A12190:488
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.
And then again,1 in regard of purity and ⟨p. 220⟩whiteness: So Christians are pure and unspotted in their conversation, and their aim is purity and unspottedness: whiteness betokens an unstained conversation. So the people and children of God, they are Lilies, beautiful and glorious in the eyes of God, and of all those who have spiritual eyes, to discern what spiritual excellency is: howsoever in regard of the world their life be hidden. Their excellency is veiled with infirmities, afflictions and disgraces by the malignant Church: yet in Gods esteem, and in the esteem of his children they are Lilies; all the dirt in the world cast upon a pearl, cannot alter the nature of it: So, though the world go about to besmear these Lilies with false imputations, yet they are Lilies still and have a glory upon them; for they have a better spirit and nature then the world hath. And they are sweeter in their conversation then the world; for when they have begun to be Christians, they sweeten their speeches and discourses. There is no Christian who is not of a sweet conversation, so far as grace hath altered him, he is beautiful, lovely and sweet, and hath the whiteness of sincerity.
And then againe,1 in regard of purity and ⟨p. 220⟩whitenesse: So Christians are pure and unspotted in their conversation, and their aime is purity and unspottednesse: whitenesse betokens an unstained conversation. So the people and children of God, they are Lillies, beautifull and glorious in the eyes of God, and of all those who have spirituall eyes, to discerne what spirituall excellency is: howsoever in regard of the world their life be hidden. Their excellencie is vailed with infirmities, afflictions and disgraces by the malignant Church: yet in Gods esteeme, and in the esteeme of his children they are Lillies; all the dirt in the world cast upon a pearle, cannot alter the nature of it: So, though the world goe about to besmeere these Lillies with false imputations, yet they are Lillies still and have a glory upon them; for they have a better spirit and nature then the world hath. And they are sweeter in their conversation then the world; for when they have begun to be Christians, they sweeten their speeches and discourses. There is no Christian who is not of a sweet conversation, so farre as grace hath altered him, he is beautifull, lovely and sweet, and hath the whitenesse of sincerity.