by John Downame
Volume I
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Volume II
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Volume III
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Volume IV
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
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Volume I
"The Christian Warfare" by John Downame is a monumental work that explores the spiritual battles every Christian must engage in as they navigate the treacherous journey of faith. First published in the early 17th century, this work remains a timeless guide for believers who seek to understand the nature of spiritual warfare, the strategies of Satan, and the divine armor provided by God to withstand the assaults of the enemy.
Downame begins by addressing the reality that every Christian is called to be a soldier in God's army. This is not a passive role, but an active engagement in a battle that is both relentless and crucial for the believer’s soul. Drawing heavily from Ephesians 6, where the Apostle Paul describes the armor of God, Downame meticulously explores each piece of this spiritual armor, offering profound insights into how they are to be worn and utilized in the face of spiritual opposition.
One of the most striking aspects of Downame’s work is his vivid depiction of the enemy. He does not shy away from describing the malice, power, and cunning of Satan, portraying him as a fierce adversary who will stop at nothing to derail a Christian’s faith and lead them into despair. This depiction is not meant to terrify the reader but to awaken them to the seriousness of the spiritual conflict they are engaged in.
Yet, the book is not merely a catalog of the enemy’s strengths; it is a powerful encouragement to the believer. Downame’s pastoral heart shines through as he offers rich consolations and practical advice for those who feel overwhelmed by the pressures of spiritual warfare. He assures the reader that, though the battle is fierce, the victory is sure because it is God Himself who equips and strengthens His people. The emphasis on God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in the midst of trials is a recurring theme that provides deep comfort and hope.
The structure of "The Christian Warfare" is methodical and comprehensive, making it not only a spiritual manual but also a theological treatise. Downame divides his work into multiple books and chapters, each dealing with different aspects of the Christian's spiritual journey. From the strategies of Satan to the means by which Christians can defend themselves, every chapter is filled with scripture references, making it a deeply biblical guide.
For the modern reader, this work offers a window into the Puritan understanding of the Christian life as a constant battle against sin, the flesh, and the devil. It challenges contemporary Christians to take seriously the call to spiritual vigilance and to embrace the full armor of God with renewed vigor. The language, though archaic at times, adds to the solemnity and weight of the subject matter, reminding readers that the issues Downame addresses are as relevant today as they were in his time.
In "The Christian Warfare," Downame has provided the Church with a timeless resource that will equip believers to stand firm in their faith, no matter the trials they face. It is a book that every Christian, whether seasoned in the faith or new to the spiritual battlefield, will find invaluable in their walk with God.
Volume II
John Downame’s The Christian Warfare, Volume II is a timeless and richly detailed guide for Christians facing the unique spiritual struggles associated with worldly temptations. In this second volume, Downame masterfully addresses the "second enemy of our salvation"—the world—offering deep insights into how Christians can resist its allurements and distractions. This work is not merely about shunning material excess but about cultivating a godly perspective that sees through the temporary and unsatisfying nature of worldly pleasures, riches, and honors. Downame provides practical wisdom for resisting the subtle allure of prosperity and the dangers of worldly association, encouraging believers to ground their worth and joy in Christ alone.
With pastoral care, Downame explores how seemingly innocent things like beauty, civil achievements, and societal honors can subtly shift one’s heart away from God when valued above spiritual riches. He also provides insight into how afflictions and prosperity alike are tests of faith, and he equips readers to manage their desires in a world designed to entangle them. Each chapter is filled with scriptural references and theological insights, making this volume not only a study on resisting the world but also a devotional guide to deepen one’s spiritual life.
The Christian Warfare, Volume II is essential reading for those who want to understand the Christian life as a daily battle that requires a disciplined focus on God and a discerning approach to the temporal things around us. Readers will find encouragement to place their hope in eternal, heavenly joys and to live as "citizens of heaven," echoing Downame’s call to transcend earthly distractions in favor of a life devoted to God.
Volume III
The long-anticipated The Christian Warfare, Volume III by John Downame is a powerful continuation of Downame’s exploration into the nature of spiritual conflict and the believer’s call to withstand trials with steadfast faith. This volume centers specifically on "afflictions," which Downame identifies as a secondary but significant type of worldly enemy for the Christian. He delves deeply into the nature, causes, and effects of afflictions and provides comprehensive guidance on how to prepare for, endure, and ultimately triumph over them.
Downame approaches the topic with pastoral sensitivity, emphasizing that these afflictions, though challenging, are allowed by God for the growth and sanctification of His people. With detailed chapters on the spiritual armor needed to withstand such adversities, Downame encourages believers to recognize afflictions not as signs of God’s wrath but as opportunities for spiritual strengthening and reliance on divine grace. His insights offer profound encouragement, addressing themes like patience, prayer, and the importance of meditating on Scripture during times of hardship. Each chapter is crafted to help believers fortify their minds and hearts against discouragement, equipping them with the scriptural truths needed to find comfort and hope.
This third volume is filled with practical and theological wisdom that makes it invaluable for any Christian desiring to develop resilience in faith. Downame’s words resonate as much today as they did in his time, providing a roadmap for Christians to persevere through suffering with a spirit of victory. The Christian Warfare, Volume III not only prepares readers for spiritual battles but also gives them the tools to emerge spiritually stronger, with a deeper understanding of God’s presence and purposes in times of trial.
Volume IV
John Downame's The Christian Warfare, Volume 4 is a profound and spiritually enriching conclusion to a monumental series on the believer's life in Christ. In this final installment, Downame explores the intricate and relentless spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit. He artfully unpacks the Christian's internal "intestine war," offering deep theological insights and practical strategies for mortifying the flesh and living victoriously in the Spirit.
The volume is marked by its exhaustive treatment of the human struggle with sin and the means of grace that enable triumph. Downame’s discussion of the deceptive strategies of the flesh is particularly illuminating, laying bare how sin operates with cunning to ensnare even the most vigilant believer. Each chapter weaves rich biblical exposition with pastoral wisdom, ensuring that readers not only understand the nature of their spiritual conflict but are also equipped to persevere through faith and dependence on God’s grace.
Downame's writing is characterized by its Puritan depth and clarity, balancing rigorous theology with a warm, pastoral tone. For those weary in their fight against sin or seeking encouragement in their walk with Christ, this volume serves as a timely reminder of God’s provision through His Word and Spirit. The book also calls Christians to stand firm as soldiers of Christ, fully armed with the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6.
The Christian Warfare, Volume 4 is not merely a treatise on the Christian life; it is a clarion call to holiness and a profound encouragement to press on in the face of spiritual adversity. Readers will find themselves challenged, comforted, and ultimately strengthened to fight the good fight of faith, with eyes fixed on the victory secured in Christ Jesus. Whether read as part of the series or as a standalone work, this volume offers timeless truths for every believer striving to live faithfully in a fallen world.
Short Bio
John Downame (1571–1652) was a prominent Puritan divine and author, known for his deep theological insights and pastoral care. His works, particularly "The Christian Warfare," have had a lasting impact on Reformed thought, offering rich spiritual guidance and comfort to believers facing the trials of life. Downame's legacy continues through his writings, which remain a vital resource for those seeking to grow in their faith and understanding of God’s Word.
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VOLUME I - TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. Editor’s Note.
PREF. II. To the godly, zealous, and sincere professors of God's true religion.
BOOK I.
1. CHAP. I. That all the godly are assaulted with the spiritual enemies of their salvation.
2. CHAP. II. Why God suffereth his servants to be exercised in the spiritual conflict of temptations.
3. CHAP. III. Arguments whereby we may be encouraged to enter into this spiritual conflict.
4. CHAP. IIII. Of the malice of our spiritual enemy Satan.
5. CHAP. V. Of the strength of our spiritual enemy Satan.
6. CHAP. VI. Of Satan's aides: and first of the world.
7. CHAP. VII. Of the flesh, and the strength thereof.
8. CHAP. VIII. Of Satan's policy.
9. CHAP. IX. Of the spiritual armor described, Eph. 6.
10. CHAP. X. Of the particular parts of the Christian armor: and first of the girdle of verity.
11. CHAP. XI. Of the breast-plate of righteousness, and Gospel of peace.
12. CHAP. XII. Of the preparation of the Gospel of peace.
13. CHAP. XIII. Of the shield of faith.
14. CHAP. XIIII. Of the helmet of salvation.
15. CHAP. XV. Of the sword of the spirit.
16. CHAP. XVI. Of Prayer.
17. CHAP. XVII. Of Satan's stratagems.
18. CHAP. XVIII. How Satan fitteth his temptations to our state and conditions.
19. CHAP. XIX. How Satan allureth us into sin by degrees, and draweth us from one extreme to another.
20. CHAP. XX. Of three other stratagems which Satan useth.
21. CHAP. XXI. Of the manner of Satan's fight.
22. CHAP. XXII. Of the general means whereby we may be enabled to withstand our spiritual enemies.
23. CHAP. XXIII. How the Christian being foiled by Satan's temptations may be raised again.
24. APPENDIX I. – BOOK. I. Scripture References.
BOOK II.
25. CHAP. I. Answers to those temptations of Satan, whereby he persuadeth carnal men of God's love.
26. CHAP. II. That our sins and unworthiness should not make us doubt of God's love.
27. CHAP. III. That temporal afflictions are rather signs of God's love, than of his hatred.
28. CHAP. IIII. Of God's election, the causes, subject, object, and properties thereof.
29. CHAP. V. Satan's temptations concerning God's election answered, and first those wherewith he assaulteth carnal worldlings.
30. CHAP. VI. Satan's temptations whereby he moveth the weak Christian to doubt of his election, answered.
31. CHAP. VII. That we may be assured of our election, proved by diverse arguments.
32. CHAP. VIII. The last argument grounded upon the testimony of God's spirit.
33. CHAP. IX. Of the means whereby we may be assured of our election.
34. CHAP. X. Of the signs and infallible notes of our election.
35. CHAP. XI. The objections alleged against the assurance of our election, answered.
36. CHAP. XII. The reasons alleged against the assurance of our salvation, answered.
37. CHAP. XIII. Of our Redemption.
38. CHAP. XIIII. Satan's temptations concerning our redemption, wherewith he moveth the worldling to presumption, answered.
39. CHAP. XV. That all who are redeemed are also sanctified.
40. CHAP. XVI. Of those temptations which Satan useth against the faithful concerning their redemption.
41. CHAP. XVII. Of our Vocation.
42. CHAP. XVIII. Satan's temptations whereby he seeketh to make our calling ineffectual, answered.
43. CHAP. XIX. Satan's temptation, whereby he persuadeth men that the Scriptures are not God's word, answered.
44. CHAP. XX. Other reasons to prove that the Scriptures were indicted by God's spirit, taken from the Scriptures themselves.
45. CHAP. XXI. That the testimony of God's spirit, doth only persuade us, that the Scriptures are the word of God.
46. CHAP. XXII. Satan's temptations suggested against the translations of holy Scriptures answered.
47. CHAP. XXIII. Satan's temptations taken from the evil lives of the Ministers, answered.
48. CHAP. XXIIII. Satan's temptations taken from sundry opinions, sects, and religions, answered.
49. CHAP. XXV. Satan's temptations taken from our unworthiness and unfitness to hear, answered.
50. CHAP. XXVI. How we must arm ourselves against Satan's temptations, whereby he laboreth to make the word of God fruitless.
51. CHAP. XXVII. Satan's temptations whereby he persuadeth men to delay their repentance answered.
52. CHAP. XXVIII. Of the fourth motive taken from difficulty of repenting, caused by delays.
53. CHAP. XXIX. Of the fifth Motive which is that our delay will bring more sorrow or utter destruction.
54. CHAP. XXX. Two lets which hinder worldlings from speedy repentance removed.
55. CHAP. XXXI. Satan's temptations moving men to rest in a counterfeit repentance, answered.
56. CHAP. XXXII. Of Satan temptations which he useth against those which are called, to bring them to despair.
57. CHAP. XXXIII. Of the second Argument grounded upon God's justice.
58. CHAP. XXXIIII. Of the third Argument grounded upon God's truth.
59. CHAP. XXXV. Of other arguments drawn from the persons in the Trinity.
60. CHAP. XXXVI. Other reasons to persuade the weak Christian of the remission of his sins.
61. CHAP. XXXVII. How we may know whether we be effectually called or no.
62. CHAP. XXXVIII. Satan's temptations objecting to the weak Christian unrepentancy and hardness of heart answered.
63. CHAP. XXXIX. Of that hardness of heart which is joined with sense and feeling thereof.
64. CHAP. XL. Consolations for such as bewail their hardness of heart and wants in prayer.
65. CHAP. XLI. How the weak Christian may be assured that his repentance is true and unfeigned.
66. CHAP. XLII. How we may prove against Satan's temptations that we have true faith.
67. CHAP. XLIII. Satan's temptations grounded upon our want of sense and feeling of faith, answered.
68. CHAP. XLIIII. How the weak Christian is to comfort himself, when he is deprived of the sense of faith, and sensibly feeleth the contrary corruptions.
69. CHAP. XLV. Of the means whereby our faith may be strengthened and increased.
70. CHAP. XLVI. Satan's temptations concerning smallness, and weakness of faith answered.
71. CHAP. XLVII. Other temptations concerning faith answered.
72. CHAP. XLVIII. Of our justification.
73. CHAP. XLIX. That we are not justified by our works and merits.
74. CHAP. L. That faith alone justifieth.
75. CHAP. LI. Satan's temptations moving the weak Christian to doubt of his justification, answered.
76. APPENDIX II. – BOOK. II. Scripture References.
BOOK III.
77. CHAP. I. Of Sanctification, and the causes thereof.
78. CHAP. II. Of the effects, subject, object, and time of our sanctification.
79. CHAP. III. Of the parts of Sanctification.
80. CHAP. IIII. Satan's temptations, whereby he laboreth to entice us to commit sin, answered.
81. CHAP. V. Of the second sort of preservatives to keep us from sin.
82. CHAP. VI. Of some special means whereby we may be preserved from falling into sin.
83. CHAP. VII. That in the most sanctified, remain some relics of sin, and the causes thereof.
84. CHAP. VIII. Satan's temptations drawn from our slow progress in sanctification, answered.
85. CHAP. IX. Satan's temptations whereby he aggravateth our sins in general, answered.
86. CHAP. X. Satan's temptations taken from particular sins into which we have fallen answered.
87. CHAP. XI. Satan's temptations persuading the Christian that he hath sinned against the holy Ghost, answered.
88. CHAP. XII. Arguments to prove the certainty of our perseverance grounded upon God's will and immutability.
89. CHAP. XIII. Of the fourth and fifth reason to prove the certainty of our perseverance, grounded upon God's power and truth.
90. CHAP. XIIII. Of eight other reasons which prove the certainty of our perseverance.
91. APPENDIX III. – BOOK. III. Scripture References.
VOLUME II - TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. Editor’s Note.
PREF. II. - To the Right Honorable.
PREF. III. - To the Christian Reader.
BOOK I.
1. CHAP. I. Of the world, the second enemy of our salvation, and what it is.
2. CHAP. II. Of the nature and quality of our enemy the world.
3. CHAP. III. Reasons to move us to resist and fight against our enemy the world.
4. CHAP. IIII. Of the manner of the worlds fight, and how he assaulteth us, on the one side with prosperity, and on the other side with adversity.
5. CHAP. V. Of the dangerousness of worldly prosperity.
6. CHAP. VI. Reasons which may move us to contemn worldly prosperity.
7. CHAP. VII. Of moral and civil virtues, which are in worldlings, and that they are to be contemned being severed from sanctifying grace.
8. CHAP. VIII. Of spiritual wisdom.
9. CHAP. IX. Of civil and worldly wisdom, and how far forth to be embraced, and in what respects to be contemned.
10. CHAP. X. That worldly learning severed from true godliness, is to be contemned.
11. CHAP. XI. That worldly sciences are of no worth, in comparison of spiritual knowledge and saving grace.
12. CHAP. XII. That unfruitful knowledge of God and his true religion is vain and unprofitable.
13. CHAP. XIII. That beauty is to be contemned in respect of spiritual graces, or heavenly excellencies.
14. CHAP. XIIII. Of the vanity and wickedness of painting the face.
15. CHAP. XV. That bodily strength is not much to be esteemed, as being of small worth and excellency.
16. CHAP. XVI. That bodily health is but of small worth and excellency.
17. CHAP. XVII. That society and near familiarity with wicked worldlings is to be shunned and avoided.
18. CHAP. XVIII. That the company of the wicked is very dangerous, by reason of evil examples, and corrupt communication.
19. CHAP. XIX. That the friendship of wicked worldlings is to be contemned, and carefully avoided.
20. APPENDIX. I. Scripture References.
BOOK II.
21. CHAP. I. Of those temptations generally which are grounded upon worldly things.
22. CHAP. II. Of honors, and what cautions and conditions are required unto them, that they may be unto us good and lawful.
23. CHAP. III. Of riches, and that they are good in themselves, and indifferent in respect of their use.
24. CHAP. IIII. Of the manifold cautions and conditions which are required to the right and lawful use of riches.
25. CHAP. V. Of pleasures, lawful, civil, and carnal, which are to be desired, and which to be contemned and shunned.
26. CHAP. VI. That we are exceeding prone to abuse these earthly blessings, whereby they become the devil’s snares to entangle us in sin.
27. CHAP. VII. Of the signs whereby we may know whether we be infected with the love of the world.
28. CHAP. VIII. That the best things in the world are but mere vanities, in comparison of God’s spiritual graces, and heavenly excellencies.
29. CHAP. IX. That these worldly things have their goodness only from opinion, and from competition; from difficulty in obtaining, and from their rareness in enjoining.
30. CHAP. X. Of the vanity of worldly glory, popularity, priority, and the favor of Princes.
31. CHAP. XI. Of the vanity of worldly power and authority.
32. CHAP. XII. Of the vanity of worldly nobility.
33. CHAP. XIII. Of kingdoms and monarchies.
34. CHAP. XIIII. Of the worthless vanity of worldly riches.
35. CHAP. XV. Of the vanity of costly and brave apparel.
36. CHAP. XVI. Of the vanity of worldly pleasures.
37. CHAP. XVII. That worldly things do not satisfy, nor bring contentment to those that have them.
38. CHAP. XVIII. Of the miserable effects which accompany the insufficiency of worldly things, as discontent in all estates, loathing satiety, and an endless desire of changing.
39. CHAP. XIX. Of the excellency of true contentment, and the means whereby we may attain unto it.
40. CHAP. XX. Of the unprofitableness of worldly vanities, in comparison of God’s spiritual graces and heavenly joys.
41. CHAP. XXI. That worldly things profit not to the attaining of those things which are chiefly good, nor to the avoiding of our greatest evils.
42. CHAP. XXII. Of the manifold miseries which do accompany worldly vanities, in the whole course of man’s life.
43. CHAP. XXIII. Of the miseries which are specially incident unto all the ages of man.
44. CHAP. XXIIII. Of the manifold miseries unto which all estates of men are subject.
45. CHAP. XXV. Of the miseries which accompany worldly things, in respect of their getting, keeping and possession.
46. CHAP. XXVI. That though with all our endeavors we seek for worldly things, we are not sure to obtain them.
47. CHAP. XXVII. That the world and worldly things are momentary and corruptible.
48. CHAP. XXVIII. Of the mutability and inconstancy of all worldly things.
49. CHAP. XXIX. Of the momentary continuance and frailty of man’s life.
50. CHAP. XXX. Of the great hurt which worldly things bring to their owners, when they set their hearts upon them, and first by weaning their hearts from God, and making them idolaters.
51. CHAP. XXXI. Worldly things make men forgetful of God, unthankful, proud, contemptuous, slothful, and negligent in the duties of God’s service.
52. CHAP. XXXII. That worldly-things immoderately loved, are the causes of many evils in respect of our neighbors: as of injustice, wrongs, pride, and insolency.
53. CHAP. XXXIII. Of the civil evils which worldly things immoderately loved, bring to their owners.
54. CHAP. XXXIIII. Of the manifold spiritual evils which worldly things bring to those that set their hearts upon them.
55. CHAP. XXXV. Of the everlasting evils which worldly things immoderately loved, do bring to those who have them.
56. APPENDIX. II. Scripture References.
BOOK III.
57. CHAP. I. That we should not set our hearts on the world and worldly things, because we are but pilgrims and strangers on earth.
58. CHAP. II. That we should contemn the world, and worldly vanities, in regard that we are citizens of heaven, and heirs of better hopes.
59. CHAP. III. Of the joys of heaven; that they are ineffable and inconceivable: and of the names and titles which in the Scriptures are given unto them.
60. CHAP. IIII. Of the happiness of the soul in the joys of heaven, and wherein it consisteth.
61. CHAP. V. Of the special happiness and felicity of our bodies in the kingdom of heaven.
62. CHAP. VI. Of the felicity and blessedness of the whole man, body and soul, consisting in his freedom from evil, and fruition of good.
63. CHAP. VII. That in heaven we: shall abound with all happiness, both in respect of our persons and estates. And that there are degrees of happiness.
64. CHAP. VIII. That heaven is a place most glorious; and of our blessed society with the Saints, Angels, and our Savior Christ.
65. CHAP. IX. Of the fruition of God, and of those unspeakable ioyas which will arise from it.
66. CHAP. X. Of the vision and sight of God, and of that communion which we shall have with him.
67. CHAP. XI. Of our perfect love of God, our unwearied delight in praising him; our perpetual Sabbath, continual joy, and rejoicing in the fruition of God; and of the eternity of all this our happiness.
68. CHAP. XII. Of the uses of the former doctrine concerning the joys of heaven.
69. APPENDIX. III. Scripture References.
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VOLUME III - TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. Editor’s Note.
PREF. II. To the most Reverend Father In God.
BOOK I.
1. CHAP. I. Of afflictions, which are the second sort of our worldly enemies, of their power and danger: what they are, and of the diverse kinds of them.
2. CHAP. II. Of the causes, effects, subject and adjuncts of afflictions.
3. CHAP. III. Of the temptation of afflictions, and how it is urged by the enemies of our salvation.
4. CHAP. IIII. Of the preparation, which is required before the conflict of afflictions; and first of our spiritual armor, which we must buckle unto us.
5. CHAP. V. Of the rules and cautions, which are to be observed in our preparation unto the conflict with afflictions.
6. APPENDIX. I. Scripture References.
BOOK II.
7. CHAP. I. Of patience in afflictions, what it is, and the causes and properties thereof.
8. CHAP. II. Of the excellency, utility and necessity of patience.
9. CHAP. III. Of the means to work in us patience in afflictions, and first of prayer.
10. CHAP. IIII. Of the things which God requireth in the person of him who is to make an acceptable prayer, in the time of affliction.
11. CHAP. V. Of the things required in our prayers in respect of their matter, manner, time and continuance.
12. CHAP. VI. Of the comforts which arise out of meditation, and first from the consideration of the causes of our afflictions; as namely, that God is the chief cause and principal author of all our afflictions.
13. CHAP. VII. That all our afflictions are ruled and disposed by God’s most wise, just and gracious providence, and of the comfort which ariseth from this consideration.
14. CHAP. VIII. Of the meritorious and deserving cause of our afflictions, which is our sin: and of the comforts which arise from this consideration.
15. CHAP. IX. That our afflictions are not signs of God’s hatred, nor the punishments of a righteous Judge, but the chastisements of a gracious father.
16. CHAP. X. That all afflictions are imposed upon the faithful out of God’s mere love. And that this love plainly appeareth in the measure of their afflictions; and first in regard of themselves, whether we respect their quantity, which is but small, or their time, which is but short.
17. CHAP. XI. That God so measureth our afflictions unto us, as that they do not exceed our strength to bear them.
18. CHAP. XII. That God afflicteth us no more than is necessary for his own glory, and our salvation.
19. CHAP. XIII. That God’s love appeareth in the ends of our afflictions, in that he useth us as instruments in them to set forth his glory.
20. CHAP. XIIII. That God by our afflictions doth much advance the good of our neighbors.
21. CHAP. XV. That afflictions do not hurt the faithful, nor bring unto them any great evil.
22. CHAP. XVI. That God advanceth the good of the faithful by their afflictions, and first as they are trials of their spiritual graces.
23. CHAP. XVII. That the former consideration, to wit, that our crosses are trials of God’s graces in us, may much comfort us in all our afflictions.
24. CHAP. XVIII. That God useth our afflictions as an effectual means to further our conversion.
25. CHAP. XIX. That God useth our afflictions as an effectual means to prevent us from falling into sin, as also to mortify and subdue our corruptions.
26. CHAP. XX. That God by afflictions increaseth in us all his spiritual graces, and first those which are seated in the understanding.
27. CHAP. XXI. That God by our afflictions doth much confirm, strengthen and increase our faith.
28. CHAP. XXII. That God by our afflictions confirmeth and increaseth in in us our affiance hope, love, fear, and humility.
29. CHAP. XXIII. That God by our afflictions worketh and increaseth in us repentance and new obedience.
30. CHAP. XXIIII. That God by afflictions worketh and increaseth in us, all those virtues, which concern either our neighbors, or ourselves.
31. CHAP. XXV. That the Lord useth our afflictions as means to convey unto us diverse worldly benefits.
32. CHAP. XXVI. That the Lord useth afflictions as a notable means to preserve us from condemnation, and to further our eternal glory and happiness.
33. CHAP. XXVII. That afflictions in their own nature being evil and the fruits of sin, do not derive unto us all the former blessings and benefits; but as they are sanctified unto us for these ends by the spirit of God.
34. CHAP. XXVIII. Consolations taken from the subject place of our afflictions, and from their adjuncts, namely their necessity, profit, brevity and lightness, as also from the assistance of our associates.
35. CHAP. XXIX. That we may receive much comfort, by comparing our lesser and lighter afflictions, with those greater and heavier which God’s dearest saints have felt and suffered.
36. CHAP. XXX. That we may receive much comfort by comparing our light and small afflictions with those grievous and intolerable punishments which Christ suffered for us.
37. CHAP. XXXI. That we may much comfort ourselves by comparing our afflictions with the punishments of the wicked, from which Christ hath freed us.
38. CHAP. XXXII. That we must with our spiritual consolations join worldly comforts, when by lawful means we may enjoy them.
39. CHAP. XXXIII. Of the arguments of consolation which arise from the assurance which we have of our deliverance out of all our afflictions.
40. CHAP. XXXIIII. How we may strengthen our faith, hope and patience, when God deferreth to perform his promises concerning our deliverance.
41. CHAP. XXXV. Of certain duties which we are to perform for the strengthening of our faith and patience, when God deferreth to deliver us out of our afflictions, and of our thanksgiving when we are delivered.
42. APPENDIX. II. Scripture References.
Volume IV - TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. Editor’s Note.
PREF. II. To the Right Honorable.
BOOK I.
1. CHAP. I. An Introduction into the following Discourse, wherein is shown, that our enemies in the Christian warfare are many, mighty and dangerous, especially our own flesh, with the lusts thereof.
2. CHAP. II. Of the flesh and the diverse significations of it, and what we are to understand by it in the following discourse.
3. CHAP. III. What we are to understand by the Spirit in this discourse.
4. CHAP. IIII. The erroneous conceit of the Papists, who by the flesh understand the body, and the sensual faculties only.
5. CHAP. V. That the body and sensitive faculties only are not the flesh proved by the Scriptures, and diverse reasons.
6. CHAP. VI. Testimonies of Fathers to prove that the body alone is not our enemy the flesh.
7. CHAP. VII. Objections of the Adversaries answered, whereby they endeavor to prove that the body and sensitive faculties are the flesh.
8. CHAP. VIII. That the flesh is a most dangerous enemy. First because it is exceeding malicious.
9. CHAP. IX. That the flesh is an enemy exceeding powerful and mighty.
10. CHAP. X. Of the Policy of the Flesh; and that it is more dangerous and pernicious then its power and strength.
11. CHAP. XI. Of certain particular deceits of the flesh respecting our persons.
12. CHAP. XII. Of the fleshes policies respecting our estates.
13. CHAP. XIII. Of the policies of the flesh towards temporary believers.
14. CHAP. XIIII. Of the policies of the flesh in alluring and persuading us to sin.
15. CHAP. XV. Of the policies which the flesh useth to hinder our repentance.
16. CHAP. XVI. Of the policies of the flesh which it useth to hinder us from performing holy duties, and virtuous actions.
17. CHAP. XVII. Of the policies which the flesh useth to interrupt us in the doing of good duties, and to alienate our hearts from them.
18. CHAP. XVIII. Of certain advantages which the flesh hath against us in the spiritual Conflict.
19. APPENDIX. I. Scripture References.
BOOK II.
20. CHAP. I. That there is a combat in every true Christian between the Flesh and the Spirit.
21. CHAP. II. What the Conflict between the Flesh and the Spirit is, and what are the causes of it.
22. CHAP. III. Of the formal and essential causes of this conflict.
23. CHAP. IIII. Of the Combat itself and the manner how it is fought in us.
24. CHAP. V. Of the manner of the fight between the flesh and the spirit in our several faculties and parts.
25. CHAP. VI. Of the manner of the conflict between the flesh and spirit in the will heart and affections:
26. CHAP. VII. Of the effects which this Conflict between the flesh and the spirit produceth in us.
27. CHAP. VIII. Of the subject of this Conflict between the flesh and the spirit.
28. CHAP. IX. That the Conflict of Conscience is not in all that are unregenerate nor in them only.
29. CHAP. X. Whether the conflict between the flesh and spirit be in all the regenerate, and whether if it be, it be in the same manner and measure.
30. CHAP. XI. How we may know whether this Conflict be fought in us, that is, whether the spirit of God dwell in us or no.
31. CHAP. XII. How we may know that God’s spirit dwelleth in us by our sanctification and the qualities and gifts of holiness infused into us.
32. CHAP. XIII. Of the event and success of the fight between the Flesh and the Spirit.
33. CHAP. XIIII. Of the reasons which may encourage us to this conflict against the flesh.
34. CHAP. XV. Of the means whereby we may be enabled to overcome the Flesh.
35. CHAP. XVI. Of other means whereby the flesh may be subdued and overcome.
36. CHAP. XVII. Of two other rules to be observed of those who would subdue the flesh.
37. CHAP. XVIII. Of three other Rules to be observed for the subduing of the flesh.
38. CHAP. XIX. Of the first means to strengthen the spirit which is to avoid the means whereby it is weakened.
39. CHAP. XX. Of the means for the comforting, cheering and strengthening of the spirit unto the Conflict.
40. APPENDIX. II. Scripture References.
