A12190:191
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.
But to make way to these things, we must first observe two things for a preparative.
But to make way to these things, wee must first observe two things for a preparative.
1First, That Reformation of life must be joined with Prayer and Praise. There was Prayer before, and a promise of Praise; but (as here) there must be joined reformation of their sin. That it must be so it appears. First for Prayer: it is said, Psal. 66.18. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my Prayer: and for Praise; The very sacrifice of the wicked (who reforms not his ways) is abominable: 2so that without Reformation, Prayer and Praise is to no purpose. Therefore it is brought here after a promise of Praise. Lord as we mean to praise thee, so we intend a through reformation of former sins whereof we were guilty. We will renounce Ashur and confidence in Horses, Idols and the like. Therefore let us when we come to God with Prayer and Praise, think also of reforming what is amiss. Out with Achan; if there be any dead fly or Achan uncast out,3 Prayer and Praise is in vain. Will you steal, lie, commit Adultery, swear falsely, and come ⟨p. 67⟩and stand before me (saith the Lord by the Prophet Jeremiah)?4 will you offer to Pray to me and Praise me living in these and these sins? No, God will abhor both that Prayer and Praise, where there is no reformation.5 What hast thou to do to take my Name in thy mouth, since thou hatest to be reformed, and hast cast my words behind thee? saith God. Where he pleads with the Hypocrite for this audacious boldness in severing things conjoined by God. Therefore as we would not have our Prayers turned back from Heaven, which should bring a blessing upon all other things else. As we would not have our sacrifices abominable to God, labour to reform what is amiss, amend all, or else never think our lip-labour will prove any thing but a lost labour, without this Reformation.