A12190:464
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.
Reason. For his love is the love, as of a gracious so of a powerful God, that can alter all things to us, and us to all things; he can bring us good out of every thing, and do us good at all times, according to the Churches Prayer: Do good unto us.
Reason. For his love is the love, as of a gratious so of a powerfull God, that can alter all things to us, and us to all things; he can bring us good out of every thing, and doe us good at all times, according to the Churches Prayer: Doe good unto us.
Use. Wherefore seeing God can do us good, and since his love is not only a pardoning love, to take away his anger; but also so complete and fruitful a love, so full of spiritual favours: I will be as the dew unto Israel: and he shall grow up as the Lillie, &c. Let us stand more upon Gods love then we have formerly done, and strive to have our hearts inflamed with love towards God again. As the Prophet David doth:1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. It may be for outward condition, that even where God loves they may go backwards so and so: but for their best part their souls, God will be as the ⟨p. 207⟩Dew to them; and they shall grow as Lebanon. God will be good to them in the best things. And a Christian when he begins to know what the best things are concerning a better life: he then learneth to value spiritual blessings and favours above all other whatsoever. Therefore, God suits his promises to the desires of his children; that he would water their dry souls, that he would be as the dew unto them. Gods love is a fruitful love, and fruitful in the best things. As we know what David saith: There be many who say, who will show us any good, Lord lift thou up the light of thy Countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, 2more then in the time that their corn, and their wine increased. So God fits his gracious promise answerable to the desires of a gracious heart.