A12190:173
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.
And then, in it self;1 it is a most noble act of Religion, it being a more base thing to be always begging of God; but it argueth a more noble, raised and elevated spirit to be disposed to praise God. And it is an argument of less self-love and respect, being therefore more gainful to us. Yea, it is a more noble and royal disposition, fit for Spiritual Kings and Priests thus to Sacrifice.
And then, in it selfe;1 it is a most noble act of Religion, it being a more base thing to be alwaies begging of God; but it argueth a more noble, raised and elevated spirit to bee disposed to praise God. And it is an argument of lesse selfe-love and respect, being therefore more gainefull to us. Yea, it is a more noble and royall disposition, fit for Spirituall Kings and Priests thus to Sacrifice.
- 13. It is a most noble act of Religion.
Again,1 indeed we have more cause to praise God then to pray, having many things to praise him for which we never prayed for; Who ever prayed for his election, care of Parents in our infancy, their affection to us, care to breed and train us to years of discretion; besides those many favours daily heaped upon us, above all that we are able to think or speak. Therefore Praise being a more large Sacrifice then Prayer, ⟨p. 62⟩we ought to be abundant in it. For those that begin not Heaven upon earth, of which this praise is a main function, they shall never come to Heaven, after they are taken from the earth; for there is no heavenly action, but it is begun upon earth: especially this main one, of joining with Angels, Seraphims, and Cherubims in landing God? Shall they praise him on our behalf, and shall not we for our own? We see the Quire of Angels when Christ was borne, sang,