A12190:610
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.
So we see it is not the multitude of fruit, but the sincerity of it, if it be true, that makes a Christian; if there be truth of grace, it will out and spread the branches, it shall not always be so with us. Sincerity and endeavour to grow, with a desire and thirst after growth, makes a man a Christian. Therefore as was said, we must not be discouraged, though our growth and spreading be not like others. Every Christian hath his measure; though every one be bound to go further and further, from faith to faith, and grace to grace: yet there is a blessing in a little, and a promise also to him that useth ⟨p. 291⟩it well: To him that hath it shall be given. Christ hath a care that the foxes do not hurt the little tender grapes:1 let none therefore be discouraged for their non-proficiency in the ways of God, so as to go back and leave off, he knows best when and how to take away the bates, snares and temptations that are set to catch them, and discourage them. Let God alone with his own work, who is the great vinedresser: do thou thine own work, attend upon good means, wait upon God, and then let the malice of the world and the Devil be what they will, he will have a care of his vines, and the more care, the more young and tender they are, &c.
So we see it is not the multitude of fruit, but the sincerity of it, if it be true, that makes a Christian; if there be truth of grace, it will out and spread the branches, it shall not alwayes be so with us. Sincerity and indeavour to grow, with a desire and thirst after growth, makes a man a Christian. Therefore as was said, we must not be discouraged, though our growth and spreading be not like others. Every Christian hath his measure; though every one be bound to goe further and further, from faith to faith, and grace to grace: yet there is a blessing in a little, and a promise also to him that useth ⟨p. 291⟩it well: To him that hath it shall be given. Christ hath a care that the foxes doe not hurt the little tender grapes:1 let none therfore be discouraged for their non-proficiency in the wayes of God, so as to goe backe and leave off, he knowes best when and how to take away the bates, snares and temptations that are set to catch them, and discourage them. Let God alone with his owne worke, who is the great vinedresser: doe thou thine owne worke, attend upon good meanes, waite upon God, and then let the malice of the world and the Divell be what they will, he will have a care of his vines, and the more care, the more young and tender they are, &c.