A12190:578
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.
But this is especially understood spiritually, the Church is a shadow, and her self under a shadow spiritually: that is, in regard of spiritual evils from the worst enemies. For out of the Church, where is any fence for the greatest ill of all, The wrath of God? In the Church of God there is set down a way of pacification, how the wrath of God is taken of and appeased in reconciliation, by the death and sufferings of Jesus Christ; whereby the believing soul attaineth peace and joy unspeakable and glorious Out of the Church there is no means at all to pacify the greatest ill, therefore there is no true rest out of the Church, nothing but stings and torments of conscience. And as there is a shelter against the wrath of God, which burns to the bottom of Hell: so here is a remedy against death and damnation: for now death is made a friend to the Church and the children of the Church, for the sting of it is taken away, so that it doth them more good then any thing in the world: ending all their misery, and sinning, and opening a passage unto eternal happiness. All other petty ills that attend upon death are nothing: there is a rest from all these whatsoever: for all afflictions have a sanctified use to Gods people for their good. There is therefore a rest and refreshing in the Church, for all those that come under it.
But this is especially understood spiritually, the Church is a shadow, and her selfe under a shadow spiritually: that is, in regard of spirituall evills from the worst enemies. For out of the Church, where is any fence for the greatest ill of all, The wrath of God? Jn the Church of God there is set downe a way of pacification, how the wrath of God is taken of and appeased in reconciliation, by the death and sufferings of Jesus Christ; whereby the beleeving soule attaineth peace and joy unspeakable and glorious Out of the Church there is no meanes at all to pacifie the greatest ill, therefore there is no true rest out of the Church, nothing but stings and torments of conscience. And as there is a shelter against the wrath of God, which burnes to the bottome of Hell: so here is a remedie against death and damnation: for now death is made a friend to the Church and the children of the Church, for the sting of it is taken away, so that it doth them more good then any thing in the world: ending all their misery, and sinning, and opening a passage unto eternall happinesse. All other petty ills that attend upon death are nothing: there is a rest from all these whatsoever: for all afflictions have a sanctified use to Gods people for their good. There is therefore a rest and refreshing in the Church, for all those that come under it.