A12190:343
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.
Answ. Surely, 1because some sin or other is upon the file uncancelled, perhaps unconfessed, or because we are stuffed with Pride that we believe not, or are so troubled, or trouble our selves, that we apprehend not, or believe not the pardon of sins confessed and hated. But sure it is, Forgiveness of sins, unstops the spring of mercy, and unveils Gods gracious face in Jesus Christ unto us. Sin being not pardoned, this stops, as the Prophet speaks, our iniquity is that which keeps good things from us. Therefore the chief mercy is that which removes, that which unstops the current of all mercy: I will heal their backsliding, &c. Look as a condemned Prisoner in the Tower, let him have all contentment, as long as he is in the displeasure of the Prince, stands condemned, and the sentence unreversed, what true contentment can ⟨p. 154⟩he have? none at all. So it is with a sinner, that hath not his pardon and quietus est from heaven: yield him all contentment which the world can afford; all the satisfaction that can issue from the creature; yet, what is this to him, as long as he hath not mercy, and that his conscience is not pacified, because it is not cleansed and washed with the blood of Christ?
Answ. Surely, 1because some sin or other is upon the file uncancelled, perhaps unconfessed, or because we are stuft with Pride that wee beleeve not, or are so troubled, or trouble our selves, that we apprehend not, or beleeve not the pardon of sinnes confessed and hated. But sure it is, Forgivenesse of sinnes, unstops the spring of mercy, and unvailes Gods gratious face in Iesus Christ unto us. Sinne being not pardoned, this stops, as the Prophet speakes, our iniquity is that which keepes good things from us. Therfore the cheefe mercy is that which remooves, that which unstops the current of all mercy: I will heale their backsliding, &c. Looke as a condemned Prisoner in the Tower, let him have all contentment, as long as he is in the displeasure of the Prince, stands condemned, and the sentence unreversed, what true contentment can ⟨p. 154⟩he have? none at all. So it is with a sinner, that hath not his pardon and quietus est from heaven: yeeld him all contentment which the world can affoord; all the satisfaction that can issue from the creature; yet, what is this to him, as long as he hath not mercy, and that his conscience is not pacified, because it is not cleansed and washed with the blood of Christ?