A12190:116
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.
Therefore,1 let us labour for the forgiveness of our sins, that God would remove and subdue the power of them, take them away and the judgements due to them, or else we are but ⟨p. 32⟩miserable men, though we enjoyed all the pleasures of the world, which to a worldly man are but like the liberty of the Tower to a condemned Traitor, who though he have all wants supplied, with all possible attendance: yet when he thinks of his estate, it makes his heart cold, damps his courage, and makes him think the poorest Carman or tankard bearer (at liberty) happier then he, who would not change estates with him. So it is with a man that hath not sued out his pardon nor is at peace with God, he hath no comfort so long as he knows his sins are on the file, that God in heaven is not at peace with him; who can arm all the Creatures against him to be revenged of him; in which case, who shall be Umpire betwixt God and us, if we take not up the controversy betwixt him and our souls. Therefore it being so miserable a case to want assurance of the forgiveness of sins; it should make us be never an hour quiet till we have gotten it; seeing the uncertainty of this life, wherein there is but a step betwixt Hell, Damnation and us. Therefore, sue unto God, ply him with broken and humble hearts, that he would pardon all the sins of our youth and after age, known and unknown, that he would pardon all whatsoever: Take away all iniquity.
Therefore,1 let us labour for the forgivenesse of our sinnes, that God would remoove and subdue the power of them, take them away and the judgements due to them, or else wee are but ⟨p. 32⟩miserable men, though we enjoyed all the pleasures of the world, which to a worldly man are but like the liberty of the Tower to a condemned Traitor, who though hee have all wants supplied, with all possible attendance: yet when he thinkes of his estate, it makes his heart cold, dampes his courage, and makes him think the poorest Carman or tankerd bearer (at liberty) happier then hee, who would not change estates with him. So it is with a man that hath not sued out his pardon nor is at peace with God, he hath no comfort so long as he knowes his sins are on the file, that God in heaven is not at peace with him; who can arme all the Creatures against him to be revenged of him; in which case, who shall be Umpire betwixt God and us, if we take not up the controversie betwixt him and our soules. Therefore it being so miserable a case to want assurance of the forgivenesse of sinnes; it should make us be never an houre quiet till we have gotten it; seeing the uncertainty of this life, wherein there is but a step betwixt Hell, Damnation and us. Therefore, sue unto God, plie him with broken and humble hearts, that he would pardon all the sins of our youth and after age, knowne and unknowne, that he would pardon all whatsoever: Take away all iniquity.