A12190:476
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.
Let none therefore be discouraged with the deadness, dryness,1 and barrenness of their own hearts: but let them know that God doth graciously promise (if they will take the course formerly set down) to be, as the dew unto them. Therefore let them come unto the ordinances of God with wondrous hope, confidence and faith that he will be as dew unto them, that seeing he hath appointed variety of ordinances; the Word and Sacraments, he will bless those means of his own ordaining and appointing, for his own ends. He that hath graciously appointed such means of grace, will he not bless them? especially having promised; I will be as the dew unto Israel. Therefore let us attend upon the ordinances, and not keep away though our hearts be barren, dry and unfruitful: God is above the heart, and able to turn the wilderness into a fruitful place: he can make the heart a fit habitation for himself to dwell in. Let us by faith attend upon the ordinances, if we find not comfort in one ordinance, let us go unto another, and another, comfort and help shall come, especially, if with the Church,2 we ⟨p. 214⟩go a little further. For the promise is, I will be as the dew unto Israel.
Let none therefore be discouraged with the deadnesse, drienesse,1 and barrennesse of their owne hearts: but let them know that God doth gratiously promise (if they will take the course formerly set downe) to be, as the dew unto them. Therefore let them come unto the ordinances of God with wondrous hope, confidence and faith that he will be as dew unto them, that seeing he hath appointed variety of ordinances; the Word and Sacraments, he will blesse those meanes of his owne ordaining and appointing, for his owne ends. He that hath gratiously appointed such meanes of grace, will he not blesse them? especially having promised; I will be as the dew unto Israell. Therefore let us attend upon the ordinances, and not keepe away though our hearts be barren, drie and unfruitfull: God is above the heart, and able to turne the wildernesse into a fruitfull place: he can make the heart a fit habitation for himselfe to dwell in. Let us by faith attend upon the ordinances, if we find not comfort in one ordinance, let us go unto another, and another, comfort and help shall come, especially, if with the Church,