A12190:352
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.
1Not to name many, the last (which is a high pitch) shall be by our estimation of things here and above: What hath this healing wrought in thee? What estimation of things? How is thy heart weaned from the world? How are thy affections set on things which are above? When a sick man is soundly recovered, though his distempered palate could not relish the best meats in his sickness, yet now he relishes and loves the best most of all. Look then to our ⟨p. 159⟩selves, how forget we with blessed Saint Paul, the things which are behind, 2pressing hard to the mark which is before, for the high price of that Calling? How stand we affected to long for our Country, this world being only the place of our pilgrimage? Surely a soul that is soundly healed, is an undervaluing soul, to use this world and all things therein as though we used them not: and it is also a valuing soul,3 to covet spiritual things above all.4 O (saith David) how I love thy law, it is my meditation all the day. I love thy Commandments above gold, yea above fine gold. The joy of this estate,5 is a joy unspeakable and glorious: of which it is said, the stranger shall not meddle with. 6This much concerning the disease, before we come to the cure, a Question ariseth.
1Not to name many, the last (which is a high pitch) shall be by our estimation of things here and above: What hath this healing wrought in thee? What estimation of things? How is thy heart weaned from the world? How are thy affections set on things which are above? When a sick man is soundly recovered, though his distempered pallate could not relish the best meates in his sicknesse, yet now he relishes and loves the best most of all. Looke then to our