A12190:438
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.
THE SEVENTH SERMON.
HOS. 14.5. J will be as the Dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the Lillie, and cast forth his Root as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the Olive tree and his smell as Lebanon.
HOS. 14.5. J will be as the Dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the Lillie, and cast forth his Roote as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the Olive tree and his smell as Lebanon.
THE Church (as we heard) had been humbled, and therefore is comforted: it is usual in the Scriptures,1 especially in the Prophetical parts thereof, after terrible threatenings to come with sweet promises: because God in all ages ⟨p. 200⟩hath a Church. Therefore God in this Chapter takes this course, he makes gracious promises to this people, grounded upon the former part of the Chapter, wherein God had dictated unto them a form of Prayer, Repentance, and Reformation. Take with you words and turn to the Lord, say unto him, take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously, &c. Whereupon a Reformation is promised, Ashur shall not save us, we will not ride upon horses, &c. Which was a reformation of that national sin which they were guilty of, false Confidence. Now (as we have heard) God answers them to every particular. He makes a gracious promise, That he will heal their backsliding, according to their Prayer, Take away all iniquity, and to that, Receive us graciously, he answers, I will love them freely, for mine anger is turned away from him.