A12183:144
The excellency of the Gospel above the law Wherein the liberty of the sons…The excellencie of the Gospell above the law Wherein the liberty of the sonnes…
The excellency of the Gospel above the law Wherein the liberty of the sons of God is showed. With the image of their graces here, and glory hereafter. Which affords much comfort and great encouragement, to all such as begin timely, and continue constantly in the ways of God. By R. Sibbs, D.D. Mr. of Katherin Hall Cambridge, and preacher of Gray's-Inn, London. Begun in his life time, and published by T.G. and P.N.The excellencie of the Gospell above the law Wherein the liberty of the sonnes of God is shewed. With the image of their graces here, and glory hereafter. Which affords much comfort and great incouragement, to all such as begin timely, and continue constantly in the wayes of God. By R. Sibbs, D.D. Mr. of Katherin Hall Cambridge, and preacher of Grayes-Inne, London. Begun in his life time, and published by T.G. and P.N.
London: printed by Tho. Cotes and John Dawson, 1639
Excellency of the GOSPEL above the LAW. › PartExcellency of the GOSPEL above the LAVV. › Part
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.
What is the reason, they are determined eternally to that that is good? Is it for want of understanding that the Angels choose not ill? No,1 they know what ill is by speculation, but there is a strength of understanding to know that that is good, and the understanding where it hath a full light, it carries the will to choose, therefore where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, notwithstanding all objections to the contrary, the Spirit takes not away, nay it strengtheneth, ⟨p. 147⟩the liberty of the soul: it is an idle objection and a great stay of many that are willing to be deceived: oh if grace confine a man, determine him, as the word is, sway him one way perpetually, that he holds on to the end, and leaves him not at liberty to his will, this confining and swaying one way, it is an abridging him of his liberty, &c. No, for it comes not from weakness of understanding, but from strength of understanding, and it is perfect liberty to do well: therefore on the contrary, it is so far from abridging the liberty of the soul that it cannot do ill, or ⟨p. 148⟩that it cannot but persevere, to do good, that •t is the strength of liberty.
What is the reason, they are determined eternally to that that is good? Is it for want of understanding that the Angels choose not ill? No,1 they know what ill is by speculation, but there is a strength of understanding to know that that is good, and the understanding where it hath a full light, it carries the will to choose, therefore where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, notwithstanding all objections to the contrary, the Spirit takes not away, nay it strengthneth, ⟨p. 147⟩the liberty of the soule: it is an idle objection and a great stay of many that are willing to be deceived: oh if grace confine a man, determine him, as the word is, sway him one way perpetually, that hee holds on to the end, and leaves him not at liberty to his will, this confining and swaying one way, it is an abridging him of his liberty, &c. No, for it comes not from weakenesse of understanding, but from strength of understanding, and it is perfect liberty to doe well: therefore on the contrary, it is so farre from abridgeing the liberty of the soule that it cannot doe ill, or