A12190:135
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.
1It is good thus to vow, if it were but to excite, and quicken our dullness and forgetfulness of our general vow; to put us in mind of our duty, the more to oblige us to God and refresh ⟨p. 43⟩our memories. This bond, that having promised, now I must do it, provokes the soul to it, as it helps the memory, so it quickens the affections.
1It is good thus to vow, if it were but to excite, and quicken our dullnesse and forgetfullnesse of our generall vow; to put us in minde of our duty, the more to oblige us to God and refresh ⟨p. 43⟩our memories. This bond, that having promised, now I must do it, provokes the soule to it, as it helpes the memory, so it quickens the affections.
- 11. To excite, and quicken our dullness.1. To excite, and quicken our dullnesse.
Besides, as by nature, we are forgetful,1 so we are inconstant, in which respect, it is a tie to our inconstant and unsteady nature, for there are none who have the Spirit of God at all with any tenderness of heart, but will thus think; I have vowed to God, if it be a heinous thing to break with men, what is it wittingly and willingly to break with the great God? a vow is a kind of oath; this is the sacrifice of fools, to come to God, and yet neither to make good our vows, nor endeavour to do it.
Besides, as by nature, wee are forgetfull,1