A12190:302
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.
Reason. The Reason is strong, because they are the motions of his own Spirit which he stirs up in ⟨p. 127⟩us. For, he dictates this Prayer unto them: Take with you words, &c. and say unto the Lord, take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously. So that, where God stirs up holy desires by his Spirit, he will answer exactly, there shall not a sigh be lost. Likewise (saith the Apostle) the Spirit also helps our infirmities: 1for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit it self makes intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered. Therefore there cannot a groan be lost, nor a darting of a sigh, whatsoever is spiritual must be effectual, though it cannot be vented in words.2 For God hath an ear not only near a mans tongue to know what he saith, but also in a mans heart, to know what he desires, or would have. As the observing careful tender mother many times knows what the child would have though it cannot speak: so God he knows the desires, sighs, and groans of the heart when we cannot speak. For, sometimes there may be such a confusion upon the soul, by reason of divers disturbances, that it cannot express nor vent it self in words, therefore the Spirit vents it self then in sighs and groans which are heard and accepted: because they are the desires of his own Spirit. This much the Prophet David excellently showeth.3 Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble, thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. God he first prepares the heart to pray, then his ear to hear their prayers and desires. If this will ⟨p. 128⟩not encourage us to be much in suit to God, and put up our petitions to him,4 to labour for a spirit of prayer; I know not what will prevail: when we know that no petition shall be turned back again unanswered. When we are to deal with Princes upon earth, they oftentimes regard neither the persons nor their petitions, but turn their backs upon both. O! but a Christian hath the care of God and Heaven open unto him: such credit in Heaven, that his desires and groans are respected and heard. And undoubtedly a man may know that he shall be heard, when he hath a spirit of prayer, in one kind or other, though not in the particulars, or kinds we ask; hear he will for our good.