A12184:438
An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the…
An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians also two sermons of Christian watchfulness. The first upon Luke 12 37. The second upon Revel. 16.15. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philip. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Gray's-Inn.An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians also two sermons of Christian watchfulnesse. The first upon Luke 12 37. The second upon Revel. 16.15. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philipp. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Grayes-Inne.
London: printed by T. Cotes and John Dawson for Peter Cole, 1639
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.
And first of all, we must know there must be an order; we are to grow in fundamental graces in the first place, for we water not the leaves ⟨p. 161⟩but the root of our plants, and the graces that are the foundation of all works being gotten, and diligently cherished, the works, which are but as leaves, will soon put forth. The main fundamental grace of all is faith: which we are principally to look after.
And first of all, we must know there must bee an order; we are to grow in fundamentall graces in the first place, for we water not the leaves ⟨p. 161⟩but the root of our plants, and the graces that are the foundation of all workes being gotten, and diligently cherished, the workes, which are but as leaves, will soone put forth. The maine fundamentall grace of all is faith: which we are principally to looke after.
First, in getting assurance of our salvation; to this end walk holily, for many live in sins against conscience, and so can have no assurance of the pardon of their sins, and how dead and blockish are they? David, though a man after Gods own heart, yet losing the comfortable assurance (by his sinning against conscience) of the pardon of sin, thought Gods holy spirit had quite forsaken him, therefore he prays; Take not thy holy spirit from me, Psal. 51.11. Therefore labour for assurance of pardon of sin, for where the soul is wounded with the guilt of sin, it cannot enlarge it self in love, but is possest with a fearful expectation of judgement, but when the soul is assured of the pardon of its sins, it breeds love to Christ; and there its said of Mary, she loved much for many sins were forgiven her.
First, in getting assurance of our salvation; to this end walke holily, for many live in sinnes against conscience, and so can have no assurance of the pardon of their sinnes, and how dead and blockish are they? David, though a man after Gods own heart, yet losing the comfortable assurance (by his sinning against conscience) of the pardon of sinne, thought Gods holy spirit had quite forsaken him, therefore he prayes; Take not thy holy spirit from mee,