George Gifford

This particular work by contains six pieces now updated into current modern print. The first work is worth the cost of the volume itself. It is his treatise on The Great Mystery of God's Providence, on Genesis 45:8, concerning the historical narrative of Joseph coming to power in Egypt by God's providence. He particularly deals with the question, "To what degree does the holy and righteous God make use of the evil actions of wicked men and devils, without any impeachment of his righteousness and holiness?" This is a wonderful and masterful treatise that will expand your view of the great mystery of God's providence in the world, not only in Joseph's time, but throughout all of redemptive history, including our own time. In his second piece, he covers James 2:26, "...so faith without works is dead," while comparing both Paul's use of justification by faith, and James' use of justification by works. In his third sermon on James 3, he covers the manner in which the Christian's speech ought to glorify God, and how, very often, that it does not. This is especially proven out by dealing with Christians in the church, where out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. In his fourth piece, he demonstrates the need and virtue of true fortitude to the glory of God. In this, he considers the strength and vigor of the Christian in all they do in zeal for the glory of Christ. In his fifth piece on Psalm 133:1 he covers the need and commendation of unity in the church, the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace, as set down by David in the Psalm, and echoed in Ephesians by Paul. His final piece is an explanation of the parable of the sower from Matt. 13:1-9, teaching that in the innumerable multitude that came to hear Christ's heavenly doctrine, the Savior shows that out of this great number of people that were so zealous and traveled so far, there were three groups out of four that did not profit by his teaching and were therefore still creatures under damnation. Only one group of the four were true hearers.

When anyone acts in accordance with the devil, they become of a "devilish quality," (John 6:70). When Christians are enticed by the devil, they are pulled away from God by honors, profits, pleasures, or whatever other things the devil uses to hinder their profiting by the Word, (Luke 8:12). These wicked spirits have such a heinous effect on the world, that the same condemnation that will befall them, will befall those who follow them. The proud fall into the condemnation of the devil, that is, by means of pride and high mindedness they too will be cast into hell fire, in the same manner as the devil will be. In consideration of such vile and wicked practices following the devil and his practices, Gifford directs the reader to resist such assaults and submit before God with the weapon of steadfast faith. His text is a famous one, "Be sober and watch: for your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith," (1 Peter 5:8-9). Gifford expounds on how the Apostle Peter, 1) begins with an admonition or exhortation by which he stirs up all the faithful to sobriety and watchfulness with these words, "Be sober and watch," 2) why it is important to move all men into this position of sobriety and watchfulness, seeing they have such a terrible and cruel adversary who continually seeks their eternal misery and destruction, "For your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." And, 3) teaching how Christians shall withstand him, overcome him, and put him to flight, that so they may escape from his cruel tyranny, "Whom resist steadfast in the faith." This is an exceedingly helpful work, that will arm the Christian in due manner to fight steadfastly in the power of Jesus Christ through his Spirit against the works and wiles of the devil. And Gifford will not only show how to do this, but how to do it effectively, with victory, through true Christian faith empowered by God's Christ.

George Gifford (1547-1620) was a most excellent puritan divine described as a fiery Gospel preacher, learned and able, being a great enemy to popery. How is a person sure to be saved? How can they build up assurance of salvation and reject a profane life? What can they do to overcome sin and please King Jesus? These sermons all have a common thread running through them: to show you how to lay hold of salvation in Jesus Christ. Gifford is very precise in laying out what each text means, as well as giving a careful and thorough explanation taking ample time to bring to light practical perspectives on his texts. In this, he will bring these topics home to your soul, and you will be a better Christian for reading him. In his first sermon on taking hold of eternal life, Gifford explains, "Charge them that are rich in this world ... that they may lay hold on eternal life," (1 Tim. 6:17-19). He will show you how to lay up the good foundation you need in order to stand secure in Christ at the judgement to come. In his second sermon on the three that bear record in heaven, he explains, quite thoroughly, 1 John 5:7-13. There are three that bear record in heaven, and three that bear witness in earth. And between these "six" there is Scriptural and covenantal agreement concerning the manner of salvation, the assurance that one can have of it. Disciples of Christ, "know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." In his third sermon on rejecting the blessing of God, he explains Hebrews 12:16-17, "Let there be any fornicator, or profane person as Esau..." He is thorough on the Genesis narrative to show why Esau was profane, and how people today may also be profane following Esau's example. His insightful comments in this sermon are exceedingly valuable and ought to be read with great soul-care. His last sermon is on continuing in sin once a disciple is converted. Romans 6:1-14, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid " Can disciples sin? Can they sin "big" and still be saved? He takes great pains, and shows a careful step by step explanation on what Paul is teaching throughout the sixth chapter of Romans; a chapter, today, often misunderstood, and overlooked. Gifford is very easy to read, yet, exegetically sound and practically deep. May the Lord bless you as you take time to study along with Gifford on how to lay hold of Jesus Christ for eternal life. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.