A12190:382
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.
Use. 2 Secondly, It is for reproof of Gods own dear children, who because they find no deserving in themselves, are therefore discouraged at the sight of their own unworthiness, whereas quite contrary, the sight of our own unworthiness, should make us the more fit subjects for Christs free love: which hath nothing to do with them that stand upon deserving. Many of Gods dear children are troubled with temptations, doubts, and fears of Gods love and favour towards them, because they expect to find it in the fruits of Grace, and not in free Grace it self. If we would have any sound peace, let us look for it in free Grace. Therefore the blessed Apostle, in the entrance of his salutations in his Epistles, still joineth Grace, and then Peace, to show us that if we look for sound Peace; we can no where find it but in Grace. We would find Peace, in the Grace that is in us; but it is labour in vain, for we shall never find it but in free Grace.
Vse. 2 Secondly, It is for reproofe of Gods owne deare children, who because they finde no deserving in themselves, are therefore discouraged at the sight of their owne unworthinesse, whereas quite contrary, the sight of our owne unworthinesse, should make us the more fit subjects for Christs free love: which hath nothing to doe with them that stand upon deserving. Many of Gods deare children are troubled with temptations, doubts, and feares of Gods love and favour towards them, because they expect to finde it in the fruits of Grace, and not in free Grace it selfe. If wee would have any sound peace, let us look for it in free Grace. Therefore the blessed Apostle, in the entrance of his salutations in his Epistles, still joyneth Grace, and then Peace, to shew us that if wee looke for sound Peace; wee can no where finde it but in Grace. Wee would finde Peace, in the Grace that is in us; but it is labour in vaine, for wee shall never finde it but in free Grace.
Use. 3 Hence we may also be comforted in the certainty of our salvation; for that grace and love and favour whereby we are saved is in God, not in us. Now whatsoever is in him is immutable and sure. So saith the Apostle, Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, 1