A12190:1033
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.
I answer for divers reasons.
Reason. 1 First, because it is above the conceit of man, that there should be such a righteousness of God-man; therefore it is discovered by the Spirit, and when it is discovered, the Spirit must open the eyes of the soul to see, else we shall have a natural knowledge of supernatural things; for a man by a natural knowledge may understand them, so as to be able to discourse of them, therefore to change the soul, there must be a supernatural sight to see supernatural things. A devil incarnate may know all things and yet want to see, only the Holy Ghost gives inward sight, inward eyes, and works faith to see Christ as mine.
Reason. 1 First, because it is above the conceit of man, that there should be such a righteousnesse of God-man; therefore it is discovered by the Spirit, and when it is discovered, the Spirit must open the eyes of the soule to see, els wee shall have a naturall knowledge of supernaturall things; for a man by a naturall knowledge may understand them, so as to be able to discourse of them, therefore to change the soule, there must be a supernaturall sight to see supernaturall things. A divell incarnate may know all things and yet want to see, onely the Holy Ghost gives inward sight, inward eyes, and works faith to see Christ as mine.
Reason. 2 Again, the sending of the Holy Ghost is necessary for this conviction, because he alone must set down the soul and make the conscience quiet, who is greater then the conscience. Conscience will clamour thou art a sinner, the Holy Ghost convinces, in Christ thou art righteous. The Holy Ghost only knows what is in the heart of God the Father, and in the heart of every man: He only knows the intent of the Father to every Christian, and can answer all inward Objections and Cavils of flesh and blood raised up against the soul; therefore the convincing of the Holy Ghost is necessary. Howsoever Christ hath purchased our peace, yet the Holy Ghost must apply it: For the conscience is so full of clamours, that unless the Holy Ghost apply what Christ hath done, conscience will not be satisfied: God