&p Jr. g m p A IM> * • • HI • f I A SCRIPTURE ACCOUNT OF THE FAITH AND PRACTICE OF CHRISTIANS: CONSISTING OF AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF PERTINENT TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE, GIVEN AT LARGE, UPON THE VARIOUS ARTICLES OF REVEALED RELIGION ; Reduced into distinct sections, so as to embrace all the branches of each subject, the motives to the belief or practice of the doctrines taught, and the threatenings, promises, rewards, pu- nishments, examples, £jc. annexed. ADDRESSED TO THE UNDERSTANDING, THE HOPES, AND THE FEARS OF CHRISTIANS. THE WHOLE FORMING A COMPLETE CONCOBBJINCE TO ALL THE ARTICLES hv FATTH ANi) PRACTICE TAUGHT IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. Member of the Root Presbytery, County J&ntrim, Ireland. (FROM THE FIRST AMERICAN EDITION.) PUBLISHED BY GEORGE KOLB, PATRICK-SWEET. 1SJS> >0 3 (V I RECOMMENDATIONS f The publisher submits to his patrons the following testimonials afi- probatory to this valuable work,wilh which he was politely favoured when proposqls for publishing it were first issuedJj I Have had " Gastonh Collection, tfc." in my possession for the last twelve months, and found it to be a very valuable work. I can with safety recommend it to the religious public. DAVID MARTIN, Pastor of the Methodist Church, Fredericktown. February 20, 1818. I Have given the above work a cursory perusaj. Its nature is that of a Concordance, and believe it to be useful to those who labour after a general and correct knowledge of the Bible. JONATHAN IJELFENSTEIN, Pastor of the German Presbyterian Church, Fred eric ktow7u February 21, 1818, * My opinion being required of 'A Gaston's Collection, &c. n I gave it a cursory perusal. I feel myself at liberty to say, that, con- sidering it as a Concordance, it must be useful to Theological readers, as it bringeth into one view, the passages of the Bible, that are paral- lel, or bear an analogy, to each other. DAVID F. SCHAEFFER, A. M. Pastor of the German Luthemn Church, Fredericktown, February 22, 1818,. Being acquainted for many years, with " Gaston's Scripture Ac- count of the Faith and Practice of Christians" I think it an excel- IV RECOMMENDATIONS. lent work of the kind, and do hereby recommend it to the patronage of the religious public. P. DAVIDSON, Pastor of the English Presbyterian Churchy Fredericktoivn. li Gaston's Scrifiture Account of the Faith and Practice of Christia?is" is, in my opinion, a work highly valuable, and calculated to be of service to all well disposed readers. To the ministry the publication of this work will be of peculiar service, as it exhibits under their several heads all those passages of scripture which relate to the distinctive principles and fundamental doctrines of our blessed religion. F. W. HATCH, Pastor of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Fredericktoivn. February 22, 1818. I Have examined " Gaston's Collection," and recommend it as worthy public patronage. CALEB REYNOLDS, Pastor of the Methodist Church in Frederick Circuit. February 24, 18 IS. ~> PREFACE. The plan of salvation has been so fully explained, and placed in so clear a ligjht by various authors, (exclusive of the writings of those inspired men whose productions are so much regarded by the religious world at the present day, from which no christian would, knowingly, depart,) that further treatise explanatory of the word of God (we might safely say) is unnecessary, but, however, we will leave that to the world to judge. It is generally supposed, that the scripture will support the doctrines which is contained in itself— conceiving these truths to be self-evident, the following work is offered to the perusal and consideration of the public generally, sincerely hoping that the sacred truths contained in it may be for their mutual benefit and that those who are in the dreary and lonesome path of sin may see their error ere it is too late, and forsake their unrighteousness, and serve the true and the living God. It is a bright luminary, replete with the spirit of revelation, whereby every man may gain the haven of happiness and never ceasing pleasures. The sacred writings frpm Genesis to Revelation, are here me- thodically and systematically arranged under the several and respec- tive heads to which they refer, that the reader wishing to find any particular passages will immediately be referred to them by examin- ing the index which is annexed, and arranged in alphabetical ®rder. It is submitted to the decision of the religious community* CONTENTS. [Note. In the following table of contents the number of the page is set down immediately after the sections that are contained in it. e.g. The first eight sections will he found in page 3. — From section 9 to 16 inclusive, in page 4, &c.~\ CHAP. I. The Perfections of God. Sect. 1 That there is a God, asserted, and proved by his works. 2 The perfection of God assert- ed. 3 The unity of God asserted^ 4 Is God alone. 5 There is none else. 6 There is none besides him. 7 There is none with him. 8 None before him. Page 3 9 None like him. 1 None to be compared unto him. No likeness of God. 39 41 11 12 He is the living God. 13 The true God. 1 4 God is a Spirit. 1 5 God is invisible. 1 6 God is unsearchable. Page 4 1 7 The eternal God. 1 8 He is everlasting. 19 He is forever. 20 He is the First and Last. 21 He is immortal. 22 He is incorruptible. Page 23 He is blessed. 24 He is unchangeable. 25 He is present every where. 26 God's greatness. Page ( 27 God is exalted. 28 God's excellency. 29 God's majesty. ' 30 God's glory. Page ' 3 1 God is glorious in favours, spi ritual and temporal, to his people. Page 8 32 God's knowledge is perfect. 33 God's knowledge is underived. 34 God's knowledge extendeth to all things. 35 Things which God alone know- eth. Page 9 36 Secret thing* which God will discover. 37 God's knowledge of man and all his waySi Page 10 38 God knoweth the hearts of all men. He knoweth the hearts of the righteous. 40 He knoweth the hearts of the wicked. He knoweth his people. 42 God knoweth the religious principles and practice of his people. Page 1 1 43 God knoweth their works. — He knoweth their wants, their sorrows, their wrongs from oppressors. Page 12 44 God's knowledge of the wicked and their sins, 45 God knoweth the proud. 46 He knoweth the impenitent. 47 He knoweth hypocritical pro- fessors. 48 He knoweth liars and uncharit- able persons. Page 13 49 God knoweth envious persons. 50 God knoweth wicked ways. 5 1 God knoweth whoredom, natu- ral and spiritual. 52 He knoweth murderers. 53 The sins of the wicked against God's knowledge. 54 The wisdom of God in general. 55 The wisdom of God in crea- tion. Page 14 56 The wisdom of God in re- demption by Jesus Christ. 57 The wisdom of creatures, nothing in comparison of God's wisdom. 58 The power : of God. 59 He is the mighty God. Page 15 60 He is the Almighty God/ 61 God's strength. vm CONTENTS. 62 God's arm. 63 Hand of God. 64 Finger of God. 65 God called a R*ock. 66 Nothing hard to God. 67 All things possible to God. 68 God is able to do every thing. 69 God's power in his wonderful doings. Page 16 70 The prosperity and adversity of man in God's power. 7 1 God's power in the creation of the heavens and earth. Page 1 7 72 God's power in the govern- ment of heaven and earth. 73 Acts of God's power toward his church. Page 18 74 God's power toward the righ- teous. 75 God's power in spiritual bles- sings toward his people. 76 God's power against the wick- ed. Page 19 77 Sins of the wicked against the attribute or power.-— Duties resulting from, or founded upon the doctrine of God's power. Page 21 78 God's power in miracles, re- corded in the Old Testa- ment. Page 22 79 The righteousness of God. Page 27 80 In punishing the wicked. 81 In men's reaping as they sow. 82 In rewards to the righ- teous. 83 Things of God called righte- ous are, his judgments, sta- tutes, precepts, testimonies, commands, words, ways, &c. 84 The justice of God. Page 28 85 Injustice and iniquity denied concerning God. 86 Truth ascribed to God. 87 Things of God called truth. Pag: 29 88 Lying denied concerning God. 89 The faithfulness of God' 90 Things of God calied faithful, are his commands, word, counsels, Christ. — God is to be praised for his faithfulness. 91 God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises. Page SO 92 God's faithfulness in fulfilling his threatenings. 93 God's purity. 94 God's holiness. 95 Other words expressing God's holiness. Page 31 96 God is the Holy One, by way of eminence. 97 Things pertaining to God called holy are, his name, throne, heaven, place, hill, &c. &c. Page %2 98 The goodness of God. 99 The Lord doth good. Page 33 100 The mercy of God. Page 35 101 Mercy of God promised. Page 35 102 Persons to whom mercy is promised are, those who o- bey, repent, fear, love, and trust in God. 103 Mercy prayed for. Page 37 104 Mercy acknowledged in vari- ous instances. Page 38 105 Thanks for mercy. 106 Mercy in the pardon of sin. Page 39 107 Pardon and forgiveness pray- ed for. Page 40 108 Compassion ascribed to God. — God excited to compas- sion toward his people. 109 Compassion to whom pro- mised. 1 10 Instances of God's compas- sion exercised. Page 41 — God excited compassion in enemies toward his people. 111 Compassion ascribed to Christ. 112 Pity ascribed to God toward, his people. 113 God will not pity the wicked. I i4 Lomr-sufferingc^God. P. 42 Contents. i:< \ 15 Forbearance ascribed to God. 1 1 6 Kindness ascribed to God, pro- mised to be exercised towards his people; 117 Kindness prayed for. Page 43 1 18 Thanks for kindness. 119 God is gracious. Page 44 120 God's throne is a throne of grace. 121 God's Spirit is a Spirit of grace. 122 Christ is gracious. 123 The grace of Gcd in man's sal- vation in election. 124 In calling. Page 45 125 In justification. 126 In pardon of sin. 127 Adoption through grace. 128 Sanctification through grace. 129 The gospel is of grace given. Page 46 1 30 Alms called grace in men. 131 Ministering abilities through grace. 1 32 Effects of the gospel in a sanc- tified nature and practice call- ed grace. Page 47 133 Faith through grace. 134 Hope through grace. 1 35 Prayer and praise through grace. 136 Salvation is of grace. 1 37 Grace prayed for. Page 48 138 God's favour. Page 49 139 God's favour denied to the wicked. 140 God giveth the favour of men. 141 Gccl withholdcth the favour of men. 142 God is bountiful. 14 144 God's blessing, he blesseth his people. Page 50 145 Persons pronounced blessed, who they are. Page 5 1 146 God's blessing promised by way of covenant, or covenant blessings. Pi 147 Anger ascribed to God. 148 God's anger threatened against the wicked. Peg? 5< 149 Wrath of God threatened a ^ainst sinner's. B Men ought to be bountiful. 150 God is wroth — prayers and promises against God's wrath. 151 God's indignation against sinners. Page 55 152 Fury ascribed to God. 153 Vengeance. 154 God abhorreth. 155 God lotheth, despiseth. 150 Godhateth. 157 T:ie Lord is a terrible God. 158 The dreadful God. 159 God's jealousy for his people. - against sinners. Page 56 160 Zeal ascribed to God. P. 57 CHAP. II. Sect. 1 Creation of all things. 2 Of the heavens and earth. Page 57 3 Sun, moon and stars created. 4 The sea. Page 58 5 Summer and winter. 6 North and south. 7 Clouds, wind. 8 Rain. 9 Creatures in the sea. 10 Creatures on the dry land. Page 59 1 1 Grass, herbs and trees. 1 2 Man created, his body. 13 His soul. 14 Man's spiritual state after his creation. Page 60 15 Man's disobedience and fall from his happy state. 1 6 Man's first sin referred to. ' 1 7 Angels, their number. 18 Their names. 19 Their nature. 20 Their excellency, 21 Their employment. Page 61 22 Instances of care and services of angels for God's people. 23 Revelations of God's will, and directions given by angels. Page 62 24 Angels inflict God's judg- ments on the wicked. Pa. 63 CONTENTS. 25 Angeh their attendance on and services to Christ on earth. 26 Their attendance on Christ at his coming to judgment. 27 Their employment at the day of judgment. Page 64 28 They are worshippers of God the Fatl-ter. 29 They worship Christ and are subject to him They are not to be worshipped. 30 Devils, angels that sinned. 31 What their sin is supposed to have been. 32 Names given to them in scrip- ture. Page 65 33 They are enemies to all good, and promoters of sin and mis- ery. 34 Instances of Satan's enmity to Christ and his servants. P. 66 35 They believe that there is a God ; they knew Christ. 36 They know Christ's servants. 37 They know the sacred scrip- tures. 38 Satan was overcome by Christ. Page 67 39 Satan is overcome by christians through divine power commu- nicated. 40 Promises to them that over- come Satan. 41 Duties exhorted to in opposi- tion to Satan. Page 68 CHAP. III. God's Government. Sect. 1 God is the king, ruler and go- vernor of the world, having a throne, dominion, govern- ment. Page 69 2 God is the Law-giver. 3 God is the judge of the earth. 4 Counsels of God. 5 Purpose of God. Page 70 6 God doth will 7 Determinations of God. 8 Ordination of God, things or- dained of God. Page 7i v' Decrees of God, things decreed by him. 10 Appointments of God, things appointed by him. 1 1 Predestination, things predesti- nated of God. 12 Election of Jews. Page 7 2 1 3 Election of christians. Page 74= 14 Persons chosen or -elected of God to fill offices in church and state. 15 Calling, God doth call, his peo- ple are called. Page 75 16 Particular persons called to of- fices. 17 Justification, God justifieth. 1 8 Men not justified by the works of the law. 19 Mankind justified freely, and by grace through Christ. P. 78 20 Sanctification, God sanctified the Jews. 2 1 Jews were commanded to sanc- tify themselves. 22 God doth sanctify christians. 23 God cloth sanctity christians b\ his word and Spirit. 24 Justification and sanctification, otherwise expressed, God doth wash — Our duty to wash ourselves. Page 79 25 God doth cleanse. — Duty to cleanse ourselves— Promises to the cleansed. 26 God doth purge. Duty to' purge ourselves. 27 God purifieth. — Duty to puri- fy ourselves. Page 8u 28 God doth refine. 29 The Lord is a God unto his people, he is with them and among them. 30 God torsaketh not his people Page 81 31 Prayers that God would not for- sake his people. 32 God forsaketh the wicked. 33 God doth not cast off nor re- ject his people. Page 82 34 Prayers against being cast off. 35 God casteth off and rejecteth the wicked. 36 God is a father to his people. Pare 33 CONTENTS. XI J8 40 41 42 13 45 46 47 48 49 50 60 65 66 How mankind become the chil-j 58 dren of God and he their Fa- 59 ther. Page 84 ' Blessings from God as a Father to his people as his children. Page 85 Marks and characters of God's children in the exercise of the graces and practice of the duties of religion. Page 86 Wicked styled children of whatever evil principle reigns in them. Under God their heavenly Fa- ther, christians are brethren and sisters, and owe to each other the duties of that rela- tion. Page 87 Christ is the elder brother of 67 christians. Salvation from God, he is the J 68 Saviour — God saveth his peo-f pie from evils. Pages 88, 89 69 Persons to whom salvation is promised. — Salvation prayed for. Pages 90, 91 Salvation is of grace. Word of God a mean of salva- tion. Ministry a mean of salvation. God is the defence of his peo- ple. Page 92 He is a Redeemer, redemption to his people is from him. He redeemeth his people from enemies and other evils. — \ Threats against those redeem edwho apostatised afterward. — Redemption of particular persons from evils. P. 93, 94 He is a counsellor to the righ teous. He deprived the wicked of counsel. P. 94 He is a teacher, he doth teach his people, teaching from God prayed for. Holy Ghost teacheth. God doth instruct. He doth direct. P. 95 He doth lead. — Promises that He will lead his people. ' Christ doth lead. God doth guide his people. He doth strengthen. P. 96 Strength promised. — Prayed for.— Obtained. P. 97,98 He doth uphold. P. 98 He giveth safety. He is called a shield, rock, for- tress, refuge. P. 99 He is an helper to his people. P. 100 — Help from God promised. — Prayed for. — Help acknow- ledged. P. 101 74 75 76 77 78 79 Help from the creatures with- out God is vain. God a deliverer, he delivereth from sickness. He delivereth from enemies and oppression. P. 102 Christ a deliverer.— -Deliver- ance prayed for. P. 103 Deliverance to the poor and needy. Prophets and apostles deliver- ed. P. 104 All God's faithful servants shall be delivered. Deliverance from moral evil. God delivereth the wicked into their enemies' hands. — Hea- thens delivered into the hands of the Israelites. P. 105 God is a keeper to his people. P. 106 He preserveth his people. P. 108 He is the creator of his people. Threats against those who a- postatized after they had been created. He is the creator of christians, they are new creatures, God's workmanship. P. 109 Duty of christians as new crea- tures. God is to his people their plan- ter, builder, Sec. they are his planting, his vineyard, which he watereth and maketh fruit- ful, his house, his building, • XII CONTENTS. God planted the Jewish nati- on in Canaan. SO The Lord planted, watered and made fruitful the Jewish church. P. 1 10 81 Apostacy or unfruitfulness, threats and reproofs against it. 82 The fruitful, whether Jews or Gentiles, are God's planting. P. 1 1 J CHAP. IV. Of Jesus Christ, firo- fihecij and miracles. Sect. 1 The testimony of prophecy ap- pealed to as a foundation of faith in Christ. 2 The testimony of prophecy urg- ed by the apostles. P. 1 1 2 3 Prophecies concerning Christ fulfilled, in the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension. 4 The nation, tribe and family he was to descend from. 5 The time of his life and death . fixed by other events foretold in prophecy. P. 1 13 G The country and town where Christ should be born. 7 Prophecies concerning his fore- runner John Baptist. 3 His purging the temple. 9 His working miracles. P. 114 10 That the Spirit of the Lord should be upon him, 1 1 That he should be a Prophet. 1 2 That he should preach or teach. 1 3 That he should net seek the ap- plause of men. 14 That he should be a sufferer — Infirmities he was touched with. P. 115 15 That he should be despised of men. 1 6 That he should be hated. 17 Reproached. 18 The reproaches that were cast upon him. 19 That he should be persecuted. P. 1 1 6 That Jews and Gentiles should join against him. That he should be sold for mo- ney. The use they apply the money to, foretold. Prophecies concerning his be- trayer. P. 1 17 How this is expressed by- Christ. That Christ should be forsak- en. Peter's denying him. That he should be beaten and spitted on. Christ's account of his treat- ment. What kind of death he should die. Christ's silence. P. 118 They gave sentence against him. They gave him galL They mock him on the cross. They part his garment^. — His words on the cross. • Christ pravs for his enemies. His death.' P. 119 A bone of him was not to be broken. Was to be buried with the rich. That he should arise from the dead. Christ rests the credit of his pretensions on the certainty of his resurrection from the dead. The witnesses of his resurrec- tion. Other evidences of his resur- rection. P. 120 He was raised by the power of God. Christ's ascension. That he should sit at God's right hand. The Holy Ghost promised. The Holy Ghost promised bv Christ. P. 121 More prophecies of Christ concerning the persecution of christians. CONTENTS. 49 The evidence of miracles ap- pealed to, as a foundation of faith in Christ. P. 122 50 New Testament miracles, at- tending* the birth of Christ. 5 1 Miraculous cures. 52 Devils cast out. P. 123 53 Sickness healed, blindness cur- ed, deafness, lameness, &c. 54 The dead raised. 55 Christ calms the wind and sea, walks on the water, feeds thousands, Sec. P. 124 — A great draught of fishes. — A piece of money taken in a fish's mouth.— A fig-tree cursed, withers. 56 Miracles accompanying the death of Christ. 57 Disciples are empowered to work miracles. 58 Miracles wrought by the apos- tles. P. 125 CHAP. V. Sect. 1 Christ's glory before his incar- nation. 2 His glory on earth. 3 His glory after his resurrectL- on. P. 126 4 Christ's exaltation at God's right hand. 5 Christ's exaltation above man^ kind. 6 The church is subject to Christ. 7 Christ is exalted above angels. P. 127 CHAP. VI. Divine Titles given to Christ. Sect. 1 Son of God. P. 128 2 Christ is distinguished fiom the created sons of God. 3 Christ is the image of God. 4 God. 5 Lord. P. 130 G One with the Father. 7 The same things spoken of the Father, & of Christ.— Christ's titles ranged alphabetically. P. 133 CHAP. VII. Christ's Works. Sect. 1 He created all things. 2 He will raise the dead. 3 He will change the bodies of mankind. 4 He will judge the world. P. 135 5 He will dispense suitahle re- wards and punishments. 6 Rewards from Christ to the righteous. P. 136 7 Punishments to be inflicted on the wicked by Christ. P. 137 CHAP. VIII. Worship offered to Christ. Sect. 1 Acts of worship offered to Christ jointly with the Father. 2 Acts of worship offered to Christ alone, P. 139 CHAP. IX. Perfections of Christ. Sect, 1 Christ's knowledge. P. 140 2 Christ's wisdom. 3 Power and dominion . P. 1 4 1 4 Acts of Christ's power toward his people. 5 Acts of his power against hjs enemies. Christ's righteousness. P. 142 He promoted righteousness. Christ's holiness. justice. P. 143 truth. goodness. eternity. P. 144 CHAP. X. Christ's benefits to men or blessings they receive through him as a Saviour, Redeemer, Deliverer, l$c. Sect. 1 Christ is the Saviour, salvation is by him. P, 144 XiV CONTENTS. 2 Christ is a Redeemer, redemp- tion is through him. P. 146 3 Christ a ransom. 4 a price. 5 a deliverer. 6 Mediator. 7 Intercessor. 8 Advocate. 9 Reconciliation by Christ. P. 147 10 Peace with God by Christ. 1 1 Grace from Christ. 12 Justification by Christ. P. 148 13 Sanctification through Christ. 1 4 Christ is life to his people. 15 Eternal life is from and by Christ. P. 149 1 6 Eternal life is the gift of God through Christ. 17 Benefits from Christ against sin. P. 150 1 8 Christ's love to his people. P. 1 5 1 19 Christ's care of his people. — Christ's presence with his people. 20 Christ's excellencies and bene- fits, briefly expressed 21 Titles given to Christ taken from the highest offices on earth, denoting his benefits and dignity. 22 Christ a Prophet. P. 152 23 This office foretold by the pro- phets. 24 Christ's account of his prophe- tic office. P. 153 25 Christ is called the light of the world. 26 Christ is called a Priest. 27 His offering a sacrifice. P. 154 28 Christ was given and delivered, the design thereof. 29 Christ gave what end. 30 Christ suffered, the end thereof himself, and for Christ's death, the efficacy thereof. Christ's blood, the thereof. Christ a propitiation. 34 Atonement. 35 Christ called a King, having do minion eflicacv P. 155 P. 156 36 A Prince. 37 A Governor. 38 Christ called David. P. I5f 39 The offspring of David. 40 The son of David. P. 158 CHAP. XT. Bafitismandthe Lord's Su/ifier. Sect. 1 Baptism before Christ's death. P. 158 2 Baptism after Christ's resur- rection. P. 159 3 The institution of the Lord's Supper. 4 It is to be received frequently. 5 To be received with suitable preparation. P. 160 CHAP. XII. Of the Holy Ghost. Sect. 1 The Spirit's influence upon the material and animal creation. 2 Upon the minds of man- kind. P. 162 3 Upon the formation of Christ's body. 4 Upon the endowments of Christ's mind. P. 163 5 Upon the actions of Christ's life. 6 His miracles. 7 tj pon his oblation. 8 His resurrection. 9 Upon the apostles, is a witness to Christ. 10 Upon the apostles, fur- nishing them with the know- ledge of divine truths and ut- terance to express them. P. 164 1 1 The scriptures written by the prophets and apostles under the influence of the Holy Ghost. P. 166 12 Miraculous gifts of the Spirit upon the apostles and some primitive christians. 13 The influences of the Spirit upon the minds of christians in general in their sanctifica- tion. P. 167 CONTENTS. xv 14 The Spirit's influences upon governors, magistrates and warriors. 1 5 The Spirit proceedeth from the Father and the Son, or is giv- en and sent by them. P. 171 1 6 Sins against, and duties toward his Spirit. P. 172 CHAR XIII. Of the Trinity. (The same things attributed to the Father, to the Son,ancLto the Ho- ly Ghost.) Sect. 1 Eternity. 2 Omnipresence. 3 Omniscience. 4 Wisdom. P. 173 5 Omnipotence. 6 Goodness. 7 Works of God— — Creation. 8 Sending teachers. P. 174 9 Teachers receive their know- ledge from Father, Son, and Flo'ly Ghost. 10 Father, Son, and Spirit, spake by those that were sent. 3 1 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are in Christians as in a tem- ple. 12 Sanctification by Father, Son, and Spirit. 1 3 God's people are led by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 14 Give life. 1 5 Raising the dead. P. 175 16 The Son and Spirit, joined with the Father, in acts of wor- ship. P. 176 CHAP. XIV. Duties toward God. Sect. 1 Knowing God and Christ. 2 Denying God. 3 Prayers for them that know God, and promises to them. 4 God will be known by his peo- ple. — God is made known by his works. P. 176 5 Christ called light as a teacher sent to give the knowledge of God. 6 Duties of the enlightened who know God. P. 177 7 The wicked know not God. 8 Faith in God. P. 178 9 Faith in Christ. 10 Faith in Christ, brief summa- ries thereof. 1 1 Confessing Christ, promises to it. 1 2 Denying Christ, threats. P. 1 79 1 3 The certainty and assurance of faith, being strong, stedfast and persevering in faith. P. 180 14 Graces and duties accompany- ing true faith, or marks and e= vidences of true faith. P. 181 15 God the author and supreme cause of faith. 1 6 Prayers and thanks to God for faith. P. 183 1 7 Christ the author of laith — The Holy Ghost the author of faith 1 8 Means of faith are God's word 19 A Gospel ministry. P. 184 — The Gospel called faith, and the law of faith. P. 1 85 20 Promise of justification to be- lieving in God. 21 Justification promised to be- lieving in Christ. P. 1 86 22 Adoption or being sons of God promised to faith. 23 God's love promised to believ- ing in Christ. 24 Christ prayeth for believers. 25 Sins of believers pardoned. 26 Holy Spirit promised to believ- ers. 27 Light and direction promised to believers. 28 Grace and peace promised to believers. P. 187 29 Joy and comfort promised to believers. 30 Christ is precious to believers 3 1 They have access to God in prayer. 32 Sanctification by faith. 33 Salvation by faith in God. 34 Salvation by faith in Christ. P. 133 35 Things extraordinary promised N XVI CONTENTS. to the faith of some primitive christians. P. 189 36 These promises were fulfilled. 37 Miracles wrought for persons of eminent iaith. 38 Instances of approved faith. 39 Want of faith reproved. P. 190 40 Exhortations against unbelief. 4 1 Threatenings against unbelief toward God. 42 Threatenings against unbelief toward Christ. P. 191 43 Causes of unbelief assigned in scripture. P. 192 44 Looking to God. 45 Remembering God, and not remembering God. 46 Forgetting God. 47 Threats against those that for- get God. P. 193 48 Warning against forgetting God. 49 Meditation upon God and his word. P. 194 50 Fearing God. 5 1 The excellency of fearing God. 52 A commanded duty. 53 God is to be feared on account of his perfections. 54, On account of his words and works. P. 195 55 Fear of the Lord promised and prayed for. 56 _— Joined with obedience to- ward God. 57 With the worship of God. 53 It is a motive to duty, and a restraint from sin. P. 196 59 Promises to them that fear God. P. 197 60 Other expressions setting forth the fear of God. — Trembling. P. 198 61 Heaven and earth tremble at God's greatness. Quake, terror, reverence, afraid. 62 Threatenings against those that tear not God. 63 The wicked fear not God with that fear which is a restraint from sin and motive to duty. P. 199 The wicked have a tormenting fear of God. God delivers the wicked up to their fears of enemies. P. 200 Love to God commanded. Promises to them that love God. Prayers for them that love God. Exhortations to love God. Instances of persons loving God. P. 2o'l How iove to God is produced in christians. Prayed for as a gift from God. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Love to God is evidenced by keeping his commandments and loving his servants. Love to Christ enforced by promises. P. 202 Prayers for them that love Christ. Love to Christ enforced by threatenings. Enforced by the example of God the Father. Enforced by the example of the church of God. Enforced by Christ's love to his church. Obedience to Christ the evi- dence of love to him. Hating God, threats against it. P. 203 Plating Christ. Desiring God. Thirsting, longing for God and the thin such. Joy in God. P. 204 Joy in God through Christ, Persone encouraged to rejoice in God are the richteous. o The meek. Those that seek God. Those that trust in God. Those that hope in God. Those that have faith or believe. Joy promised. Thinirs of God rejoiced in, are b s of God, promises to Christ. The Holy Ghosi God's worship. I CONTEMTS. xvii 98 The worship of God fixed a cause of rejoicing. 99 God's presence with his peo- ple, cause of joy. P. 206 100 God's love and care of his peo- ple, a cause of joy. 101 God's mercy, a cause of joy. 102 Help and strength from God, cause of joy. 103 Salvation from God against en- emies, cause of joy. 104 God's vengeance upon his and his people's enemies, cause ol 105 God's word cause of joy. 106 God's providential govern- * ment, cause of joy. P. 207 107 Temporal deliverance of God's church, cause oi joy. 108 Spiritual blessings conferred on the church, a cause of re- joicing. 109 God's work of creation, cause of joy. 1 10 Wordly prosperity from the hand of God a cause of joy. P. 208 1 1 1 Rejoicing in God in time of worldly adversity. 1 12 Comfort and consolation from God promised. P. 209 1 1 3 God satisfieth. ' P. 210 114 Delight in God. 1 1 5 Things of God delighted in by his people. 116 Delight in Christ. \\7 Glorying in God. 1 18 Sinful glorying of the wicked. P. 211 1 19 Boasting in God. 120 Sinful boasting of the wicked. 1 2 1 Hope in God and Christ. P.2 1 2 122 The hope ol the wicked. 123 The expectation of the righte- ous from God. 3 24 The expectation of the wick- ed. P. 215 125 The righteous wait for God. P. 216 1$6 The wickeij wait not for God. 127 Submission and resignation C to God, the language there- of. P. 217 128 Relying upon God. 129 Trusting in God and Christ. P. 218 130 Confidence in God. P. 221 1 3 1 Confidence in God, a security against the fear of evil from man. P. 222 1 32 The confidence of the wicked. 133 Assurance of the righteous. 134 Seeking God commanded. 135 God is to be sought with all the heart. P. 223 136 Promises to them that seek God. 137 Prayers for them that seek God. 138 Examples of God's people seeking him. P. 224 139 The wicked seek not God. 140 Seek not God aright. Threats against them. P. 225 141 Drawing near to God. 142 Coming to God. P. 226 . Through Christ. Come to Christ. 143 Following God. 144 Christ. 145 Forsaking God, threats. P.227 146 Departing from God. Not departing, instances. 147 Backsliding from God. Promise. 148 The wicked go aside, go a- stray, err, wander, turn away from God. 149 Confession thereof. P. 228 150 Threats. 151 Worship due to God only. Angels not to be worshipped. 152 How God is to be worship- ped. P. 229 J53 Worship offered by the wick- ed unacceptable to God. 154 Fasting appointed of God. 155 Fast extraordinary and mira- culous kept. 155 Fasting acceptably. 157 Fasts of the wicked. P. 230 XV11J CONTENTS. 1 58 General occasions of fasts. 159 After being defeated by ene- mies. 160 Judgments threatened. 161 Discretionary fasts. P. 231 162 Persons whose prayer shall be heard. 163 The divine influence in pray- er, the Spirit's assistance. 164 Prayer to be made in the name of Christ. 165 Prayer to be made in faith. P. 232 166 — With sincerity of heart. 167 With love to God. 168 With the fear of God. 1 69 . With obedience to God. 170 With humility, confes- sion, and turning from sin. P. 233 With forgi\&eness to- ward men. — : With alms and good 171 172 173 works. Must be frequent, fervent and importunate. P. 234 174 Prayer with tears. 175 Private prayer. 176 Public prayer, a part public of worship. P. 235 177 Directions concerning the words or expressions to be used in prayer. P. 236 178 Of the gestures of the body us- ed in prayer. 179 Things to be prayed for. 1 80 The Lord's prayer, a model. 181 Spiritual blessings, wisdom and grace to be prayed for. 182 Such earthly things as are a- grccable to God's will, and submission to it. 183 Daily bread to be prayed for. P. 237 184 Health and deliverance from sickness. 185 The prayer of the poor heard. 186 Intercessory prayer. 187 For whom we ought to pray. 188 For the church of God. 189 Instances ol such pray< ts. P. 23.8 190 For enemies. 191 Instances oi such prayers 1 92 Motives to prayer, it is a com- manded duty. 193 God promiseth that he will hear prayer. P. 239 194 God hath heard prayer. 195 Testimony of God's people, that he hath heard their prayer. 196 Their expectation that God will hear their prayer. 197 Their entreaties that their prayers may be heard. 198 Their grief at not being heard. 199 The efficacy of prayer, mira- cles wrought by it. P. 240 200 Armies defeated by prayer, and God's people delivered. 201 Prayers against evil from ene- mies. P. 241 202 Prayer in trouble, instances thereof. P. 242 203 Prayerless persons, or not praying. P. 243 204 The prayers of hypocrites. 205 The prayers of the wicked not acceptable to God. P. 244 206 Praise and thanks due unto Goci, and required by him from the righteous. P. 245 207 Praise from the wicked un- acceptable to God. 208 The wicked, their unthank- fuiness. 209 Praise must be frequent. 210 Praisemust be with sincerity. 211 God prepareth his people for his praise, or the divine in- fluences therein. P. 24*6 212 Thanks to God thro' Christ. 2 1 3 Praise is a part of public wor- ship. P. 247 214 Of singing the praises of God. P. 248 215 Subjeetsof praise God's good- ness and mercy. P. 249 216 Praise for Christ. 217 For blessings from God by and through Christ. P. 250 2 1 8 For God's will revealed. 219 F'or Vhe obedience and kith CONTENTS. xix of christians as owing to God. , 220 For God's care of his church. P. 231 •221 For God's great and marvel- lous works. 222 For God's marvellous acts upon the bodies and minds of mankind. 223 For daily bread. P. 252 224 For deliverance from trouble and affliction 325 For deliverance from enemies. P. 253 226 Honour due to God, and claimed by him. 22? God is honoured by acts of worship, praise and thanks. 228 By holiness of life in his peo- ple. 229 By his people in keeping the Sabbath. P. 25.5 230 By acts of charity and mercy to the poor. 231 Honouring Christ, motives to it. 232 The wicked dishonour God, and are punished. 233 Glorifying God. 234 Christ glorified God on earth. 235 Men glorify God by praise and thankfulness. P. 256 236 By faith. 237 By good works. 238 By various duties. 239 Doxologies, or glory ascribed to God in worship. P. 257 240 God is glorified in the restor- ation and prevalence of true religion among his people. P. 258 241 The wicked glorify not God, and are punished. 242 God is glorified in the des- truction of the wicked. 243 Sanctifying God. P. 259 244 Threats against those who sanctify not God. P. 260 CHAP. XV. Characters good and bad, with promises and threats. Sect. I Godliness in heart and life > 2 Promises to the godly. 3 Means of godliness given. P. 260 4 Godliness misrepresented. 5 Ungodly described by their practice. 6 Threats against the ungodly 3 7 Righteousness required. P. 261 8 Promises to the righteous of peculiar favour from God. P. 262 9 Promises of blessings to the righteous, as the consequence of righteousness by the ap- pointment of God. P. 263 1 The righteous shall be deliver- ed from enemies. 11 The death of the righteous blessed. 12 The righteous blessed after death. P. 264 1 3 Unrighteousness forbidden. 14 Threats against the unrighte- ous. 1 5 Pardon promised to those that forsake unrighteousness. 16 Zeal a duty. — Want of zeal. P. 265 17 Upright. 1 8 Promises to the upright. P. 266 19 Uprightness prayed for, and prayer for the upright. 20 Integrity. 21 Particular instances of integri- 22. Sincerity, 23 Perfection a commanded duty. P. 267 24 Directions for attaining perfec- tion. 25 Means of perfection, are, God and Christ. 26 The Holy Scriptures, a mean of perfection. 27 The ministry, a mean of per- fection. 28 Promises to the perfect. 29 Instances of persons called perfect. P. 268 30 Hypocrisy forbidden. 1 3 1 Marks of hypocrites. P. 269 XX CONTENTS. 35 S6 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 Threats. . Hypocrites hurtful to men. The heart of the righteous to- ward God, the whole heart or sincerity in duties. P. 270 Pure heart. Perfect heart. Upright heart. Single heart. Clean heart. P. 271 Broken contrite heart. Duties respecting the heart. P. 272 God taketh notice of the heart. God influenceth the hearts of the religious. P. 273 God's judgments on the hearts of the wicked. P. 274 Satan influences the hearts of the wicked, instances thereof. An evil heart described. The hearts of the wicked. Keeping a good conscience. P. 275 A good conscience, how attain- ed. Natural conscience, instances of the force thereof. A weak conscience not to be wounded. Of an evil conscience. Serving God commanded. With the heart. With suitable dispositions of heart. P. 276 God's servants, promises to them. P. 277 God's servants, prayers lor them. P. 278 Not serving God, threats. P. 279 Obedience to God commanded. Universal obedience required. P. 279 Obedience required with an high esteem of God's law. — With resolution of heart. Abiiity for obedience promis- ed. P. 280 Ability for obedience prayed for. ' P. 281 Ability rec eived from God ac- knowledged. 66 Instances of obedience/ 67 Promises to the obedient. P. 282 68 Threats against the disobedi- ent. P. 284 69 Obedience to Christ command- ed. 70 Promises to them that obey Christ. P. 285 71 Promises to them that over- come temptations in obeying Christ. 72 Disobedience to Christ, threats. 73 God will render to mankind ac- cording to their works, good or bad. P. 286 74 Good works commanded. P. 287 75 Ability for good works pro- mised. 76 Promises to the performance of good works. P. 288 77 Examples of good works. 78 Omission of good works, threats 79 Shunning evil and doing good commanded. 80 Promises to them that do good, that do well. 8 1 Evil-doers, their works to be a- voided. P. 289 82 Evil-doing, the character of the wicked. 83 Threats against evil-doers. P. 290 84 Darkness and the works there- of. 85 Threats against them. 86 The righteous walk not in dark- ness. P. 29 1 87 The wicked and their works called dead, the righteous are alive from the dead. 88 Works of the devil, children of the devil. 89 The righteous have no fellow- ship with the children of the devil. ?o Works of the flesh, living after the flesh. P. 292 91 Lusts of the flesh, forbidden to christians. 92 Lifting after women. P. 293 CONTENTS. xxi 93 Lusting after meats and drinks. 94 The evil of lusts. 95 Corruption prevailing. 96 Confession of corruption. 97 The righteous not corrupt. P. 294 98 Defilement of sin. 99 Threats against it. 100 Uncleanness of sin. 101 Confession of uncleanness. 102 Promises against uncleanness. P. 295 103 Directions against it. 104 Threats against it. 105 Pollution. 106 Filthiness. 107 Directions. 108 Promises* 109 Threats. HOVileness. P. 296 1 1 1 Confession of vileness. 1 1 2 Abominableness. 113 Promises to the just, and prayers for them. P. 297 1 1 4 Threatenings against the un- just. 115 The unjust hurtful in the earth. 1 1 6 The general character of a good man's walk and life. P. 298 1 17 Promises to the good. 118 Evil men. P. 299 119 Perverseness. 120 Threats. 121 Threats against the forward. P. 300 122 The righteous not forward. 123 Stubbornness, the stiff-necked in their own ways, and ways of their own sight and eyes. 124 The wicked are revolters. P. 301 125 Rebellion against God forbid- den. P. 302 126 Enemies, adversaries of the Lord. 127 Deliverance from enmity a- gainst God. 128 God's threatenings against the wicked. P. 303 129 Threats against the wicked oi evils, as the consequences of wickedness, under the pro- vidential government of God. P. 305 130 God's threatenings against sinners. P. 308 1 3 1 Sinners threatened with, vari- ous evils under the provi- dence of God. P. 309 132 Transgressors, threatenings against them, P. 310 133 Iniquity forbidden. 134 God's threatenings against the workers thereof. P. 3 1 1 135 Iniquity, the punishment there- of threatened under the pro- vidential government of God, with instances thereof exe- cuted. P. 313 First Commandment. 136 Idolatry, or the worship of strange God's forbidden. 137 Threatenings against idolaters. 138 Judgments inflicted upon ido- laters. P. 314 139 God's judgments upon parti- cular transgressors of this commandment. 140 Covenants and intermarriages with the inhabitants of Ca- naan forbidden to the Jews. 141 Making covenants and inter- marriages with transgressors of this commandment pu- nished. P. 3 1 6 142 Strange Gods to be put away. 143 Transgressors of this com- mandment among the people of Israel, and the enticers thereto, to be put to death. 144 Threatenings against strange Gods. -3 1 45 Strange Gods are vanity. P. 3 1 7 146 Enquiring concerning future events of those who by nature are no Gods forbidden. P. 318 Second Commandment. 1 47 Images, the use of them for- bidden. XX11 CONTENTS. 148 God's judgments on the break- ers of this commandment. P. 318 149 Images no representation of God. 1 50 Images were commanded to be broken. 151 Images were broken. P. 320 152 Instances of images used by- apostates as outward sym- bols in worship offered to the true God. 153 Worship to images refused though commanded by kings. 154 Threats against idols and ido- laters. 155 Promises, warnings, and ex- hortations against idolatry. P. 321 156 God's judgments upon idola- ters. P. 322 157 Magicians. 158 In chanters. 1 59 Soothsayers. 160 Observers of times. 161 Witches. 162 Wizards, worshipping angels, &c. P. 323 163 Diviners. 164 Diviners are deceivers, and false prophets. 1 65 Threats against diviners. 166 Familiar spirits, threats a- gainst those that consult them. P. 324 Third Commandment. 1 67 Profaning the name of God 168 Swearing falsely. P. 324 169 Swearing by the creatures. 1 70 Swearing by false Gods. 1 7 1 Swearing in common conver- sation. 172 Swearing to commit sin. 173 Rash unnecessary swearing. 174 God only is to be sworn by. 175 An oath, the nature and dutv thereof. P. 325 176 Oaths to be strictly kept. 177 Things to be sworn to are truth and duty. 178 Articles of peace ratified by oath. 179 Breach of such caths punished. 1 80 Private compacts ratified by oaths. P. 326 1 8 1 Oaths sworn to kings. 182 The oath of a single person decides controversy. 183 The duty and lawfulness of swearing, examples. 184 God swears to Abraham. 185 To give the land of Canaan. 186 To fulfil his covenant. — To continue the seed of David. 187 To the continuance of Christ's priesthood. 188 To fulfil his threatenings a- gainst the unbelieving and disobedient. 189 Jesus Christ answers upon oath. 190 An angel swears. 191 Asseverations or sincerity which are equal to an oath among christians. P. 32F 1 92 Ancient forms of swearing. 193 Blasphemy forbidden. 194 Occasions of it to be avoided. 195 From whence it proceeds. 196 Instances of blasphemers pu- nished. P. 328 197 Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost 198 Persons unjustly accused of blasphemy. 199 Of vows. 200 Vows to do duty. 201 Sinful Vows. P. 329 Fourth Commandment. 202 Of the Sabbath. P. 329- 203 The Sabbath, a day of rest from servile work. 204 Duties of the Sabbath, wor- shipping God, reading and hearing his word. 205 Works of charity and mercy to be done on the Sabbath. P. 330 20 G Promises to them that keep, the Sabbath. CONTENTS. xxin '207 The care of God's people to 20 -sanctify the Sabbath them- 21 selves, and to prevent the profaning of it by others. 22 P. 331 SG8 Threatenings against Sabbath* 23 breakers.' P. 332 209 Sabbath privileges withdrawn. 24 210 The change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first 25 day of the week. P. 333 CHAP. XVI. Duties towardman* kind. Sect. 1 Love toward mankind. P. 333 2 How love toward mankind is produced. P. 334 3 Prayers and thanks to God for christian love as being his gift. P. 335 4 The infinence and effects of love upon the temper and be- haviour of christians, &c. 5 Charity with other graces en- joined. P. 335 6 Approved examples of chaiity andothes graces. 7 Hatred toward mankind, threat- enings against it. P. 336 8 Duty of the righteous toward those that hate them. 9 Prayers and complaints to God against the hatred of the wick- ed. 10 Promises to those that are un- justly hated, and threatenings against those that hate them. P. 33f7 1 1 Envy forbidden to the righteous. 1 2 The wicked, their envy hurtful to themselves. 1 3 Envy a mark of an unconvert- ed state. P. 338 1 4 Malice forbidden to the righte- ous. 15 Malice in the wicked. 16 Anger forbidden. P. 339 17 Instances of the anger of the righteous against sin. 18 Sinful anger, instances thereof. 19 Wrath, Contention. P. 340 Promises aud prayers against contention. The righteous contend only a- gainst sin. Peace commanded with pro- mises to it. P. 341 Motives to peace among chris- tians. Peace prayed for, as a desira- ble gift of God. P. 342 Peace the gift of God, promis- es and instances thereof. Peace with God is the blessed reward of the righteous man. Peace promised to the church of God. P. 343 Unity. Honouring one another. P. 344 Despising others. Strife forbidden to the godly. P. 345 Fightings, quarrels. Divisions forbidden. Offences forbidden. P. 346 Threats against offenders. Doing good to others. P. 34f Doing evil. Doing wrong. Doing mischief, the character of the wicked. P. 348 Of being harmless. Blameless. Promises to the merciful. P. 349 Unmerciful, threats. Compassion and pity. P. 350 Cruelty of the wicked. Forgiveness. P. 351 Revenge. Duty of giving and receiving good counsel. P. 352 Rejecting evil counsel, the du- ty and safety thereof. The mutual obligation of giv- ing and receiving instruction- P. 355 Of refusing instruction. To edify one another. To exhort one another. To warn one another. To admonish one another, XXIV CONTENTS. 57 To rebuke one another, and to hearken to rebuke. P. 354 58 Of not giving and receiving re- buke. 59 To reprove one another. 60 Of not hearkening to reproof. P. 355 61 Gentleness. 62 To shew kindness commanded. 63 To give comfort. 64 Friendship and faithfulness therein. P. 35 6 65 Unfaithfulness in friendship. Bearing with one another's weaknesses, &c. P. 357 66 Forbearing to judge one ano- ther on account of differences. P. 358 67 Setting good example. 68 Enticing others, and being en- ticed to sin. 69 Of gratitude, 70 Ingratitude. P. 359 CHAP. XVII. Duties towards ourselves. Sect. 1 Temperance in meat and drink. 2 Of intemperance in meat and drink. P. 360 3 Drunkenness, the evils there- of. P. 361 4 Of making others drunk. 5 Sleep. 6 Labour commanded, and pro- mises to the laborious, the di- ligent and industrious. P. 362 7 Of the sluggard, the slothful, and idle. P. 363 S The study and pursuit of wis- dom recommended. 9 The excellency of wisdom a- bove all other endowments. Pi 364 10 Wisdom is profitable, pleasant and honourable. 1 1 Wisdom is the gift of God. P. 365 12 Wisrlom prayed u>v. 13 Wisdom and religion the same P 356 14 15 16 17 IS 19 20 2 1 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 l,s I 46 I '47 48 49 •50 51 !S :5i A fool's vain pretences to wis- dom. A fool receiveth not instruc- tion. P. 367 A fool disco vereth his folly. A fool's conduct towards his parents. A fool mischievous. He is wrathful. Contentious. A fool's words. P. 368 A fool's pleasures. Treatment for fools. Folly and wickedness the same. P. 369 Patience toward God. P. 370 Patience toward men. P. 37 i Contentment. Discontent, murmuring. Grudging. Meekness. P. 372 Meekness, how produced. Meekness, examples thereof. Promises to the meek. Humility toward God. P. 373 Humility towards men. Promises to the humble. P. 374 Promises to humbled sinners. Examples of humility. The elect are humble. Humbled saints, their expres- sions. P. 375 Pride against God. Pride against men. Spiritual pride, seeming righ« teous. Proud of wisdom and know- ledge. P. 377 The proud seek honour from men. Threats and prayers against the proud. P. 378 Arrogancy. Loftiness. Haughtiness. Exalting one's self. P. 379 Lifting up one's self. Magnifying one's self. Glorying. Boasting. P. 380 I [CONTENTS. x*v 55 Scorning;. 56 Threats against kings and na- tions of the foregoing charac- ters of pride, Sec. 57 Of marriage. P. 381 58 Divorce. 59 Divorce was disapproved. 60 Divorce is expressly forbidden in the New Testament. 6 1 Marriage with unbelievers. 62 Jews forbidden to marry with the heathen. P. 382 63 Embracing Christianity did not dissolve marriage contracted before. 64 Husbands' duties. 55 Duties of wives. — Women's apparel. P. 383 66 Children, duties toward them, to provide for their support 67 To defend them. 68 To pray for them. 69 To instruct them. P. 384 70 Particular heads of instruction. 7 1 Instances of parents careful to instruct their children. 72 Correcting children. 73 Parents careful to marry their children into religious fami- lies. P. 385 74 Portions given to children 75 Children are among the pro- mised blessings of God to mankind. 76 Children promised. P. 386 77 A desire of children. 78 God's care of mothers. P. 387 79 God's care of children. 80 Grief of parents at parting with children. 81 Godly parents blessed in the happiness of their children. 82 Wicked parents punished in the calamities of their children. 83 Particular calamities threatened against the children of the wicked. P. 388 84 That they shall be slain by ene- mies. 35 Suffer bv famine. D 86 Other evils threatened against the children of the wicked. 87 Erroneous principles in religi- on have destroyed the natural affection of parents toward their children. 88 Calamities upon wicked pa- rents and children. 89 Want of children to the wicked. 90 Promises to the godly who are „ childless. P. 389 91 Duties of children toward pa- rents. 92 Instances of dutiful children blessed. 93 Disobedient and undutiful chil- dren, threats against them. P. 390 94 Instances of undutiful children cursed. 95 Duties of masters toward ser- vants. P. 391 96 Duties of servants. P. 392 97 Duties of the civil magistrate, to administer justice imparti- ally. P. 393 98 Qualifications of the civil ma- gistrate. 99 The magistrate's concern with religion. P. 394 100 Good magistrates a blessing promised to God's people. P. 395 101 Magistracy is of divine ap- pointment. 102 Sins of magistrates, perverting cf judgment, respect of per- sons, partiality. 103 Perverting of judgment thro' covetousness, taking gifts. 104 Perverting judgment through drunkenness. P. 396 105 The misery of being govern- ed by weak or wicked rulers. 106 Wicked rulers set over the peo- ple as a punishment for sin. 107 Wicked rulers enemies to re- ligion. 108 God's providence over kings and rulers exalting or abasing them. P. 397 XX VI CONTENTS. 109 Particular instances of God's providence, exalting or abas- ing rulers. 1 10 Duties toward governors, praying for them. P. 398 1 1 1 Honour and respect to be shewn to magistrates in words and actions. 1 12 Obedience to magistrates. 1 13 Rebellion against magistrates, the sin and punishment there- of. P. 399 i 14 Disobedience to magistrates a duty, when they abuse their power, by commanding things contrary to God's law, in- stances thereof. 1 15 Ministers of Christ, their du- ties, the commission given to the apostles. P. 400 1 1 6 Power committed to the apos- tles of excommunication. 117 Persons unjustly excommuni- cated. P. 402 1 18 None may intrude into the mi- nisterial office. 1 1 9 Teaching truth the duty of mi- nisters. P. 403 1 20 The good effects of preaching. 121 Good ministers promised. P. 407 1 22 Faithful ministers, promises to them, and prayers for them. 123 They are holy and un- blameable in life and conver- sation. P. 408 124 Their humanity, self-de- nial, and condescension. P. 410 125 They seek not applause from men. 126 They seek not riches, they are not covetous. 127 They speak boldly the truths of religion without fear. P. 411 128 Instances of becoming bold- ness in reproving sinners, and declaring the truths of religion. 129 The sufferings of the apostles, Sec. for religion. P. 412 1 30 Their temperance. P. 4 1 3 1 3 1 They pray for the people. P. 414 Instances of their prayers for the people. 132 The support of christians in general, and of the Lord's ministers in particular, un- der sufferings for religion. P. 415 133 Wicked ministers, their sin and punishment. P. 4 1 6 134 Their covetousness. P. 417 135 Their intemperance. 136 Their slothfulness. P. 418 137 They deceive the people with flatteries and iaise doctrine. P. 419 Duties toward the ministry to receive their instructions. P. 421 To esteem and love them. To pray for them. To support them. P. 422 Sins against them, despising them, not hearkening to their instructions. P. 423 Not supporting them. P. 424 138 139 140 141 142 14: 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 51 Sixth Commandment. Murder forbidden. P. 424 Cases wherein killing of a man was not to be punished with death. Threatenings against murder- ers. Instances oi the punishment of murder. Striking, wounding, maiming, how to be punished. P. 425 Seventh Commandment. Of adultery and fornication. Threatenings, or the evil con- sequences of adultery and fornication. P. 426 Examples, exhortations, pro- mises, Sec. against adultery and fornication. P. 430 CONTENTS. XXVll Eighth Commandment. 152 Precepts concerning property, .& the use of riches in society 153 Theft, threat against it. P. 430 154 Robbery forbidden. 155 Fraud and cheating. 1 5 6 Lands, the law thereof. JP. 43 1 157 Things found, lent, or entrust- ed, the law thereof. 158 Oppression forbidden, and du- ties toward the oppressed. 159 Restitution to the injured to be made. 160 Oppressorsthreatened. P. 432 1 6 1 Prayers for the oppressed. 162 Promises to the oppressed. P. 433 163 Duties of the rich toward the poor, hospitality. 164 Lending without usury. 165 Giving alms. P. 434 166 Alms in secret. 1 67 Alms to be given to the poor of every denomination. 168 Alms to poor christians. 169 Promises to the poor. P. 436 170 Of being uncharitable to the poor. 171 The stranger, widow and fa- therless, duties toward them, & threatenings against those that oppress them. P. 437 1 72 Promises to the strangers, the fatherless, and widow. P. 439 Ninth Commandment. 173 Of witness-bearing. P. 439 174 Lying forbidden, truth com- manded. 175 Lying abhorred by God and good men. 176 Satan and his children are liars. 177 Threats and prayers against liars. P. 440 178 The words of the wicked inju- rious and offensive. P. 442 179 Words of the wicked against I God. 1 80 Evil speaking, 1 8 1 Talkativenessi rashness with the tongue. P. 443 182 Flattery. 183 Tale-bearing. P. 444 184 Whispering. 185 Back-biting. 186 Slandering. 187 Reproach, prayers and com- plaints against it. P. 445 188 Reproach, God will bring it upon the wicked. 189 Reproach, promises against it. A 446 190 Reviling practised by the wick- ed and endured by the godly. 191 Railing, instances thereof. 192 Evil communications. P. 447 193 Unprofitable disputes about religion. 194 Cursing forbidden and avoided by the righteous. 195 Cursing practised by the wick ed. 196 The righteous, their care of their words. P. 448 197 The righteous praise God with their mouths. 198 The words of the righteous toward men. P. 449 Tenth Commandment. 199 Of Covetousness. 200 Threats against covetous per- sons, instances thereof pu- nished. P. 45 1 201 An insatiable desire of riches. 202 Threats against unjust mea- sures of acquiring riches. 203 Riches are not a lasting pos- session. 204 Riches cannot be carried hence to the other world. 205 Possessing riches but not us- ing them, the vanity thereof. P. 452 206 Riches are attended with care and trouble. 207 Riches recommend no man to the favour of God. 208 The advantages which one man hath over another by means of his riches. P. 453 XXV111 CONTENTS, 209 Trusting in riches and abus- ing them, the sin of the wick- ed, and avoided by the godly. 210 Riches take the heart and thoughts off from God and religion. P. 454 211 The wicked rich man, his portion. P. 455 212 The use of riches in the hand of a wise and good man to- ward himself. 213 God maketh rich. -P. 456 214 Riches promised to the righ- teous. 215 Instances of good men that were rich. 216 Instances of riches not regard- ed by good men. 217 Those things that are neces- sary to the support of life promised to the righteous. — • Food promised. P. 457 218 Famine, deliverance from it promised. P. 459 219 Not earthly but spiritual rich- es, or the interests of the soul the chief objects of a wise man's desires and pur- suits. P. 460 220 Raiment promised. 221 Supports of life miraculously supplied. P. 461 CHAP. XVIII. Sect. 1 Repentance the first doctrine preaehed at the publishing of the gospel. P. 461 2 The duty of repentance enforc- ed by threatenings. 3 Repentance enforced by pro- mises. 4 Returning to God, promises thereto. P. 462 5 Remarkable instances of peni- tent returning sinners obtain- ing mercy. P. 463 6 Turning to God enjoined by commands, enforced by threa- tenings against those who turn not from sin. P. 4C:4 7 The cause and means of repen- tance and conversion. P. 465 8 Jesus Christ giveth repentance. 9 God's law, a mean of convert- ing sinners. 10 The ministry a mean of con- verting sinners. 11 Repentance promised. 12 Necessaries to repentance- Self-examination. P. 46ft 13 Consideration. 14 Inconsideration of the wicked. 15 The case of those who with- stand the means of repentance P. 467 16 Sorrow for sin. ■ 17 Mourning for sin. P. 468 18 Reproofs and threats for not mourning for sin. 19 Heaviness for sin. 20 Grief for sin. 21 Not grieving for sin. 22 Weeping for sin. P. 46* 23 Tears for sin. 24 The heart affected for having sinned. 25 A broken, contrite heart. P. 470 26 Shame the portion of sinners. 27 Shame enjoined as a mark of penitents. 28 Avoiding sin, is avoiding shame. 29 Reproofs for not being ashamed of sin. 30 Abhorring and loathing one's self for sin. 31 & 32 Confession and acknow ledgment of sin, promises to it. 33 Exhortations to confession. 34 Instances of confessing pen: tents obtaining mercy. 35 Confessions made in scripture expressions. P. 47 1 36 Amendment. P. 472 37 Fruitfulness in religion. P. 473 CHAP. XIX. Sect. 1 Of death and the shortness of human life. 2 The term and boundary of hu- man 1 lie. P. 474 CONTENTS. XXIX 3 The term of life is in God's hand. 4 Death prevailing over all man- kind of every character, rank, and station, P. 475 5 Preparative duties for death. 6 No preparative duties are to be performed after death. 7 The death of the righteous happy. P. 476 8 The death of the wicked. P. 477 9 The dead leave all their pos- sessions behind them. 10 Of the resurrection of the dead. P. 478 CHAP. XX. Sect. 1 Of a future judgment, and its consequences. 2 God is judge. P. 480 3 The persons and things that shall be judged. 4 Of the time when the day of judgment shall be. P. 481 5 Uses to be made of the doc- trine of a future judgment, and its consequences for en- couraging stedfastness and perseverance. P. 482 6 The dissolution of the heavens and the earth. P. 483 7 The happiness of the righteous in heaven is inconceiveably great. 8 Christians are heirs, they have an inheritance, a kingdom, &c. P. 484 9 The righteous have rest. 10 The righteous enjoy mansions, a new heaven, an heavenly temple, light, &c. 1 1 They are present with Christ. P. 485 12 Christians are in a state of joy. 13 They are free from pain and sorrow. 14 Eternal life is from God. 15 Eife is promised. P. 486 16 To righteousness. 17 To the spiritually-minded. 18 To seeking God. 19 To godliness. 20 To fearing God. 2 1 To loving God. 22 To mortification, dying unto sin. P. 487 23 To suffering for Christ's sake. 24 To perseverance. 25 To those that overcome. 26 To repentance. 27 To the wise. — Future punish- ments. — Sinners that shall not enter into the kingdom of hea- ven. P. 488 28 The greatest punishments and sufferings in this life, set forth in the language expres- sive of future punishments. P. 489 29 The punishment of the wicked in a future state. P. 490 gaston's scripture account OF THE FAITH AND PRACTICE OF CHRISTIANS. SCRIPTURE ACCOUNT, $c CHAPTER I. CONCERNING THE BEING AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD. I. That there is a God, asserted, and proved by his works. Exod iii. 14. The Lord said to Moses, I am that I am. Ps. ix. 16. The Lord is known by the judgments he executeth. xix. 1. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the earth sheweth his handy-work, Ver. 2. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. Job xii. 7, 8, 9. lviii. 1 1 . Verily he is a God, that j udgeth in the earth. c. 3. The Lord he is God, he made us. 2 Cor. i. 21. He that anointed us is God. Heb. iii. 4. He that built all things is God. Rom. i. 20. II. God is perfect. Matt. v. 48. Your Father in heaven is perfect 1 John i. 5. God is light and in him is no darkness at all. III. God is one, Deut. vi. 4, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. viii. 4. There is none other God, but one. Mar. xii. 29. Ver. 6. To us there is but one God. Gal. iii. 20. God is one. Eph.iv. 6. One God and Father of all. Matt, xxiii. 9. Johnviii.41. 1 Tim. ii. 5. There is one God and one Mediator. Jam. ii. 19. Thou believest there is one God, thou doest well. IV. He is God and Lord, alone. 2 Kings xix. 15. Thou art God alone. Ps. lxxxvi. 10. Isa. xxxvii. 16, 20. Neh. ix. 6. Thou art Lord alone. Ps. xxxiii, 18. Whose name alone is Jehovah. V. None else. Deut. iv. 35. The Lord he is God, there is none else. Isa. xlv. 5, 6, 14, 18, 22. — xlvi. 9. VI. None besides him. 2 Sam. vii. 22. Neither is there any God besides thee. xxii. 32. Who is God save the Lord ? 2 Kings v. 15. Isa. xliv. 6, 8. Beside me there is no God, I know not any. Ch. xlv. 5, 14, 21. Hos. xiii. 4. Thou shalt know no God but me. Exbd. xx. 3. VII. None with him. Deut. xxxii. 39. I am God, there is.no God with me. VIII. None before him. Isa. xliii. 10. Before me there was no God formed. E 4 ATTRIBUTES OF G0D. IX None like him. Exod. viii. 10. There is noire like unto th& Lord our God. xv. 11. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the Gods, who is like unto thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing won- ders. Ps. xxxv. 10. Mic. vii. 18. 1 Kings viii. 23. O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all theii heart. Exod. ix. 14. Deut. xxxiii. 26. 2 Sam. vii. 22. 1 Chron. xvii. 10. Ps. lxxxvi. 8. Isa. xlvi. 9. Jer. x. 6, 7, 10. X. None to be comhared unto him. Ps. Ixxxix. 6. Who in hea- ven can be compared unto the Lord ? XI. No likeness of God among the creatures. Isa. xl. 18. What likeness will ye compare to him. Ch. xlvi. 5. Deut. iv. 12. Acts. xvii. 29. We ought not to think that the God-head is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. XII. The living God. Dan. iv. 34. He liveth for ever and ever, hi6 dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from gene- ration to generation. vi. 26. He is the living God, and stedfastfor ever. Acts xiv. 15. 1 Thess. i. 9. Heb. ix. 14.— x. 31. XIII. He is the true God. Jer. x. 10. The Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king. Ver. 1 1. The Gods that have riot made the heavens and the earth, shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens. See John xvii. 3. 1 Thess. i. 9. 1 John v. 20. XIV. &od is a spirit. John iv. 24. God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. 2 Cor. iii. 1 7. XV. God is invisible. Exod. Xxxiii 20. There shall no man see my face and live. ' John i. 18. No man hath seen God at any time. I John iv. \$. v. 37. Ye have neither heard his voice, nor seen his shape. Rom. i. 20. The invisible things of God, are his eternal power and God-head. Col. i. 15. Christ is the image of the invisible God. . Heb. xi. 27. Moses endured as seeing him who is invisible. 1 Tim. vi. 16. God whom no man hath seen or can see. Ch. i 17. Job ix. 11. Other expressions to the same purpose. Isa. Xiv. 15. Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself. 2 Sam. xxii. 12. He made darkness pavillions round about him, dark waters and thick clouds of the sky. Ps. xviii. 11. 1 Kings viii. 12. 2 Chron. vi. 1. Ps. xcvii. 2. Olouds and darkness are round about him. 1 xx vii. 19. Thy way is in the sea, and thy footsteps not known. Nch. i. 3. The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind, and in th* storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. XVI. God is unsearchable. Job. xi. 7. Canst thou by searching find out God ? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection ? Ver. t. 9. Ps. cxlv. 3. His greatness is unsearchable. Job. xxxvii. 23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out ATTRIBUTES