Five lessons for a Christian to learne, or, The summe of severall sermons setting out 1. the state of the elect by nature, 2. the way of their restauration and redemption by Jesus Christ, 3. the great duty of the saints, to leane upon Christ by faith in every condition, 4. the saints duty of self-denyall, or the way to desirable beauty, 5. the right way to true peace, discovering where the troubled Christian may find peace, and the nature of true peace / by John Collings ...

An Index of the severall Con∣tents of each Sermon in the follow∣ing Treatise.

In the first Sermon and Part.

• THe words considered, Relatively, Absolute∣ly. p. 4, 5.
• Severall senses of the words given by Expo∣sitors, declared and rejected, with reasons for the rejection. p. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
• The true sense given (according to the Au∣thors judgement) with his reasons for it. p. 16, 17, 18, 19.
• The words analysed. 19, 20.
• 3 Doctrines propounded to be insisted upon. 21.
• 1. Doct. The best of Gods Saints by nature were borne in a lost condition. 22, 23.
• The doctrine proved by Scripture. ibid. 24.

• Adams sin how it goes over all, and how all are Originally defiled. ib. 25, 26.
• How Christ came to be free of this guilt. 29.
• Saints beget not Saints, why. 28, 29. St. Au∣stines and Mr. Perkins his opinion. 28, 29.
• Mr. Perkins his counsell to such as are inqui∣sitive to know how Originall sin came to bee propagated. 29, 30.
• 1. Use of the Doctrine, to discover the errors of Pelagians, Manichees, Anabaptists, and Universalists. 30, 31, 32.
• Christ by his death hath not taken Originall sinne out of our nature. 32.
• Christ payeth no debts by halves for any. 33.
• Christ useth not to do things to no purpose. 33.
• 2 Use for Instruction. 34.
• 1. What a sad condition most men and women are in. 34.
• It is a miracle if withered sinners be saved. 34.
• 2. Whom we have cause to thank that wee are this day out of hell. 36.
• Not our Noble Parentage: there is a great deale of bragging of that in the world to little purpose. 36, 37.
• Vain-glorying will have an end in hell. 37, 38.
• Religious Parentage best; most noble, most to be gloryed in, 38, 39. but not enough. 39. It was the Jewes brag. 39, 40.
• Parents faith wants a way of conveyance to save our soules. 40.

• This made plain by a familiar instance. 40.
• 3. Br. From hence we may be instructed what a soule-cheating-Principle it is of Libertanisme to say we have no need of Repentance, &c. If we be elected we shall be saved, if not, damned. 41.
• 3. Use. Let us try our selves whether wee bee not yet in a state of disunion to Christ. 4••, 43.
• 4. Notes of Triall, 43, 44.
• 1 Note. If none have done more for us than our Mother hath done, we are yet in the state of Nature. 43.
• Mothers convey Nature. 43.
• Nature is either corrupted or refined, neither enough. 45, 46.
• 2. Note. If we have not tasted of the fruit of the Apple-tree we are yet but under it. 47.
• Christ is the Apple-tree. ib.
• 1. The Apple if tasted is sweet. 48.
• Christ sweet to Saints. 48, 49.
• High thoughts of Christ argue a spirituall tast of him. ib.
• 2. The tasted Apple is cordiall. 50.
• 1 In taste. 2. In smell. ib.
• Christ how cordial to swooning Saints. ib. No Cordiall to unbeleevers. ib. 50, 51, 52.
• 3. Tasted Apples are nutritive. 53.
• Soules that have tasted Christ will from him draw nourishment. 54.
• 4. The tasted Apple is diffusive of its vertue. 54, 55.

• 3. Note of Triall: If thou hast pluckt the fruit of the Apple-tree, thou hast a hand to do it. 56.
• Faith is the hand. 57.
• This hand must be, 1 True, 2 Perfect, 3 Live∣ly. 58, 59.
• Painted hands pluck no fruit. ib.
• Faith, how perfect is necessary, 58, 59. Dead hands pluck nothing. 59, 60.
• Faith is lively, Internally, Externally. 60.
• It must be given us from above. 62.
• Perswasions various, Natural, Moral, Traditio∣nall, Diabolicall, &c. 63, 64, 65. All these good for nothing. ib.
• Nature's Legacy of faith. 63. Natures faith is sickly. ib.
• Morall perswasions nothing. 64.
• Legacies of faith from Parents will not bring heaven and Christ. 65.
• Most men believe there is a God and Christ, &c. because their Father taught them so, and their Mother so learnt them their Catechisme. 65.
• This was the good womans Religion. 65.
• Most believe as their Fathers believed. 65, 66.
• True faith is the gift of God. 68. it is groun∣ded upon divine perswasion. What that is, &c. 68, 69.
• Use 4. Exhortation in severall Branches. 70, 71, 72, 73, 74.

• 1 Br. To perswade Saints to thankfull hearts, what cause they have. 71, 72.
• 2 Br. Put on Bowells of mercy to other lost un∣done soules. 73, 74.
• We pitty bodies, but not souls. 74, 75, 76
• 3 Br. The consideration of this Doctrine cals to Saints for humble hearts. 77, 78, 79.
• Use 5. It may bee applyed to give us a ground, 1 of Consolation, 2 of Hope. 80, 81, 82.
• Hope for those yet in the state of Nature. 81.
• Hope for Saints, concerning their friends yet in the state of Nature. 82, 83.

An Index of the severall things contained in the second part.

• 2 Doct. It is the Lord Jesus Christ that helps his redeemed ones out of their lost condition. 4.
• The Doctrine inlarged in five particulars. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, &c.
• 1. Christ was assigned to doe it. 5, 6, 7, 8, &c.
• The Covenant of Grace was made betwixt the Father and Christ personally, and us repre∣sentatively in him. 6.
• God in laying our Redemption on Christs shoulders laid help on one that was mighty. 7, 8.
• 2. Christ alone was able to goe through with the work of our Redemption. 8, 9. Reason for it. ib.

• Angels, Creatures, man, could not do it. 9, 10.
• Foure things necessary to accomplish our Re∣demption, which alone could be found in Christ. page 12.
  • 1. One that could dye. 12.
  • 2. One that had the offending nature. 12.
  • 3. One that could merit by death. ib.
  • 4. One that could pay an infinite satisfacti∣on. 13.
• The Riddle of mans Redemption solved. 14.
• 3. Christ hath done the work of our Redempti∣on. 14, 15.
• Christ hath raised all Intentionally, and Mo∣ritoriously, whom his Father elected, some also Actually and formally, 16, 17.
• 4. Christ will raise all his chosen ones actual∣ly, and formally. 17, 18.
• Pardon is to come out of course to all the E∣lect. 18.
• Christs and his Fathers power are united and joyntly engaged for his Elects salvation. 18, 19.
• 5. Christ hath raised, and will raise his Elect; How he hath already, and will yet further do it. 20, 21. 22, 23.
• 1. By entring into a Covenant and engaging his word for them. 20, 21, 22.
• The justice of God in charging our debts on Christ cleared by his voluntary engagement for us. 21, 22.

• How the Father is well pleased, and satisfied in Christ, as Mediator. 23, 24, 25.
• Till Christ came, God the Father had nothing but Christs word for the paiment of our debts. 25.
• 2. How Christ raised us by assuming our flesh. 26, 27.
• That was necessary in order to our redempti∣on, 1 That he might suffer, 2 That the same Na∣ture might. suffer. 3 That righteousnesse might be fulfilled. 4 That he might fulfill the Law for us. 27, 28.
• The Govenant of Grace and Works how they differ, how the latter is more favourable. 28. Christ was to be a mercifull high Priest. 30, 31.
• 3. Christ raised his Saints by his suffering. How and why that was necessary. 31, 32.
  • 1. That he might satisfie. ib.
  • 2. That he might conquer for us. 32, 33.
• 4. Christ raised us, by his resurrection. 33, 34, 35.
• What influences Christs Resurrection had up∣on our raising. 33, 34, 35.
  • 1. It witnesseth Christs Conquest for us. 33.
  • 2. It quickens us. 34.
  • 3. It is a pledge to us of our rising to glory. 35.
• 5 Christ hath raised his Elect by his Ascension. 35, 36.
• What influence that act of Christs had on our raising. 35, 36, 37.

• ...
  • 1. In going before hee provides a place for us. 36.
  • 2. He is by that our Way to the Father. 36.
  • 3. Hee is by that our Advocate with the Fa∣ther. 37, 38.
  • 4. In that ascending up on high, hee gave gifts to men. 38.
• Elect ones Naturally want three things, 1 Life, 2 Strength, 3 Light. 40, 41.
• 1. Christ first calls the soule effectually, in that work he usually, 1 Convinceth the soule of its misery, 2 Humbles it, 3 Gives it hope. This is the first meanes of Application of the purchased Redemption to the soule. 41, 42.
• 2. He justifies the soule. What that is. Three things God doth in justification.
  • 1. He pardons the soules sins.
  • 2. He imputes Christs Righteousnesse unto it.
  • 3. He accepts it. 42, 43.
• By these two acts the soule hath life given it. ib.
• Weaknesse of the soule how helped by Christ. 43.
  • 1. Christ gives the soule new principles of Grace. ib.
  • 2. He gives the soule power to act those Prin∣ciples. ib.
  • 3. How Christ will in his owne time raise up the soules of his Saints to a sight of their salva∣tion. 44.

• ...
  • 4. Christ will at last fully raise them up, by taking them to glory. 44.
• Why Christ undertook the work of our Re∣demption. 46, 47.
• The moving cause was his own grace. The finall cause his owne glory. 46, 47.
• The Application of the Doctrine variously. à 47. ad 83.
• 1. Use For Humiliation. 47, 48.
• For our sins; and that from hence upon a double ground.
  • 1. To consider that our sins put Christ to death. 48, 49.
  • 2. That by any renewing sinnes we should a∣gaine crucifie the Lord of life. 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52.
• 2. Use For Instruction, in foure Bran∣ches.
  • 1. Br. How much hath Christ loved us? 53.
  • 2. Br. Christ is a compleat Saviour, he hath left us nothing to doe, but to beleeve all is done. 55.
  • 3. Br. Christ is highly needfull to every poore soule. 55, 56.
  • 4. Br. All the Elect and Redeemed ones are highly indebted to Christ. 56, 57.
• 3 Use For Triall, whether wee bee yet raised or no. 57. 58.
• 2 Notes of Triall. ib.

• ...
  • 1. N. If we be raised it is by Christs act. 57, 58.
  • 2. N. It is in Christs Method of Application. 59. What that is. ibid.
• 4. Use. Of Exhortation.
• 1. To Naturall men. 2. To Saints. 61, 62, 63, &c.
• 1. Let poore undone creatures look for a por∣tion in Christ. 61, 62, 63.
• Men are not, so sensible of soule-diseases as of bodily sicknesses. 62.
• 4. Directions for such poor creatures. 62, 63, 64.
  • 1. How they may speak with Christ. ib.
  • 2. What his Fee is. ibid. The condition is, Bring nothing. ib.
  • 3. How they must use his Balme. 64.
  • 4. VVhat rules of Dyet must be observed af∣ter taking it. 66.
• The second part of the Exhortation turn'd to Beleevers. 67.
• Saints exhorted to thank fulnesse. 67, 68.
• From the consideration,
  • 1. Of the person of their Redeemer, in three particulars. 68, 69.
  • 2. Of the act and manner of their Redemp∣tion, in three things. 69, 70.
  • 3. Of the Object of this act opened in five particulars. 71, 72, 73.

• ...
  • He hath done it, that was
    • 1. Infinitely above thee.
    • 2. In no need of thee.
    • 3. The offended Creator.
  • He raised thee
    • 1. Out of a low condition.
    • 2. To a glorious condition.
    • 3. By his own falling.
  • He raised Thee
    • 1. Not others
      • Angels.
      • Great persons.
    • 2. That wert as low as others.
  • ...Thee.
    • 3. That wert his enemy.
    • 4. That never ask'd it be∣fore it was done.
    • 5. That hast still rebellion in thee. p. 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73.
• Particular exhortations to believers to the performance of severall duties. All which are inforced from Christs severall acts of grace in raising us. 74, 75 76, 77, 78, &c.
  • 1. Value nothing in an equall ballance with Christ. 74.
  • 2. Vow your selves to God, and keep your vowes. 76.
  • 3. Beleevers, as Christ hath taken upon him their nature, should likewise strive to be made partakers of his Nature. 76.

• ...
  • 4. From Christs death they should learne to die to sin. 77.
  • 5. From Christs resurrection they should learn to rise to newnesse of life. 77, 78.
  • 6. From Christs ascension, Beleevers should learne to ascend, by setting their affections on hea∣venly things. 78.
  • 7. Let Christ be in you the hopes of glory, ibid.
• 5. Vse. This doctrine affords consolation for believers.
  • 1. Against their outward poverty. 79.
  • 2. Against their feares because of their many and great sins. 80.
  • 3. Against their daily back slidings. ib.
  • 4. Against their present sadnes. ib.
  • 5. Against their feares of falling away. 80, 81.
• Belevers from hence may be comforted with hope.
  • 1. Concerning such of their frends as are no•• yet raised. 81.
  • 2. Concerning such as are full of terror and sadnes. 81. 82.
• A Branch of instruction added that was for∣gotten in its order. viz.
• How much Christ deserves our cleaving 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him in saddest conditions. 82, 83.

An Index of, the severall contents of the third part.

• Doct. 3.
• The Spouse of Christ (being raised by him) commeth out of every wildernesse, leaning upon her beloved. p. 2.
• The Doctrine divided into four branches. ib.
• 1. Br. of the Doctrine.
• Christs Spouse hath had and may againe have her dwelling in the wildernesse. 3.
• The wildernesse is 1. Untilled. 2. A losing place. 3. A dangerous place. 4. A solitary place. 5. A disconsolate place. 6. A place void of all provisions. 3, 4.
• Saints have had and may have their dwelling in a sixfold wildernesse.
  • 1. Of sin, why that is call'd so. 6.
  • 2. Of sorrow for sin. 7, 8.
  • 3. Of bodily afflictions, this is a wildernesse-state, why. 9.
  • 4. Of temptations. 10, 11.
  • 5. Of divine desertions. 11.
  • 6. Of mortality. 12.
• 2. Br. of the Doctrine. viz.
• The Spouse of Christ comes out of the wilder∣nesse. 12, 13, 14, 15, &c.
• The question answerd, whether the soule

• doth any thing, and what it doth or can do to∣wards its conversation. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
• The soule by Gods generall grace denied to none, may avoid grosse sinnes. 2. By Gods ex∣citing grace it may performe many praevious a∣ctions. 14, 15.
• It cannot move one foot to a spirituall action spiritually. 18.
• When the Lord changeth the soule then it commeth. 18.
• 3. Br. of the Doctrine.
• The soule in comming up out of the wildernesse, comes not in its own strength but leaning. 20.
• Leaning implies four things. ib.
  • 1. Wearinesse. 21, 22.
  • 2. Willingnesse. 23.
  • 3. Love. 23.
  • 4. Resting. 24.
• A description of faith. 25.
• The fourth Br. of the Doctrine. viz.
• The Spouse of Christ comming up out of e∣very wildernesse, will leane upon her wellbeloved, and him only. 25, 26, 27.
• The Spouse. 1. Leanes upon one whom she loves. 26.
• 2. Vpon her wellbeloved, one that she is mar∣ried to. 27.
• Christs neare relation to saints and theirs to

• him, by. 1. The Fathers, and their owne gift. 2. By Bargaine. 3. By purchase and desert. 4. By right of possession. 28, 29, 30.
• 3. The soule leanes upon her Beloved, not ano∣thers. 31.
• 4. It leanes upon him, that is, not those that were her Beloveds.
• What strength there is in Christs shoulders to beare up the soule comming out of every wilder∣nesse. 34 &c.
• How the elect are beholden to Christ before effectuall Vocation. 36.
• 1. For his preventing and restraining grace. 37. 2. For his exciting grace. ib.
• Some Repentance may be without saving grace. 40, 41.
• Repentance in what sense call'd saving. 40, 41. how it ought to be preach'd. 42.
• How in the wildernesse of sorrow the soule leanes upon Christ, and comes out leaning. 44, 45.
• Gods supporting grace how it staies up the soule at such a time. 46.
• How the fulnesse and freenesse of Christ's mercy supports the soule broken with the sense of sin. 46, 47, 48.
• How Christ's promises support the soule bro∣ken with sorrow for sin. 49, 50.
• How Christ speakes to the soule in such a

• condition, 1. By his ministers, 2. By his spirit. 50, 51.
• How the soule leanes upon Christ in the wil∣dernesse of affliction, and comes out of it leaning. 52, 53.
• What Acts of faith the beleeving soule puts out in affliction. ib.
• How the beleever leanes upon Christ in temptations, and comes out of them leaning. 54, 55.
• How in desertions the gracious soule leanes upon Christ, and comes out of them leaning p. 55, 56.
• The application of the Doctrine. à p. 58. ad p. 104.
• 1. Vse Reproofe,
  • First, To such as think to get to heaven, and are not com out of the wildernesse of sinne. 58, 59, 60, &c.
  • Secondly, Those are reproved that preach down sorrow for sin as a precedent worke. 61, 62.
• The Law ought to be preach'd. 60.
• God hath most honoured such preachers. 61, 62.
• Experiences of Saints prove that sorrow for sin goeth before comfort. 63.
• Mr. Rutherfords opinion of precedent Humi∣liation. 65.
• God is not to be limited, he can save without

• it, but he rarely doth. 67, 68.
• Thirdly, Those are reproved that are in wilder∣nesses, and yet will not leane. 69.
• Fourthly, And those That would make mans will the author of his first motion to God. 71.
• Pelagians and Arminians errors about free∣will. 72, 73.
• Fifthly, Those are reproved That deny any motion of the sanctified will. 74, 75.
• Sixthly, Those are reproved That will not leane upon Christ alone. 1. Such as would have Christ and their sinnes too. p. 75. 2. Or Christ and their merits. Or 3. Christ and their duties. 73, 74, 75.
• 2. Vse of Examination and triall whether we be the spouses of Christ or no. 75.
• 1. Examine whether thou beest come out of the wildernesse of sin or no. ib.
• Three notes to know that by. 76, 77, 78.
• 1. The wildernesse is an untilled place. 76.
• 2. It is a barren place. 77.
• 2. Those that are in the wildernesse keep wil∣dernesse company. 78.
• 2. Examine whether ever thou wert in the wil∣dernesse of contrition of no. 78.
• 3. Examine what other wildernesses thou hast met with. 80.
• 4. How dost thou carry thy selfe in the wilder∣nesse? 81.

• 5. How hast thou used to come out of the wil∣dernesse? 81.
• 6. How hast thou carried thy selfe since thuo camest out? 82.
• 3. Vse, for information.
• 1. Br. What a sad condition all beleevers are in. 83, 84.
• 1. They are in a wildernesse. ib.
• 2. They have no way to get out. 85.
• 2. Br. What an happy condition Gods people are in. 87, 88, 89.
  • 1. They are out of the wildernesse of sinne. ibid.
  • 2. In every wildernesse they have one to leane upon. 88.
  • 3. Br. How great is the love of God to us that he would look us up in the wildernesse, and let us leane upon himself. 90, 91.
  • 4. Br. What need we have to walk close with Christ. 91, 92.
• 4. Vse, for exhortation.
  • 1, Br. To unbeleevers to come out of their wildernesse of sinne to Christ. 93, 94, 95, &c.
  • 2. Motives to perswade them. ib.
• 1. The danger of their present state. 94, 95.
  • 1. It is a dangerous condition.
  • 2. It is a joylesse condition.
  • 3. It is a starving condition. 94, 95.

• 2. Motive, The happinesse of the beleevers state. 95, 96, &c.
  • 1. It is a safe condition. 95.
  • 2. It is a joyfull condition. 95, 96.
  • 3. In that estate and that onely there is pro∣vision for the soule. 97. 98.
• 2. Br. To exhort those that are in any other wildernesse to come out of it, leaning upon Christ. 99, 100, &c.
  • 1. Consider thou art how in a capacity of be∣leeving. 99.
  • 2. Thou hast ground enough to build thy faith upon, there is, 1. power enough, 2. love enough, in Christ to save thee. 100, 101.
  • 3. Thou canst not dishonor Christ more than not to beleeve in him. 101, 102.
• Christ will take beleeving kindly at our hands. p. 103.