A12190:331
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.
Do we doubt of his willingness,1 when he comes to us and calls us, Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. It is his Office which he hath assumed to heal our souls. The many cures he hath done, showeth the ability and willingness of the Physician, cures whereof we are uncapable of, by reason of our mean condition. A King as his place is greater, so sometimes his sins are greater then others are:2 yet he cured Manasseh ⟨p. 144⟩that sinful King, together with Mary Magdalen, Paul, Peter, and the rest, who were a company healed by this Physician. Therefore all this is for the glory of our Physician, we may see what he can do, by what he hath done: as amongst us, Physicians are sought after, according to their skill and cures done. Consider in the Sacrament how ready God is to cure and to heal us, how gracious he is in the Sacrament of Baptism, wherein he engageth us to believe,3 admitting us into the Covenant, and preventing us with mercy, before we knew what a Covenant or Seal was. And so to persuade us of his willingness to forgive our sins and heal our Rebellions, he hath ordained the Sacrament not for his sake, but to strengthen our weak faith, and help us. The point is easy for matter of our understanding, but hard in regard of use and Application: especially when it should be made use of, in time of temptation, then let us lay it up as a comfortable point, this gracious Promise of God, I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, &c. Lay this up against the hour of temptation, make use of it then, alleging unto God his own Promise and nature: as David did. Lord, remember the Promise wherein thou hast caused me to trust. 4Thou hast promised pardoning and healing of all our transgressions, &c. Remember thy free Promises made in Jesus Christ. God cannot deny himself nor his Word, but loves to have his bonds sued: remember this.
Doe we doubt of his willingnesse,