A12190:421
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. First, to observe Gods Truth in the performance of his gracious promise, who as he makes gracious promises to us, so he makes them good His Promise is, if we confess our sins he will forgive them and be merciful:1 so here he says, mine Anger is turned away. As they confess, so he is merciful to forgive them. It is good to observe the experiments of Gods truth. Every word of God is a shield,2 that is, we may take it as a shield. It is an experimental truth whereby we may arm our souls. This is an experimental truth, that when we are humbled for our sins, God he will be merciful unto our sins, and allay his anger; as it is in this text. Therefore it is said, Those that know thy name will trust in thee, 3for thou never failest those who put their trust in thee. Let us then open our hearts unto God, and confess our sins unto him, and if we resolve amendment, we shall find the truth of his gracious promises, he will turn aside his anger, and will never fail us if we put our trust in him.4 The name of the Lord is a strong tower, and the righteous fly to it and are safe. This name of mercy, grace, and favour, is a strong tower to distressed consciences, let us therefore remember to fly unto it when our consciences are awaked and distressed with sin, and sense of Gods displeasure. Seeing these kinds of ⟨p. 193⟩promises are as a city of refuge, let us run unto them, and we shall not be pulled from the horns of this altar; as Joab once was from his: but shall at all times find grace and mercy to help us at the time of need: it is a comfortable Point. Mine anger is turned away from him.
Vse. First, to observe Gods Truth in the performance of his gratious promise, who as he makes gratious promises to us, so he makes them good His Promise is, if wee confesse our sinnes hee will forgive them and be mercifull:1 so heere he sayes, mine Anger is turned away. As they confesse, so hee is mercifull to forgive them. It is good to observe the experiments of Gods truth. Every word of God is a shield,