Table of Contents
- 1 Saint’s Pocket Book
- 1.1 Contents of Saint’s Pocket Book
- 1.2 CHAPTER 1. THE VOICE OF THE HERALD, BEFORE THE GREAT KING. 12
- 1.3 CHAPTER II. INTRODUCTION. – THE PROCLAMATION; OR, THE VOICE OF THE LORD. 14
- 1.3.1 SECTION I. THE IMMUNITIES AND LIBERTIES OF THE COVENANT, CONSISTING IN, 15
- 1.3.2 SECTION II. THE PRIVILEGES AND PREROGATIVES OF THE COVENANT. 18
- 1.3.3 SECTION III. HE CONVEYS HIMSELF TO US IN ALL ESSENTIAL PERFECTIONS AND PERSONAL RELATIONS. 20
- 1.3.4 SECTION IV. HE GIVES ALL THINGS WITH HIMSELF, BOTH PRESENT AND TO COME. 29
- 1.4 CHAPTER III. THE VOICE OF THE REDEEMED 37
- 1.5 CHAPTER IV. A SOLILOQUY, 39
- 1.5.1 SECTION I. THE SOUL TAKES HOLD OF GOD’S COVENANT. 39
- 1.5.2 SECTION II. THE ASSAULTS OF UNBELIEF. IT QUESTIONS 40
- 1.5.3 SECTION III. IT CONFOUNDS THE SOUL 42
- 1.5.4 SECTION IV. IT UPBRAIDS THE TREMBLING SOUL 44
- 1.5.5 SECTION V. IT QUESTIONS THE BELIEVER’S TITLE, 44
- 1.5.6 SECTION VI. FAITH MAKES ITS CLAIM TO ALL THE BENEFITS OF THE COVENANT, 46
- 1.6 CHAPTER V. A TREASURE OF GOSPEL PROMISES 53
- 1.7 CHAPTER VI. PROMISES CONCERNING SPIRITUAL THINGS………………………………………………………………………. 56 OF SIN 56
- 1.8 CHAPTER VII. PROMISES CONCERNING SPIRITUAL THINGS OF GRACE. 62
- 1.9 CHAP. VIII. OF THE MEANS OF GRACE. 75
- 1.10 CHAPTER IX. OF PERSECUTION. 82
- 1.11 CHAPTER XI. PROMISES FOR THE SAINT’S SUPPORT IN TIMES OF TROUBLE AND PERSECUTION. 95
- 1.12 CHAPTER XII. AN AFFECTIONATE ADDRESS TO COMMUNICANTS. 105
Saint’s Pocket Book
By Joseph Alleine
Contents of Saint’s Pocket Book
EDITOR’S PREFACE. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
THE REV. JOSEPH ALLEINE. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
CHAPTER 1. THE VOICE OF THE HERALD, BEFORE THE GREAT KING. 12
CHAPTER II. INTRODUCTION. – THE PROCLAMATION; OR, THE VOICE OF THE LORD. 14
SECTION I. THE IMMUNITIES AND LIBERTIES OF THE COVENANT, CONSISTING IN, 15
I. Our general discharge from all our debts………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15
II. Our release; …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15
1. From the house of bondage. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15
2. From the dark and noisome prison of sin. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15
3. From the gaol of the grave. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
4. From the dungeon of eternal darkness. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16
III. Our protection from all enemies: …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
1. From the arrests of the law. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17
2. From the usurped dominion of the powers of darkness. ……………………………………………………………………………….. 17
3. From the victory of the world. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
4. From the curse of the cross……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
SECTION II. THE PRIVILEGES AND PREROGATIVES OF THE COVENANT. 18
1. He gives himself to us: For our God. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
2. Instead of relations, to be our friend. ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
3. Our physician. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
4. Our shepherd. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
5. Our sovereign ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
6. Our husband. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20
SECTION III. HE CONVEYS HIMSELF TO US IN ALL ESSENTIAL PERFECTIONS AND PERSONAL RELATIONS. 20
I. In all his ESSENTIAL PERFECTIONS. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
1. His eternity, as the date of our happiness. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20
2. His unchangeableness, as the rock of our rest. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
3. His omnipotence, for our guard. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21
4. His faithfulness, for our security. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22
5. His mercies, as our store. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22
6. His omniscience, as our overseer. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22
7. His wisdom, as our counsellor. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23
8. His justice, as our avenger and rewarder. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23
9. His omnipresence, as company for us. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 24
10. His holiness, as a fountain of grace to us. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 24
11. His sovereignty, to be, as it were, commanded by us. …………………………………………………………………………………. 25
12. His all-sufficiency, to be the lot of our inheritance. …………………………………………………………………………………….. 25
13. His infiniteness, to be the extent of our inheritance……………………………………………………………………………………. 26
II. In all his PERSONAL RELATIONS………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 26
First. God the Father, to be a Father to us. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26
1. He promised his fatherly affection. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
2. His fatherly compassion. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27
3. His fatherly instruction. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
4. His fatherly protection. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 27
5. His fatherly provision. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
6. His fatherly approval. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
SECTION IV. HE GIVES ALL THINGS WITH HIMSELF, BOTH PRESENT AND TO COME. 29
I. THINGS PRESENT are ours. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………29
First. The UPPER SPRINGS, or spiritual blessings, such as: …………………………………………………………………………………. 29
1. Adoption, access, audience, peace, perseverance. ………………………………………………………………………………….. 29
2. The protection of his angels………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29
3. The inspection of his ministers. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30
4. The rod of his discipline. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30
5. The pledges of his sacraments. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 30
Secondly. The NETHER SPRINGS, or temporal mercies: …………………………………………………………………………………….. 31
1. The supply of his creatures. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 31
2. The co-operation of his providences. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 31
II. THINGS TO COME are ours. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 31
1. At death, in glorification initiate. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 31
2. The convoy of angels………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31
3. Redemption from all afflictions and corruptions. …………………………………………………………………………………………. 32
4. The thorn in the flesh taken out. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 32
5. The sweat wiped off from our brows. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32
6. The tears wiped away from our eyes. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32
7. The cross taken off our backs. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32
8. The load taken off our consciences. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 33
9. The soul’s admission into the chamber of presence, and vision of God. ………………………………………………………….. 33
10. At the resurrection, consummated in glorification, redemption is complete. …………………………………………………. 33
11. Full comformity, both in body and soul, to our glorified Saviour. ………………………………………………………………….. 33
12. Public approval and absolution. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 34
13. Solemn espousals. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 34
14. The coronation and enthronement of the saints: sitting in judgment upon the world. ……………………………………. 34
15. Our triumphant ascension into heaven. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 34
16. Blessed eternity……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 35
17. Glorious company. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35
18. Beatific vision. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 35
19. He takes us for his people. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 36
CHAPTER III. THE VOICE OF THE REDEEMED 37
CHAPTER IV. A SOLILOQUY, 39
SECTION I. THE SOUL TAKES HOLD OF GOD’S COVENANT. 39
She makes her boast in God………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
She quells discontentment and reasons down unbelief in the following. ……………………………………………………………. 40
SECTION II. THE ASSAULTS OF UNBELIEF. IT QUESTIONS 40
1. The truth of the promise………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 40
The triumph of faith in the certainty of God’s truth. ………………………………………………………………………………………… 41
SECTION III. IT CONFOUNDS THE SOUL 42
2. With the amazing greatness and difficulty of the things promised. …………………………………………………….. 42
The triumph of faith in God’s omnipotence and veracity. …………………………………………………………………………………. 42
SECTION IV. IT UPBRAIDS THE TREMBLING SOUL 44
3. With its unworthiness……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 44
Faith subscribes to the charge, and triumphs in God’s free grace. ……………………………………………………………………… 44
SECTION V. IT QUESTIONS THE BELIEVER’S TITLE, 44
4. To God’s grace and an interest in the promise………………………………………………………………………………….. 44
The triumph of faith, in the clearness of the believer’s evidences. …………………………………………………………………….. 44
SECTION VI. FAITH MAKES ITS CLAIM TO ALL THE BENEFITS OF THE COVENANT, 46
CHAPTER V. A TREASURE OF GOSPEL PROMISES 53
CHAPTER VI. PROMISES CONCERNING SPIRITUAL THINGS………………………………………………………………………. 56
OF SIN 56
If you find nothing in yourself that may move the Lord to have mercy. ………………………………………………………………. 56
If you fear God will remember your sins committed before, to punish you for them. …………………………………………… 57
If often-sinning causes you to doubt your pardon ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 57
If you despair. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 57
If you find sin a heavy burden and Satan pursuing. ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 58
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If you turn from sin, and yet doubt your pardon. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 58
If you would have your manifold rebellions subdued. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 59
If your heart is hard, and full of corruption. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 59
If unbridled nature breaks out into violent passion and contention. ………………………………………………………………….. 60
If you are in bondage to some sin. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 60
If you fear some strong sin will break out, to God’s dishonor and the blemishing of religion. ………………………………… 60
When you are kept from sin by admonition. …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 61
If you fear that God will destroy you for your sins. …………………………………………………………………………………………… 61
If you are tempted to uncleanness. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 61
If you cannot find out the sin for which God corrects you. ………………………………………………………………………………… 61
CHAPTER VII. PROMISES CONCERNING SPIRITUAL THINGS OF GRACE. 62
If you doubt your salvation. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 62
If your heart is a wilderness, barren of good. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 62
If you want holiness. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 63
When you cannot offer up any sacrifice. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 63
When you feel but little grace. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 64
When all your graces are weak. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 64
When your heart is dried for lack of grace. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 65
If you want the Spirit of God. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 65
If, looking at God’s love, you cannot love God again. ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 66
If you cannot bring your heart to delight in the Lord. ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 66
If you do not feel the fear of God in your heart. ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 66
If your heart will not praise the Lord. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 67
If you want wisdom. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 67
If you cannot understand God’s voice. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 67
If you cannot see into the mysteries of the Gospel. …………………………………………………………………………………………. 67
If you see a good way, and have no power to walk in it. …………………………………………………………………………………… 68
If you want memory to remember the Word of God………………………………………………………………………………………… 68
When you see your own ignorance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 68
If you desire grace, and your desires are not satisfied. ……………………………………………………………………………………… 69
If your heart is dead and will not stir to God or goodness …………………………………………………………………………………. 70
If you fear falling away, and begin to decline. …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 70
If you are fallen, and fear the Lord will leave you so. ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 71
When you fear that the Lord has forsaken you, and he will not return again. ……………………………………………………… 71
When you feel your vileness, and fear the Lord will loathe you for it. ………………………………………………………………… 72
When you feel your spiritual poverty. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 72
When you are in a strait. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 72
If you fear that Satan will cause you to fall, and are troubled by his temptations. ……………………………………………….. 73
If you cannot profit by the word of God, or by his works of mercy, or by afflictions. …………………………………………….. 73
If you find yourself unlike God’s people, either in heart or life. …………………………………………………………………………. 74
If you would have God’s blessing rest upon you. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 74
If you would be a blessing in your place. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 74
If you separate yourself from the wicked in their corrupt worship and manners. ………………………………………………… 74
CHAP. VIII. OF THE MEANS OF GRACE. 75
A PROMISE IS TO BE APPLIED IN EVERY ORDINANCE. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 75
When you pray. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 75
When you meditate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 75
In meditating, conferring, and reading God’s word. …………………………………………………………………………………………. 76
In reading the word, if you do not understand it. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 76
If you cannot confer. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 76
When you are to go to the assemblies to participate in the ordinances. …………………………………………………………….. 77
Those who dwell under his shadow will return; ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 78
Would you enjoy the ordinances of God, and enjoy a blessing from them? ………………………………………………………… 78
If you enjoy grace, or the means of grace, and you fear losing them. …………………………………………………………………. 79
When you are banished from God’s ordinances, and you desire to return. …………………………………………………………. 79
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When you are banished from God’s house. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 80
When wicked shepherds are over us. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 81
When, through wicked shepherds, you have come to great misery. …………………………………………………………………… 81
When you set yourself to fast. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 81
CHAPTER IX. OF PERSECUTION. 82
If you are railed on for doing good…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 82
If you are persecuted in other ways, including death. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 82
In partaking with God’s people in suffering, that you may partake of their comforts. …………………………………………… 82
When you are called to defend the truth. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 83
If you would produce seasonable fruit for every estate, and for every duty. ……………………………………………………….. 83
CHAPTER X. PROMISES CONCERNING EARTHLY THINGS. ………………………………………………………………………… 84
If you have children. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 84
If you want children. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 84
If the Lord denies you children. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 85
If you would have a comfortable and holy use of your habitation. …………………………………………………………………….. 85
When you would have your going-out and coming-in blessed …………………………………………………………………………… 85
When you eat or enjoy any blessing, so that it may satisfy and be sanctified ………………………………………………………. 85
When you take your rest at night, etc. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 86
When you put your hand to any work, so that it may be blessed. ……………………………………………………………………… 86
If you would have your outward blessings blessed by God. ………………………………………………………………………………. 86
If you desire to enjoy the labours of your hands. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 86
If you are diligent in your calling. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 87
When you see wicked men follow unsatisfying things with restless desires, and you desire contentment. ……………… 87
If you fear you shall lose by following the Lord………………………………………………………………………………………………… 87
When you have lost blessings by sin, and wish to recover them. ……………………………………………………………………….. 87
If you fear the loss of your good name. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 88
If the world despises you, etc. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 88
When you are in any want for soul or body. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 88
In liberal giving. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 88
If sickness is among us. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 89
If you fear death. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 89
If you fear an untimely death. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 90
If you fear hurt by any of the creatures. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 90
When you have a troubled heart, either for soul or body. ………………………………………………………………………………… 90
When you seem to be forgotten in your affliction. …………………………………………………………………………………………… 91
When you fear you shall die in misery. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 91
When your sorrows grow great. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 91
When you know no way out of misery, for soul or body. ………………………………………………………………………………….. 91
If you would t have deliverance from trouble. …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 92
If your enemies prevail. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 92
That you may be delivered, and your enemies afflicted. …………………………………………………………………………………… 92
If you would have your enemies destroyed. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 92
If the wicked plot against you. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 93
In the troubles of the church. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 93
For the fall of Antichrist. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 93
For the calling of the Jews…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 94
CHAPTER XI. PROMISES FOR THE SAINT’S SUPPORT IN TIMES OF TROUBLE AND PERSECUTION. 95
That God has freely loved his elect in Christ Jesus. …………………………………………………………………………………………… 95
That God has given Christ to die for his elect…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 95
That we are freely justified by Jesus Christ. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 95
That God has made a covenant with his children to be their God. ……………………………………………………………………… 95
That God will call his children to the knowledge of his truth. …………………………………………………………………………….. 95
That God will give his Spirit to his children. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 96
That God will cause his children to trust in him by faith. …………………………………………………………………………………… 96
That God will give his children a humble and broken heart……………………………………………………………………………….. 96
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That God’s children shall have power to mortify and overcome sin. …………………………………………………………………… 96
That the children of God shall live a holy and sanctified life. ……………………………………………………………………………… 97
That they love God. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 97
That God will give his children hearts to delight in all his holy ordinances. ………………………………………………………….. 97
That God will give his children hearts to fear and serve him. …………………………………………………………………………….. 97
That God will give his children hearts to seek him by prayer……………………………………………………………………………… 97
That God will hear the prayers of his children. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 98
That we may persevere in grace. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 98
That God will give to his children the good things of this life. ……………………………………………………………………………. 98
That God will guide his children by his special providence in all their ways. ………………………………………………………… 98
That God will bless those that are diligent in their calling. ………………………………………………………………………………… 98
That God will bless those that keep his Sabbaths. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 99
That God will reward those that are fruitful in good works. ………………………………………………………………………………. 99
That we shall receive good by the society of the faithful. …………………………………………………………………………………. 99
That God will keep afflictions from his children, when it may be for their good. ………………………………………………….. 99
That otherwise, God will be with, preserve, and keep his children in afflictions, so that they do not hurt them. ……. 100
That God will deliver his children out of affliction, in His due time. ………………………………………………………………….. 100
That God will sanctify all afflictions for the good of his people. ……………………………………………………………………….. 100
That God in his own time will subdue all the enemies of his church. ………………………………………………………………… 101
That the children of God shall die happily. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 101
That the just shall be raised to eternal life. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 102
That God will reward the labours of the righteous in the life to come. ……………………………………………………………… 102
That God will make good and perform all that he has promised. ……………………………………………………………………… 102
THE AUTHOR’S POSTSCRIPT. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 104
CHAPTER XII. AN AFFECTIONATE ADDRESS TO COMMUNICANTS. 105
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