A12190:255
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.
Use. Therefore make this Use of it, not to be discouraged when God doth confound any carnal plot or policy of ours, as to think that God hates either a Nation or a Person, when they have ill success in plots and projects which are not good. Nay, it is a sign rather that God intends good; if they make a right use of it. God intends Conversion, to translate false confidence from the creature to himself, and to learn us to make God wise for us. It is a happy thing when in this world God will disappoint a mans courses and counsels, and bring ⟨p. 101⟩him to shame, rather then he should go on and thrive in an evil and carnal course, and so to end his days. There is no evidence at all which can be given of a Reprobate, because there may be final Repentance, Repentance at the last. But this is one, and as fearful a sign as may be, to thrive and go on in an evil course to the end. When God shall disappoint and bring a man to shame in that he prided in, and built upon, It is a good sign; if thereupon we take advantage to turn to God, and lay a better bottom and foundation, as we see here, Ashur shall not save us, we will not ride upon Horses, &c.
Vse. Therefore make this Use of it, not to bee discouraged when God doth confound any carnall plot or policie of ours, as to thinke that God hates either a Nation or a Person, when they have ill successe in plots and projects which are not good. Nay, it is a signe rather that God intends good; if they make a right use of it. God intends Conversion, to translate false confidence from the creature to himselfe, and to learne us to make God wise for us. It is a happie thing when in this world God will disappoint a mans courses and counsells, and bring ⟨p. 101⟩him to shame, rather then he should goe on and thrive in an evill and carnall course, and so to end his daies. There is no evidence at all which can be given of a Reprobate, because there may be finall Repentance, Repentance at the last. But this is one, and as fearefull a signe as may be, to thrive and goe on in an evill course to the end. When God shall disappoint and bring a man to shame in that he prided in, and built upon, It is a good signe; if thereupon we take advantage to turne to God, and lay a better bottome and foundation, as we see here, Ashur shall not save us, wee will not ride upon Horses, &c.