A12190:287
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. 5 Again, we should use this as a plea against dejectedness at the hour of death, in regard of those we leave behind us; not to be troubled what shall become of them, when we are to yield up our souls to God: but know that he hath undertaken to be, the Father of the Fatherless and of the Widow. Therefore, for shame, for shame, learn as to live, so to die by faith: and as to die by faith in other things, so to die in this ⟨p. 116⟩[…] ⟨p. 117⟩[…] ⟨p. 118⟩faith, that God as he will receive thy soul, so he will receive the care of thy posterity. Canst thou with affiance yield up thy soul unto God, and wilt thou not with the same confidence yield thy posterity. Thou art an Hypocrite if this distract and vex thee, when yet thou pretendest to die in the faith of Christ. Canst thou yield thy soul, and yet art grieved for thy posterity? no, leave it to God: he is All-sufficient,1 The earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof. We need not fear to put our portion in his hands, he is rich enough, The earth and all is his. Therefore, when we are in any extremity whatsoever, rely on this mercy of so rich and powerful a God, improve it, for it is our portion, especially in a distressed condition. Were it not for Faith wrought by the blessed Spirit of God, he would loose the glory of this Attribute of mercy. Now Faith is a wise power of the soul, that sees in God what is fit for it, singling out in God what is fit for the present occasion of distress. Is a man in any extremity of misery, let him look to mercy. Is a man oppressed, let him look to mercy to be revenged of his enemies: is a man in any perplexity, let him look to mercy, joined with wisdom, which is able to deliver him. Religion is nothing else but an application of the soul to God: and a fetching out of him somewhat (as he hath discovered himself in the Covenant) fit for all our exigents; as there is somewhat in God, and in the Promises, for all estates ⟨p. 119⟩of the soul. Faith therefore is witty to look to that in God which is fit for its turn.2