A12190:350
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.
Then again when there is peace, 1when the soul feels this, it is a sign that God hath healed the soul: For (saith the Apostle) being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Blood of Christ hath a pacifying power in forgiveness of sins. When Jonah was cast out there was a calm: So when sin is cast out and pardoned, there is a calm in the soul; which comes from the forgiveness of sins.
Then againe when there is peace, 1when the soule feeles this, it is a signe that God hath heal'd the soule: For (saith the Apostle) being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ, the Blood of Christ hath a pacifying power in forgivenesse of sinnes. When Ionas was cast out there was a calme: So when sinne is cast out and pardoned, there is a calme in the soule; which comes from the forgivenesse of sinnes.
- 12. By Peace. Rom. 5.1.
Again, Healing is known by this,1 if we have hearts willing to be searched, for then our will is cured, which in the state of grace is more then our Obedience: when we would be better then we are, then certainly our will is not in ⟨p. 158⟩league with corruptions. Now where the will is so much sanctified, I resolve to be better, I would be better, and I use all means, being glad when any joins with me against my corruptions, I am glad of all such advantages, here is a good sign. As now, when a man goes to Church, and desires, O that my corruptions might be met withal, O that I might be laid open to my self, and know my self better then I have formerly done: this is the desire of an ingenuous soul. Where there is no guile of soul, a man is glad to have himself and his corruptions discovered, whereas another frets and kicks, and rageth against the Word of God, which is a sign that there is some league betwixt him and his sin. You have some, that above all things in the world, they would not have such and such down-right Ministers: O take heed this is a sign of a hollow heart, and that a man is in love with his disease: can there be a cure where there is a love of the disease?