A12190:339
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 the chief mercy of all, which leads unto all the rest, is the pardon and forgiveness of sins.
Observ. That the cheefe mercy of all, which leades unto all the rest, is the pardon and forgivenesse of sinnes.
Healing of the guilt of sin we see is set in the front of these Petitions formerly showed: which as it is the first thing in the Churches desires, Take away all iniquity, &c. So it is the first thing yielded to in Gods Promise; I will heal their backsliding, &c. Pardon of sin, and cure of sin, whereby the conscience ceaseth to be bound over to condemnation is the first and chiefest blessing of God, and is that for which the Church falls out in a triumph. Who is a God like unto thee, 1that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage, because he delighteth in mercy? &c. And this is that excellent and sweet conclusion of the new Covenant also, whereupon all the rest of those former foregoing mercies there are grounded:2 for, I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Yea this is the effect of that grand Promise made to his Church after the return of their captivity.3 In those days, and at that time saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for: and there shall be none, and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found; for, I will ⟨p. 153⟩pardon them whom I reserve. The point is plain, and clear enough, it needs no following. The Reason is,
Healing of the guilt of sinne we see is set in the front of these Petitions formerly shewed: which as it is the first thing in the Churches desires, Take away all iniquity, &c. So it is the first thing yeelded to in Gods Promise; I will heale their backsliding, &c. Pardon of sin, and cure of sinne, whereby the conscience ceaseth to be bound over to condemnation is the first and chiefest blessing of God, and is that for which the Church falls out in a triumph. Who is a God like unto thee,