A12183:502
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.
But put the case indeed that Christians decay in their first love, and in some grace, there is a suspension of growth, it is that they may grow in some other grace; God sees it needful they ⟨p. 549⟩should grow in the root, and therefore abaseth them, in the sense of some infirmity, and then they spring out a main again, as after a hard winter comes a glorious spring: upon a check, grace breaks out more gloriously; and there is a mystery in Gods government in that kind, that God often increaseth grace by the sight, and sense of our infirmities: God shows his powerful government in our weakness, for Gods children never hate their corruption more than when they have been overcome by it, then they begin to be sensible of it, that there ⟨p. 550⟩is some hidden corruption that they discerned not, before that it is fit they should take notice off, the best man living knows not himself till he comes to temptation, that discovers himself to himself, temptation discovers corruption, and makes it known, and then stirs up hatred for it, as love stirs up endeavour, so hatred aversation, and loathing: It is profitable for Gods children to fall sometimes, they would never be so good as they are else, they would not wash for spots, but when they see they are foul indeed, then they go to wash, but this is a mystery ⟨p. 551⟩God will have it so for good ends.
But put the case indeed that Christians decay in their first love, and in some grace, there is a suspension of growth, it is that they may grow in some other graee; God sees it needefull they ⟨p. 549⟩should grow in the roote, and therefore abaseth them, in the sense of some infirmity, and then they spring out a maine againe, as after a hard winter comes a glorious spring: upon a checke, grace breakes out more gloriously; and there is a mystery in Gods government in that kinde, that God often increaseth grace by the sight, and sense of our infirmities: God shewes his powerfull govenment in our weakenesse, for Gods children never hate their corruption more than when they have beene overcome by it, then they begin to be sensible of it, that there ⟨p. 550⟩