A12190:100
The returning backslider, or, A commentary upon the whole XIIII. chapter of the prophecy…The returning backslider, or, A commentarie upon the whole XIIII. chapter of the prophecy…
The returning backslider, or, A commentary upon the whole XIIII. chapter of the prophecy of the prophet Hosea Wherein is showed the large extent of Gods free mercy, even unto the most miserable forlorn and wretched sinners that may be, upon their humiliation and repentance. Preached by that learned and judicious divine, Dr. Sibbs, late preacher to the honourable society of Gray's Inn, and master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge. Published by his own permission before his death.The returning backslider, or, A commentarie upon the whole XIIII. chapter of the prophecy of the prophet Hosea Wherein is shewed the large extent of Gods free mercy, even unto the most miserable forlorne and wretched sinners that may be, upon their humiliation and repentance. Preached by that learned and judicious divine, Dr. Sibbs, late preacher to the honourable society of Grayes Inne, and master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge. Published by his owne permission before his death.
London: printed by George for George Edwards, 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.
1Now this Confession here, is made to God, and to God only (saith Austin in this case) Because it is a point in controversy, it is good to hear what the Ancients say. There are a curious sort of men, who are busy to search into other mens lives, and are careless in amending their own.2 Saith he, what have I to do with men to hear me confess when I have offended God: we must confess to God, and to God only. But in some cases there may be public and private Confession to men. Public in public offences for the satisfaction of the Church and the glory of God, for preventing of scandal. Private to Ministers for the quieting of conscience: but this is only in some cases; men go not to the Chirurgeon (as the Papists would have it) for every little prick of their finger.3 No, but yet in some cases it is good to open the matter to a Minister who hath the tongue of the learned: but the sin is toward God, against him; he only being able to forgive sins, as the Pharisees confessed,4 None can forgive sins but God; the Papists therefore herein are worse then the Pharisees.
1Now this Confession here, is made to God, and to God onely (saith Austin in this case) Because it is a point in controversie, it is good to heare what the Ancients say. There are a curious sort of men, who are busie to search into other mens lives, and are carelesse in amending their own.2 Saith he, what have I to do with men to heare me confesse when I have offended God: wee must confesse to God, and to God only. But in some cases there may be publique and private Confession to men. Publique in publique offences for the satisfaction of the Church and the glory of God, for preventing of scandall. Private to Ministers for the quieting of conscience: but this is onely in some cases; men goe not to the Chirurgeon (as the Papists would have it) for every little prick of their finger.3 No, but yet in some cases it is good to open the matter to a Minister who hath the tongue of the learned: but the sin is toward God, against him; hee onely being able to forgive sins, as the Pharisees confessed,