A12190:497
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 know,1 that we must use all the means of growth together with the promise: for in the things of this life, if a man were assured that the next year would be a very plentiful year; would men therefore because they were thus forewarned, hang up their ploughs, and not prepare their ground, no, but they would the rather be encouraged to take pains, because they know that howsoever God be pleased ⟨p. 226⟩to vouchsafe plenty, yet he will do it in the use of means, observing and depending on his Providence. So when he hath made gracious promises of the Dew of his Grace, and of growth as Lilies, &c. This implieth a subordinate serving of his gracious Providence; therefore it is a way to stir us up unto the use of all means rather, and not to take us off from them.2 Even as God when he told the Israelites: I will give you the Land of Canaan, did only promise it, leaving the remainder to their conquest in the use of means. Should this have made them cast away their swords? No, but it was that they might fight, and fight the more courageously. So when God hath promised growth in Grace, should this make us careless? O no, it should make us more diligent and careful, and comforts us in the use of means, knowing that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.3 Now Lord I know I shall not loose my labour in hearing, in receiving of the Sacrament, in the communion of Saints, and use of sanctified Means; for thou hast made a gracious promise, that I shall grew as the Lillie, and that thou wilt be as the Dew unto me; therefore make thy good work begun effectual unto my poor soul, that it may flourish and be refreshed as a watered garden. But there are several sorts of growth formerly touched, either 1. A growing upward, or 2. A growing in the root, or ⟨p. 227⟩3. A Spreading and growing in the Fruit, and Sweetness.
And know,1 that we must use all the meanes of growth together with the promise: for in the things of this life, if a man were assured that the next yeare would be a very plentifull yeare; would men therefore because they were thus forewarned, hang up their plowes, and not prepare their ground, no, but they would the rather be encouraged to take paines, because they know that howsoever God be pleased