A12190:623
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.
Quest. What will come of it if we be fruitful and savoury?
Quest. What will come of it if we be fruitfull and savourie?
Answ. 1 God will be more pleased in all our actions,1 and will smell a sweet savour of rest, as it is said of Noah after his coming out of the Ark; for God delights in his own graces, which he admireth in us. As he said to the woman of Canaan, O woman, great is thy faith, 2be it unto thee as thou wilt. God as it were stands admiring his own graces, he is so delighted with the Faith, Love, Prayers, and Patience of his children, which is further excellently expressed in the Canticles. 3Who is this that cometh up out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, and all the spices of the merchant? Christ there is brought in admiring at his Church and Children, conflicting through all the miseries and incumbrances of this world, which hinder and oppose their journey to Heaven-wards, wherein they thrust forth all the practise of their holy graces, which smell like spices. Then let us not envy God, the Saints, and holy people the sweetness of our graces, but let our sent smell abroad to the content and comfort of all, that they may delight in these graces that come from us, in our Humility, Patience, Faith, Love, Sincerity, and all these graces wherein we resemble Christ, and show forth his holy virtues: therefore for our own comfort, and the delight of all, and to assure our selves of Heaven, and of the love of God whilst we live here, let us labour ⟨p. 298⟩to be fruitful in our conversations, and to cast forth a sent in regard of others, which hath an attractive drawing force. For when they see a holy, fruitful and gracious conversation, it casts forth a sent and makes others like Religion: