A12183:64
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.
Use. And we may understand likewise from hence, what the reason is that an Ordinance1 at one time differeth ⟨p. 46⟩so much from it self at another time in respect of the life and comfort of it, as we often find even in our own experience; as also why the same Ordinance (be it the Word or Sacrament, &c.) at the same time is profitable to one, and another hath no benefit at all by it: This is from the presence or absence of Christ, who is that Spirit. What is the reason that Wine, or Aqua-vitae, doth more refresh and strengthen then common water? It is of the same substance, of the same colour that other water is? but there is more spirit in it; all things work answerable to the spirits that is in them So what is the reason that ⟨p. 47⟩•he reading or hearing of •he same thing affecteth one, •nd not another at all? the substance of the thing is the •ame, but the spirit is not •he same; the spirit goeth with the one, and not with •he other. We grant that our negligence in preparation and attention, our pride and earthly-mindedness, our want of faith to mingle with the Word; these, or •he like, may be causes why we are many times sent empty away: yet this still •ust be observed as a most evident truth, that all the efficacy and fruit of any Ordinance dependeth upon Christs being present in it who is that Spirit that quickeneth. […] most powerful ⟨p. 48⟩means that ever was ordained for our good, will be dead and heartless if he be not there, by his Spirit to put life into it: It may seem• strange what John saith, chap. 6. The flesh profiteth nothing. The flesh of Christ,2