A12190:357
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.
Quest. But you will say, is Gods grace weak, that it cannot carry away all dregs of corruption, as well as pardon? Why is pardon in the forgiveness of sins absolute, when yet God suffers the dregs to remain, so as we still are subject to the disease of sin?
Quest. But you will say, is Gods grace weake, that it cannot carrie away all dregs of corruption, as well as pardon? Why is pardon in the forgivenesse of sins absolute, when yet God suffers the dregs to remaine, so as we still are subject to the disease of sinne?
Answ. God is wise, let us not quarrel with our Physician, for he is wiser then we our selves: for he makes these relics medicinal to us: as thus, Naturally we are prone to security and spiritual pride, therefore he makes a medicine of our infirmities, to cure spiritual pride and security, and to set us a work. Therefore the Jebusites and the residue of that kind,1 were left uncast out from among Israel, that thereby he might prove Israel, and least they should be a prey unto wild beasts to devour them. So some remainders of the flesh are left still in the best, that these wild beasts might not prey upon their souls, spiritual pride, which is a detestable sin, robbing and denying God of his Prerogative, and security, the grave of the soul: to cure these two especially, God makes the relics and remainders of sin a medicine unto us.
Answ. God is wise, let us not quarrell with our Physitian, for he is wiser then we our selves: for he makes these reliques medicinall to us: as thus, Naturally we are prone to security and spirituall pride, therefore he makes a medicine of our infirmities, to cure spirituall pride and security, and to set us a worke. Therefore the Iebusites and the residue of that kinde,1 were left uncast out from among Israel, that thereby he might proove Israel, and least they should be a prey unto wilde beasts to devoure them. So some remainders of the flesh are left still in the best, that these wilde beasts might not prey upon their soules, spirituall pride, which is a detestable sinne, robbing and denying God of his Prerogative, and security, the grave of the soule: to cure these two especially, God makes the reliques and remainders of sinne a medicine unto us.