A12190:583
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.
Answ. Because God gives them grace and wisdom to walk holily before them, and to shine as lights, expressing and showing forth the virtues of God which they have felt: as we see David professeth, Psal. 101. to walk singularly and exactly in all things in the perfect way: that so he might please God and men, shining out before them in an holy glorious conversation in the midst of his family. And as by their example, so by their authority they use to bring all under them to outward obedience at the least, which bringeth a blessing to the family. Because when grace is once kindled in the Master, he will see all at least come to outward conformity. They cannot work grace in them, but as the Prophet speaks they may compel them to use the means; or else not to suffer a wicked and untoward person to dwell under their shadow. We know why God said that he would not conceal his secrets from Abraham, 1because he knew he would instruct and teach his family in the fear of God: so this may be said of every one that is an Abraham, a Governor of a family; they labour to tell them all things that have done good to themselves, therefore they are the better for living under their shadow. Nay further, not only ⟨p. 272⟩the Governor of the family, but if there be any graciously good in the family, they do much good. Labans family was the better for Jacob: 2and Potiphar, he and the Jailer both prospered the better for Josephs sake;3 so Naaman that great Captain fared the better for his poor maid. It is a true position, God stablisheth grace in none who are gracious, for themselves merely, but for the good of others also that converse with them: whether it be Governors or servants: no man liveth to himself, and for himself only; but for the good of all within their reach.
Answ. Because God gives them grace and wisdome to walke holily before them, and to shine as lights, expressing and shewing forth the vertues of God which they have felt: as we see David professeth,