A12190:580
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.
Because in the things of God in the Church, it is as in nature, the seed springs not as soon as it is sown: so that grace at length which hath seemed to lie dead, after many years may sprout out. Monica Saint Austins mother, was a gracious woman, whilst he was an untoward young man, as appeareth by his own confessions: yet his mother having prayed much for him, he was converted after her death and became a glorious Father and instrument of the Churches good. It is ordinary amongst us, many when they have gone astray, reflect home upon themselves, consider under what means they have been, calling to mind the gracious instructions they have ⟨p. 270⟩had, and so by Gods assistance are new men. Therefore let none despair, in regard of time or place; because God may have further aims then we can reach too; but unless God give a special blessing after such watering, it is for the increase of condemnation, not to profit under such abounding means, but still to be like Pharaohs lean kine,1 full fed and lean still. For the Promise is: Those that are under his shadow shall return.
Because in the things of God in the Church, it is as in nature, the seed springs not as soone as it is sowen: so that grace at length which hath seem'd to lie dead, after many yeares may sprout out. Monica Saint Austins mother, was a gratious woman, whilst hee was an untoward young man, as appeareth by his own confessions: yet his mother having prayed much for him, he was converted after her death and became a glorious Father and instrument of the Churches good. Jt is ordinary amongst us, many when they have gone astray, reflect home upon themselves, consider under what meanes they have beene, calling to minde the gratious instructions they have ⟨p. 270⟩had, and so by Gods assistance are new men. Therefore let none despaire, in regard of time or place; because God may have further aimes then we can reach too; but unlesse God give a speciall blessing after such watering, it is for the increase of condemnation, not to profit under such abounding meanes, but still to be like Pharoahs leane kine,1 full fed and leane still. For the Promise is: Those that are under his shadow shall returne.