A12182:1048
Evangelical sacrifices In xix. sermons. I. Thankful commemorations for Gods mercy in our great…Evangelicall sacrifices In xix. sermons. I. Thankfull commemorations for Gods mercy in our great…
Evangelical sacrifices In xix. sermons. I. Thankful commemorations for Gods mercy in our great deliverance from the papists powder-plot. 2. The successful seeker. 3. Faith triumphant. 4. Special preparations to fit us for our latter end in four funeral sermons. 5. The faithful covenanter. 6. The demand of a good conscience. 7. The sword of the wicked. By the late learned and reverend divine, Rich. Sibbs. Doctor in Divinity, Mr. of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher to the honourable society of Gray's-Inn. The third tome. Published and perused by D. Sibbs own appointment, subscribed with his hand to prevent imperfect copies after his decease.Evangelicall sacrifices In xix. sermons. I. Thankfull commemorations for Gods mercy in our great deliverance from the papists powder-plot. 2. The successefull seeker. 3. Faith triumphant. 4. Speciall preparations to fit us for our latter end in foure funerall sermons. 5. The faithfull covenanter. 6. The demand of a good conscience. 7. The sword of the wicked. By the late learned and reverend divine, Rich. Sibbs. Doctor in Divinity, Mr. of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher to the honourable society of Grayes-Inne. The third tome. Published and perused by D. Sibbs owne appointment, subscribed with his hand to prevent imperfect copies after his decease.
London: printed by Thomas for N. Bourne, 1640
THE DEMAND OF A good Conscience.THE DEMANDE OF A good Conscience.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Now from this that there must be an answer 1in us, an engagement on our part; I beseech you let us in general therefore know, that we must search our own hearts, for the evidence of our good estate in Religion: let us not so much search what Christ hath done, but search our own hearts how we have engaged our selves to God in Christ, that we believe and witness our believing, that we lead a life answerable to our Faith: renounce all but Christ. This mutual engagement is in the form in Baptism, that was used by the Apostles, and by the ancient Church: for we know that in the ancient Church, that they that were Baptized, they were questioned, do you believe? I do believe. Do you renounce the Flesh, and the World, and the Devil? I do renounce them: These two questions were made, now when they answered this question from a good conscience, truly, faithfully, and sincerely, then they had right in all the good things by Christ. Something alway therefore in the Church was required on our part. Not that we answer by our own strength, for it is ⟨p. 182⟩the Covenant of grace: why is it a Covenant of grace? not only because the things promised 2are promised of grace: but because our part is of grace likewise, we believe of grace, and live holily of grace: every good thought is from grace, it is by grace that we are that we are. All is of grace in the new Covenant, merely of grace, God requires not any answering by our strength: for then he should require light of darkness, and life of death. There is nothing good in us; he requires obedience that he may work it when he requires it. For his commands in the Covenant of grace, they are operative, and working, when he commands us to believe, and obey, he gives us grace to believe, and obey. It is our selves that answer, but not from our selves, but from grace; yet notwithstanding, let us make this use of it, let us search our selves, though it be not from our selves: that we answer Gods promise by faith, and his command by obedience, yet we must have this obedience, (though from him) before we can challenge any thing at Gods hands. It is arrogant presumption, to hope for Heaven and Salvation: before we have grace to answer all Gods promises and commands, by a good conscience.
Now from this that there must be an answer