A12190:248
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 this is not all, we must know that there be other Idols then the Idols which we make with our hands: besides these Religious Idols, there be Secular Idols in the world, such as men set up to themselves in their own hearts. Whatsoever takes up the heart most, which they attribute more to then to God, that is their Idol, their god. A mans love, a mans fear is his god. If a man fear greatness rather then God, that he had rather displease God then any great person, they are his Idols for the time.1 The fear of man brings a snare, saith the Wise man, and those who to get the favour of any in place, sacrifice therefore their Credit, Profession, Religion and souls; it is gross Idolatry, dangerous to the party, and dangerous to themselves. It was the ruin of Herod to have that applause given him, and taken by him,2 The voice of God and not of man. So for any to be blown up with flatterers that lift them up above their due measure, it is an exceeding wrong to them, prejudiceth their comfort, and will prove ill in the conclusion, indeed treason against their souls.
But this is not all, wee must know that there be other Idols then the Idols which wee make with our hands: besides these Religious Idols, there be Secular Idols in the world, such as men set up to themselves in their own hearts. Whatsoever takes up the heart most, which they attribute more to then to God, that is their Idoll, their god. A mans love, a mans feare is his god. If a man feare greatnesse rather then God, that he had rather displease God then any great person, they are his Idols for the time.1 The feare of man brings a snare, saith the Wiseman, and those who to get the favour of any in place, sacrifice therefore their Credit, Profession, Religion and soules; it is grosse Idolatry, dangerous to the partie, and dangerous to themselves. It was the ruine of Herod to have that applause given him, and taken by him,2 The voice of God and not of man. So for any to bee blowen up with flatterers that lift them up above their due measure, it is an exceeding wrong to them, prejudiceth their comfort, and will proove ill in the conclusion, indeed treason against their soules.