01.13. Appendix 1
ANALYTICAL INDEX. This Treatise is divided into twelve Chapters, and the subjects therein are discussed in the following order.
CHAPTER I. Of the original purity of human nature. "Man was pure and holy in his Creation state; his affections were untainted; and no disorder attended him in his passions: no unlawful love, delight, or aversion, were implanted in the nature of man, by the great Author of his being." 1. He had a perfection of knowledge. 2. His disposition was such as God approved of 3. His affections were untainted. 4. The objections of Socinian and Arminian writers, replied to.
CHAPTER II. Of the present entire depravity of human nature. "Our depravity is a subject very largely treated of in the Holy Scriptures." 1. We are dead in sin. 2. We are under the dominion of sin. 3. Ignorance and darkness have overspread our minds. 4. Men are obstinate. 5. No unregenerate person acts agreeably to God’s holy law. 6. None of his actions, while in that state, are good and holy. 7. The carnal mind is enmity against God. "A man is either regenerate or unregenerate." Observations oil this subject.
CHAPTER III. On the Spirit’s work in Regeneration; and also in Conversion, and Sanctification. "Regeneration precedes, and may be considered as the foundation and spring of conversion and sanctification." 1. Of the necessity of regeneration. 2. What is regeneration, conversion, and sanctification; or, wherein they consist. Regeneration, the infusion of a new principle of spiritual Life. Conversion, the primary acting’s of the regenerate principle. Sanctification, the secondary acting’s of grace.
CHAPTER IV. Of the great difference between real conversion, and the mere semblance of it. "This is a subject of very great moment, and one of considerable difficulty." 1. There is a change, which is not conversion. 2. Wherein lies the difference between this change, and real conversion; shown in various particulars. Concluding observation.
CHAPTER V. On the life of faith. "The holy Scripture plainly informs us what it is ; and sets before us shining examples of it." 1. The objects of faith are things invisible. 2. The life of faith is above the delectable things of this world. 3. Faith carries the mind above the afflictive and distressing things of this world. 4. It is a life contrary to the evil part of the believer, and above his better part. 5. The life of faith supposes a frequent exercise of that grace. 6. It may be maintained in a believer even under darkness, and the hidings of God’s face. 7. That it is a life of dependence on the faithfulness of God. 8. It is an ardent desire, and a sure expectation of better things than can be enjoyed in this state.
CHAPTER VI. Of the assurance of faith. This important subject is handled, 1. Objectively and subjectively. 2. Assurance not esscntial to that faith which is of God’s operation. 3. That this favour may be enjoyed; argued in several particulars., 4. Of the influence attending this holy assurance. 5. Of our duty to endeavour to maintain it. 6. That great advantages attend it. Objections answered.
CHAPTER VII. Of a believer’s growth in grace. A negative definition," By grace I do not intend a speculative knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity." 1. The prayer of the apostle for the saints enlargement in spiritual knowledge. 2. A consideration of the apostle’s own gracious experience on this point ; and observations on that experience. 3. What is implied in mortification of sin? Two queries answered.
CHAPTER VIII. On declension in the power of godliness, its causes, &c. The axiom. "A real believer will never sink into a state of unregeneracy ; yet, he may greatly decline with respect to the liveliness, vigour, and exercise of grace, through various causes." 1. The Christian may suffer a suspension of divine influences. 2. The opposition that sin makes to grace in the souls of believers, often a cause of declension. 3. A langour in grace may be occasioned by a neglect of holy duties. 4. Criminal indulgencies very prejudicial to grace. 5. The declensions of Christians are sometimes owing to an un-edifying ministry. 6. Formality in religious exercises will cause a decline in the power of godliness.
CHAPTER IX. Of the Symptoms of declension in the power of godliness. 1. A drowsy and slumbering frame of mind is a sure sign of declension. 2. Loss of spiritual appetite is a sign of declension in grace. 3. Declension attends us, if our love to God, Christ, and to spiritual things, is abated. 4. Another symptom is an abatement of zeal for the honour of God, and of a dear Redeemer. 5. A thirst after, and fondness of the world, is a symptom of declension in grace. 6. The want of watchfulness against sin is a sure sign of decay in grace. 7. Being more governed in our conduct, by prudential than spiritual considerations, 8. When influenced not so much by evangelical, as legal motives. 9. Queries answered. (1.) Why is grace suffered to decline, and sin permitted to break forth 7 (2.) How may a Christian, under declension, arrive at satisfaction that he is the subject of true grace? (3.) What is included in a revival of grace, &c.? (4.) May a Christian think he is declined in grace, and be mistaken in that matter? 10. The difference between a regenerate, and an unregenerate person.
CHAPTER X. Of the means of revival, under decays of grace. "The Holy Spirit, in a way of efficiency, the sole cause of a happy revival." 1. We must remember from whence we are fallen, and lay to heart the sad occasions of our declension. 2. A consideration of what Christ required of the church at Sardis. 3. We must do the "First works," if we design a revival of our graces, 4. Query. How can this declension consist with promises of growth? Answered. 5. Cautions to the saint on his recovery.
CHAPTER XI. Of the temptations of the present age; and cautions against them. "Temptation is exceedingly dangerous, because we have that in us which is fit matter for it to act upon." 1. Temptations leveled against our faith, by open and avowed enemies. 2. The secret enemies of divine truth, from whom temptations arise. 3. Of persons carefully avoiding the use of some terms and phrases, by which the most important doctrines of Christianity are expressed. 4. Some act a neutral part; they appear on no side; you cannot tell what their opinion
CHAPTER X11. Of holy and spiritual Communion with God. "Fellowship with God hath always subsisted between God and His saints." 1. The saints enjoy communion with God the Father in his love, which is (1.) Eternal. (2.) Sovereign. (3.) Immense. (4.) Immutable. (5.) Inseparable. (6.) The saints enjoy communion with God in all his counsels and purposes concerning their salvation. 2. Intimacy and fellowship is maintained between Christ and the church; they being his brethren, his children, his bride, his members, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. 3. The saints enjoy communion with the blessed Spirit. Some experimental portions of Solomon’s song illustrated. 4. The several relations wherein Christ stands to His people, a fit matter for delightful meditation to spiritually minded persons. 5. The church is sometimes without the company of her beloved. The reasons why, are shewed. 6. and lastly. A consideration of our communion with God, in the course of that holy obedience which He requires us to yield unto Him, while we are in this mortal state. 1. Duties of a religious nature. (I.) Meditation. (2.) Prayer. (3.) Reading the sacred Word. (4.) Attending on the preaching of the gospel. (5.) Celebrating of the institutions of Christ. 2. Communion with God and Christ, enjoyed, in the practice of the duties of the second table. The volume closes with a glance at the sacred delight which will possess our souls, when we shall serve our God day and night, without fainting, weariness, or the least tincture of evil in any of our acts; and when our communion with the Father, Son and Spirit shall be most near, uninterrupted, and without end.