A12190:295
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.
None must therefore be discouraged or run away from God, for what they have been; for there may be a returning, God may have a time for them, who in his wise dispensation doth bring his children to distress, that their delivery may be so much the more admired by themselves and others, to his glory and their ⟨p. 125⟩good. He knows us better then we our selves, how prone we are to lean upon the creature, therefore he is fain to take from us all our props and supports; whereupon we are forced to rely upon him. If we could do this of our selves, it were an excellent work and an undoubted evidence of the child of God, that hath a weaned soul in the midst of outward supports, to enjoy them, as if he possessed them not, not to be puffed up with present greatness, not to swell with riches, nor be high minded: to consider of things to be as they are, weak things, (subordinate to God) which can help no further, then as he blesseth them. But to come to the words now read.
None must therefore be discouraged or run away from God, for what they have beene; for there may be a returning, God may have a time for them, who in his wise dispensation doth bring his children to distresse, that their delivery may be so much the more admired by themselves and others, to his glory and their ⟨p. 125⟩good. He knowes us better then we our selves, how prone we are to leane upon the creature, therefore he is faine to take from us all our props and supports; whereupon we are forced to relie upon him. If we could doe this of our selves, it were an excellent worke and an undoubted evidence of the child of God, that hath a weaned soule in the midst of outward supports, to injoy them, as if he possessed them not, not to be puft up with present greatnesse, not to swell with riches, nor be high minded: to consider of things to be as they are, weake things, (subordinate to God) which can help no further, then as he blesseth them. But to come to the wordes now read.
I will heal their backsliding and love them freely, &c.