10. Jam. 3.17. Prov 2.22. Chap. 9.6. Rom. 8.13. Psal. 145, 17. 1 Cor. 2.10, 11. in part opened.
  • CHAP. XII. The first Ʋse of the Doctrine, by way of Instruction, in four main Points; First, Shewing how comely a thing it is for men and women to be found obedient to the Commands of God in general; and particularly, how beautiful and honou∣rable a thhing it is for men and women to be filled with the Spirit of God, and to be found acting accordingly. Secondly, An account given what strangers the Saints themselves are unto many great Duties, and more especially unto this great Duty of being filled with the Spirit, insomuch that even this Generation are (as it were) asleep thereunto. Thirdly, That this great blessedness of being filled with the Spirit is no impossible thing, but is attainable by the endeavours and en∣gagements of men. Fourthly, and lastly, That it is the will and design of God that Believers should be a Royal Generation of Kings and Priests unto himself, and that they should live accordingly.
  • CHAP. XIII. A Second Ʋse of the Doctrine being a Ʋse of Reproof unto all those who are Enemies unto this heavenly Exhortation and Counsel of the Holy Ghost administred unto men, namely, to be filled with the Spirit, and who by any means obstruct the course of it. A first sort are such who scoff at such a thing as a being filled with the Spirit of God. A second sort of Offenders are such who perswade men that the Spirit, which they are exhorted to be filled with, is but a finite Spirit, an Angel, and not God. Wherein many things are further argued, proving the Holy Ghost to be the most High God.
  • CHAP. XIV. A third sort of Offenders reproved are such who, instead of fol∣lowing the Exhortation of being filled with the Spirit, take a course to be emptied of the Spirit of God: Who make it mat∣ter of Conscience to turn their backs upon the Ministry of the Gospel (which is called the Ministry of the Spirit.) Wherein the several Scriptures and Reasons by which they strengthen themselves, in their evil way, are examined, and found bent against them. And likewise the necessity of the Ministry of the Gospel, and the great benefit thereof, largely asserted, and vindicated.
  • CHAP. XV. Five sorts of Offenders more under the Second Head reproved: First, Such who are chill and cool in their respects unto the Ministry of the Gospel. An account of the Causes thereof: The danger of false Notions concerning God. A second sort reproved for withdrawing from a lively and powerful Ministry: Reasons of such miscarriages. Legal and Evangelical Ministry distinguished. What renders Persons duly fitted for the Ministry of the Gospel. The third sort, justly reprovable, are such who neglect to be led by the Spirit of God. How, and when the Spirit of God is neglected. A fourth sort justly reprovable also are such that do resist the Holy Ghost or Spirit of God. The fifth and last sort of Offenders are such who refuse to sow unto the Spirit of God.
  • CHAP. XVI. The fourth (and last) Ʋse of the Doctrine being an Exhor∣tation to use all means we are capable of in order to a being filled with the Spirit of God. Three Motives propounded: The first, More generally taken from the nature of the Commandments of God. That this Duty is one of the holy and righteous Retinue of Duties enjoyned us by God. Neglect of his Commands provoketh him to Jealousie. The second Motive. This being known to be a Duty enjoyned by God, neglected, hinders the Soul from prospering in the things of its own peace. The vast difference and great danger of an habitual Omission of known Duties in compa∣rison of Duties a man is ignorant of. A third Motive. This is a Duty enjoyned by the Lord Christ, who speaks now from Heaven. The difference between God's speaking on the Earth, and now speaking from Heaven. Neglect of Evangelical Duties much more provoking than the neglect under the Law. Heb. 12.25. in part opened. A being filled with the Spirit purely Evangelical.
  • CHAP. XVII. Four Considerations more to enforce the Exhortation. The fourth Motive: the great benefit accruing unto men and women by a serious engagement in a course likely to issue in a being filled with the Spirit. It will free men and women from foolish, unclean, and noysome lusts, somewhat peculiar in this engagement differing from others, though worthy in their kind. A fifth Motive, proving that in case men do what God hath and doth enable them to do in order to a being filled with the Spirit of God, this their enterprize shall assuredly prosper in their hand. Hope of obtaining great encouragement unto Endeavours. Some more of the great Priviledges that accompany a being filled with the Spirit. A sixth Motive, That the Reasons and Ʋnderstandings of men are not capable of being employed upon terms of greater benefit and advantage than in this engagement. A seventh Consideration, taken from the uncertainty of obtain∣ing the things of this World by all the means that can be used, and also from the uncertainty of the continuance of these things, if gotten: Whereas a being filled with the Spirit, as it is attainable, so by a perseverance in the use of means our attainments in this kind shall stand by us for ever.
  • CHAP. XVIII. The eighth (and last) Motive: That a being filled with the Spirit will render the Condition of men and women most de∣sirable in this World, and in that which is to come. That no other course will do it but this, or none without this. Four things, a concurrence whereof will render a man's Condition in this life most desirable. 1. A freedom from all troublesome, distracting, and tormenting fears and cares. 2. A heart and conscience abounding in Joy and Peace. 3. A large and free Communion with God. 4. And lastly, A rich and large inte∣rest in God to be able to carry great Matters in Prayer with him. Three of these insisted on: 1. A being filled with the Spirit will discharge men from all troublesome and distracting fears and cares. 2. The Peace and Joy of men will abound by a being filled with the Spirit. 3. A third particular which renders mens Condition so desirable in the World is a free and large Communion with God. 1. What is meant by Commu∣with God. 2. What by a free Communion. 3. What is meant by a large and full Communion with God. 4. How this Com∣munion renders man's Condition very desirable in the World. 5. That this Priviledge must needs accompany a being filled with the Spirit. What it is for God to dwell or abide in man. How a man may know that God dwelleth in him by the Spirit which is given him. How perfect love casteth out fear. In what respest the Spirit may be said to witness with our spirits that we are the Children of God. A well-grounded Confidence. The Causes of a false Confidence enquired into. A good Conscience a ground of Assurance.
  • CHAP. XIX. The Eighth Motive further opened in the fourth particular, a being filled with the Spirit doth interest men with a rich and large Interest in God. How this Interest doth arise by being filled with the Spirit of God. Reasons why so little is done by Prayer now, in comparison of what was done in the Primitive times. Without being filled with the Spirit none of the great blessings, formerly mentioned (and which render a mans Condition so desirable in this World) are to be obtained. The Reasons whence it comes to pass: And the equitableness of God's proceeding with men therein. The difference between a fearless and dreadless frame of spirit, that is counterfeit, and that which is raised upon good Grounds. A being filled with the Spirit is the only way to cause the Crown of glory to flourish on the head of a man; And that with a greater measure of glory in the World which is to come.
• A Table of such Texts of Scripture unto which light is given in the foregoing Discourse.
• Some general Rules for the opening and understanding of several Scriptures in the Book.