A12190:125
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.
Use. Which should teach us not to limit the Holy one of Israel in our desires of any outward thing whatsoever. Especially desire forgiveness and spiritual good things leaving the rest to his wise disposing. Yet notwithstanding out of the sense of pain and grief we may pray either for the mitigation or removing of a cross if God be so pleased; because he hath put in us self-love; not sinful, but love of preserving our nature; therefore he permits us (if it may stand with his good pleasure) to desire the good of our outward man, as, Lord give us bodily health, for we cannot else be instruments of serving thee. With reservation of Gods good pleasure, we may desire such and such things; conditionally, that when we see God will have it otherwise, we rest contented, sit down quietly, knowing that whatsoever health, sickness or crosses he sends, it comes from his goodness and love, and shall turn to our good at length: if we love God, all shall work for good.
Vse. Which should teach us not to limit the Holy one of Israel in our desires of any outward thing whatsoever. Especially desire forgivenesse and spirituall good things leaving the rest to his wise disposing. Yet notwithstanding out of the sense of paine and griefe wee may pray either for the mitigation or remooving of a crosse if God bee so pleased; because hee hath put in us selfe-love; not sinnefull, but love of preserving our nature; therefore he permits us (if it may stand with his good pleasure) to desire the good of our outward man, as, Lord give us bodily health, for we cannot else bee instruments of serving thee. With reservation of Gods good pleasure, wee may desire such and such things; conditionally, that when we see God will have it otherwise, we rest contented, sit downe quietly, knowing that whatsoever health, sicknesse or crosses hee sends, it comes from his goodnesse and love, and shall turne to our good at length: if wee love God, all shall worke for good.
Take away our iniquity and do us good, we should make this petition for the Church and our selves, pardon our sins and do good to us, to our persons, to the state, to the times wherein we live, to the Church at home and abroad, do good to all.1