A12190:584
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. 1 For Use therefore, first this shall be for encouragement to all Governors of families to be good, if not for themselves, yet in love to those that are theirs. It may be some have no care of their own souls, or good. But hast thou no care of thy children, of thy wife that lieth in thy bosom, or of thy servants? if thou hast not a heart of stone or marble, surely thou wouldest desire that for them, that thou dost not for thy self: think of this, at least thou wouldest have thy children good and prosper. Labour then if we would have all prosper who come under our roof, that our families may be little Churches of God, that all who come under our shadow may revive and return. Therefore out of love to those that belong to us, let us labour to be good. Is it not a pitiful thing, that some who are Governors of others, they look to them as to beasts, and ⟨p. 273⟩use their service, as a man would use the service of his beast, they feed their bodies and think they have no charge of their souls. Now this is one reason why all that come under the shadow of a good Governor are the better, because they take care for their instruction and best good, that they live in obedience to Gods Ordinances, and not like wild creatures, ruffians, vagabonds, Cains and the like. What a strange thing is this to have a care of the body the worser part, and neglect the more excellent part, their souls?
Vse. 1 For Use therfore, first this shall be for incouragement to all Governours of families to bee good, if not for themselves, yet in love to those that are theirs. Jt may be some have no care of their owne soules, or good. But hast thou no care of thy children, of thy wife that lieth in thy bosome, or of thy servants? if thou hast not a heart of stone or marble, surely thou wouldest desire that for them, that thou dost not for thy selfe: thinke of this, at least thou wouldest have thy children good and prosper. Labour then if we would have all prosper who come under our roofe, that our families may be little Churches of God, that all who come under our shadow may revive and returne. Therefore out of love to those that belong to us, let us labour to be good. Is it not a pittifull thing, that some who are Governours of others, they looke to them as to beasts, and ⟨p. 273⟩use their service, as a man would use the service of his beast, they feed their bodies and thinke they have no charge of their soules. Now this is one reason why all that come under the shadow of a good Governour are the better, because they take care for their instruction and best good, that they live in obedience to Gods Ordinances, and not like wilde creatures, ruffians, vagabonds, Cains and the like. What a strange thing is this to have a care of the body the worser part, and neglect the more excellent part, their soules?