A12190:503
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.
Object. 1 It may seem that these things are not so, Gods Children do not always grow and spread themselves: but they are often overturned and fall.
Object. 1 It may seeme that these things are not so, Gods Children doe not alvvayes grow and spread themselves: but they are often overturned and fall.
Answ. This is nothing, they are moved,but not removed:1 they are as Mount Zion which cannot be removed, but abideth forever: which though it may be shaken with earthquakes yet it is not removed thereby. The gates of Hell and sorrows of death may set sore upon them, but not prevail against them,2 they may fall but not fall away, they may be as a weather-beaten tree, but not as a tree pulled up by the roots: therefore they are compared here to a tree whose root stands fast still. This much the Church after a sore trial and endurance of much affliction confesseth.3 All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee: neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant: our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way, though thou hast broken us in the place of Dragons; and covered us with the shadow of death, &c.
Answ. This is nothing, they are mooved,but not remooved:1 they are as Mount Zion vvhich cannot be remooved, but abideth forever: vvhich though it may be shaken with earthquakes yet it is not remooved thereby. The gates of Hell and sorrovves of death mav set sore upon them, but not prevaile against them,2 they may fall but not fall away, they may be as a wether-beaten tree, but not as a tree puld up by the rootes: therefore they are compared here to a tree whose roote stands fast still. This much the Church after a sore tryall and endurance of much affliction confesseth.