A12190:617
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 they are in Christ, in whom the ointment and all sweetness is in fullness. From him the Head first, and from thence it is derived unto the members,1 all who must partake of this ointment. As it is said of the head of Aaron, that that ointment which was poured on his head, ran down to his skirts, and all his rich attire about. So that sweetness in Christ is poured on the skirts, all along upon his members, even the meanest Christian receiveth Grace for Grace, 2sweetness from Christ. The Virgins: 3that is, such as defile not themselves with idolatry and such other lewd courses: they follow after Christ in the smell of his sweet ointments. It is spoken of Christ who carrieth such a sweet smell with him,4 as all his garments smell of Myrrh, Aloes and Cassia, &c. So sweet is the smell of Christ when he is unfolded in his Benefits and Offices, that the pure and holy virgin souls of the Saints follow after it. His Name is as an ointment poured out; 5that is, himself is his Name, and his Name is himself ⟨p. 293⟩(as the Hebrew Proverb is) Christ made known in the unfolding of the Word, that is his Name. When the box is opened, all in Christ is like ointment, in the preaching of the Word all is sweet, and nothing but sweet in Jesus. Now a Christian being a member of Christ, and a virgin soul following Christ, must needs draw sweetness from him, casting out that sent unto others drawn from him, because they partake of Christs anointing. What is the name of a Christian, but a man anointed with Christs ointment, one anointed to be a King and a Priest in some sort?6 therefore, they carry the savour of him wheresoever they go. Aaron the high Priest,7 had sweet garments, which made a savour where he went, having Bells and sweet Pomegranates at the bottom of his garment. He had not only Bells to discover him; but sweet pomegranates also. So it is with every Christian; not only the Minister, but every Christian is a Priest under the New Testament, and carrieth a savour with him, graces that spread and cast a sweet sent in all places wheresoever, which they exercise upon all good occasions: as Saint Paul expresseth it,