A12190:274
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.
Observ. That God is especially merciful to those Persons who stand most in need of mercy.
Observ. That God is especially mercifull to those Persons who stand most in need of mercy.
1First, because these do relish mercy most, and give him the glory of it, applying themselves most to his mercy, being beaten out of the creature: and the more we have communion with God being driven out of the creature and other comforts, the more he discovers himself to us: as the nearer we are to the fire, the hotter it is, so the nearer we are to God, the more good and gracious he every way shows himself unto us. Now what makes us near him, but extremity of misery, whereby we are beaten from all other holds whatsoever.2 It is acknowledged to be his work, when he doth it for these that are deserted of all others, then he hath the chief glory of it. This is one end why God suffers his children to fall into extremity of great sorrows and perplexities, to fall very low in depths of miseries (as the Scripture speaks)3 that he might discover a depth of his ⟨p. 109⟩mercy, beyond the depth of their misery, to show that there is a depth deeper then that depth, for their misery is sin, O but the bowels of his compassions are infinite both in measure and time: His mercy endureth for ever.4
1First, because these doe relish mercy most, and give him the glory of it, applying themselves most to his mercy, being beaten out of the creature: and the more we have communion with God being driven out of the creature and other comforts, the more he discovers himselfe to us: as the neerer we are to the fire, the hotter it is, so the neerer wee are to God, the more good and gratious hee every way shewes himselfe unto us. Now what makes us neere him, but extremity of misery, whereby we are beaten from all other holds whatsoever.