A12190:1040
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.
Take this for a ground of comfort subscribed unto in the experience of all believers, that the Spirit of God so far convinces them of Christs righteousness, as preserves in them ⟨p. 503⟩such a power of grace as to cast themselves upon the mercy of God in Christ; and God will not quench that spark, though there be little or no light, yet there will be heat; God will send his Spirit into the heart, so far as it shall not betray it self to despair, and let such a beam into the soul, as all the power in hell shall not be able to keep out; but it is our own neglect that we are not more strongly convinced, so as to break through all. This is the privilege of a constant careful Christian, to be strongly convinced of the righteousness of Christ.
Take this for a ground of comfort subscribed unto in the experience of all beleevers, that the Spirit of God so farre convinces them of Christs righteousnesse, as preserves in them ⟨p. 503⟩such a power of grace as to cast themselves upon the mercy of God in Christ; and God will not quench that sparke, though there be little or no light, yet there will be heate; God will send his Spirit into the heart, so farre as it shall not betray it selfe to despaire, and let such a beame into the soule, as all the power in hell shall not be able to keepe out; but it is our owne neglect that we are not more strongly convinced, so as to breake through all. This is the priviledge of a constant carefull Christian, to bee strongly convinced of the righteousnesse of Christ.
Use. Thus we see how the Holy Ghost convinceth us of righteousness, other things I must omit. If this be so, I beseech you let us not loose our privileges and prerogatives, doth God give grace, and give Christ with all his righteousness, and shall not we improve them? Let us use this righteousness in all temptations. Let us plead it to God himself, when he seems to be our enemy. Lord thou hast ordained a righteousness, the righteousness of Christ, that hath given full satisfaction to thy justice, and he hath given me a title to Heaven: howsoever my soul be in darkness, yet Lord I come unto thee in the name of my Saviour, that thou wouldest persuade my soul of that righteousness. I would glorify thy Name. Wherein wilt thou be glorified? In mercy or justice? O in mercy above all. I cannot glorify thee in thy mercy, unless thou persuade me