A12190:562
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.
Use. 2 And then, let it be an encouragement to be led by Gods Spirit, and planted in Gods house and to be fruitful in our places, that so we may delight God and man, and when we are gone leave a good sent behind us. Good men, as it were with their good sent they leave behind, them perfume the times, which are the better for them dead and alive. What a sweet savour hath Paul left behind him by his writings to the Church, even to the end of the world? what fragrancy of delightful smells have the holy ancient Fathers and Martyrs left behind them?1 a good man should be like the box of ointment spoken of in the Gospel, which when it was opened, the whole house ⟨p. 260⟩was filled with the sweetness thereof, so a good man should labour to be full of sweetness, willingness and abilities to do good, all kindled by a Spirit of love in him, that when he is opened, all should be pleasing and delightful that cometh from him. Christ never opened his mouth but good came from him, and the Heavens never opened in vain: therefore in opening of our mouths, we should labour to fill the places where we are with a good savour. O how contrary is this to the condition of many, what comes from them? filthy speeches and oaths, nay that which should be their shame they glory in. We see it is the glory of a tree to be fruitful, and to cast forth a good savour, like the trees of Lebanon. What vile spirits then are such men led withal, who delight to offend God and man by their impious speeches? who yet are so bold as to show their faces, to outdare others that are better then themselves: such are contrary to all Gods senses. The Scripture condescends so far to our capacity, as to attribute senses unto God, of feeling, smelling and touching, &c. So God is said to look upon his children with delight, and to hear their prayers.2 Let me hear thy voice, &c. And he tastes the fruit that comes from them. So on the contrary, all his senses are annoyed with wicked men and vile persons, who are abominable to God, as the Scripture speaks. As a man that goes by a stinking dung-hill stops his nose and cannot endure the sent.
Vse. 2 And then, let it be an incouragement to be led by Gods Spirit, and planted in Gods house and to be fruitfull in our places, that so we may delight God and man, and when we are gone leave a good sent behind us. Good men, as it were with their good sent they leave behinde, them perfume the times, which are the better for them dead and alive. What a sweet savour hath Paul left behind him by his writings to the Church, even to the end of the world? what fragrancie of delightfull smels have the holy ancient Fathers and Martyrs left behinde them?