A12190:138
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.
It was the custom under the Jewish policy (you know) to offer sacrifices of all sorts. But the Spirit of God speaks here of the Church of the Jews under the New Testament, especially what they should be after their Conversion, having reference to the Jews in Christs time, and to the believing Jews in all times, implying this much, howsoever not Legal sacrifices, of Calves, Bullocks, Sheep and Lambs, yet the Calves of the lips, which God likes better are acceptable to him. And it likewise implies some humiliation of the Church. Lord, whatsoever else we could offer unto thee it is thine own, though it were the beasts upon a thousand mountains;1 but this (by thy grace) we can do, to Praise thee. For God must open and circumcise our lips and hearts, before we can offer him the Calves of our lips. Thus much the poorest creature in the world may say to God, Lord, I will render thee the Calves of my lips, other things I have not, this I have by thy gracious Spirit, a heart somewhat touched by the sense of thy favour: therefore, I will render thee the Calves of my lips, that is, Praise; as the Apostle hath it, Heb. 13.15. By him therefore let us offer the Sacrifice of praise to God continually; that is, the fruit of our lips, giving ⟨p. 45⟩thanks to his Name. [So will we render thee the Calves of our lips] Whence the point is,
It was the custome under the Jewish pollicie (you know) to offer sacrifices of all sorts. But the Spirit of God speakes here of the Church of the Jewes under the New Testament, especially what they should be after their Conversion, having reference to the Jewes in Christs time, and to the beleeving Jewes in all times, implying this much, howsoever not Legall sacrifices, of Calves, Bullocks, Sheepe and Lambes, yet the Calves of the lips, which God likes better are acceptable to him. And it likewise implies some humiliation of the Church. Lord, whatsoever else wee could offer unto thee it is thine owne, though it were the beasts upon a thousand mountaines;1 but this (by thy grace) we can doe, to Praise thee. For God must open and circumcise our lips and hearts, before wee can offer him the Calves of our lips. Thus much the poorest creature in the world may say to God, Lord, I will render thee the Calves of my lips, other things I have not, this I have by thy gratious Spirit, a heart somewhat touched by the sense of thy favour: therefore, I will render thee the Calves of my lips, that is, Praise; as the Apostle hath it,