A12190:434
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.
For as where they are performed his anger ⟨p. 196⟩is turned away: so must it needs follow, that where they are not performed his anger continueth. Therefore, let us examine our selves; The Spirit of God here speaks of healing backslidings, and of turning away iniquity; let us look well to our selves, and to the present state of things, that our diseases be soundly cured, our personal diseases, and then let us be sensible of the diseases of the land and pray for them; for there are universal diseases and sins of a kingdom as well as personal. And we are guilty of the sins of the times, as far as we are not humbled for them. Paul tells those who did not punish the incestuous person,1 Why are ye not humbled rather for this deed? Where there is a public disease, there is a public anger hanging over upon that disease, the cure whereof is here prescribed: to be humbled as for our selves so for others. Therefore let us beware of sin, if we would shun wrath, especially of Idolatry, or else we shall be sure to smart for it, as Ephraim did, of whom the Spirit of God saith: When Ephraim spake trembling; 2he exalted himself in Israel: but when he offended in Baal he dyed. Ephraim had got such authority, what with his former victories, and by the signs of Gods favour among them, that when he spake, there was trembling, and he exalted himself in Israel. But when he offended once in Baal, that is when he became an Idolater, he dyed. It is meant of the civill death especially; that he lost his former credit and reputation. We see then the dangerous ⟨p. 197⟩effects of sin, especially of Idolatry, wherefore let us fortify our selves against it: and bless God that we live under such a gracious, just, and mild King, and good government, where there are such laws against this great sin especially; and beseech God long to continue his life and prosperity for our good amongst us. For Use then,
For as where they are performed his anger ⟨p. 196⟩is turned away: so must it needs follow, that where they are not performed his anger continueth. Therefore, let us examine our selves; The Spirit of God here speakes of healing backeslidings, and of turning away iniquity; let us looke well to our selves, and to the present state of things, that our diseases be soundly cured, our personall diseases, and then let us be sensible of the diseases of the land and pray for them; for there are universall diseases and sinnes of a kingdome as well as personall. And we are guilty of the sinnes of the times, as farre as we are not humbled for them. Paul tels those who did not punish the incestuous person,