A12183:540
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.
Let none presume that he can do any thing of himself:1 for you see how God suffered holy men to miscarry: it was folly in this case in Peter, to presume of his own strength, Though all forsook Christ, yet would not he, he presumed upon his own strength, God left him to himself, you see how foully he fell, so it is with us all, when we presume upon the strength ⟨p. 607⟩of our nature and parts. We must not come to this holy place, in the strength of our own wit, and parts, but come with a desire that the Spirit may join with his ordinances, and make them efficacious for our change, all change is by the Spirit of the Lord, nothing works above his own sphere: It is above the pow•r of nature to work any thing supernatural; therefore if we will profit by the Word, come not with presumptuous spirits, but lift up our hearts to God that his Spirit may clothe the ministry with vigour and power, that he may convey holy truths into ⟨p. 608⟩our hearts, and make them, effectual, for the changing of the inward, and of the outward man, then we come as we should, all is by the Spirit of the Lord, blessing all means whatsoever, without which all means are dead, therefore we must open as that flower that opens and shuts as the Sun shines on it, so must we as Christ shines on us, and we ebb and flow as he flows upon us, we shine or are dark, as he shines on us, as the air is no longer light than the sun shines, so we are no longer lightsome, and open, and flow, and are carried to any ⟨p. 609⟩thing, than Christ by his Spirit flows on us: for we do what we do, but we are patients first to receive that power from the Spirit, we hear, and do good works, but the activity, and power and strength comes all from the Spirit of God.
Let none presume that he can doe any thing of himselfe:1 for you see how God suffered holy men to miscarry: it was folly in this case in Peter, to presume of his owne strength, Though all forsooke Christ, yet would not he, he presumed upon his owne strength, God left him to himselfe, you see how foulely he fell, so it is with us all, when wee presume upon the strength