A12190:635
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.
As though the Lord had said, let not Ephraim think that when he hath forsook Idols, he hath forsaken his comfort, (as though there were no comfort in walking according to the rule of my Word and Laws.) Let him know that in steed of these poor and base comforts, either in gross Idolatry, or other more cunning Idolatries whatsoever which formerly took him up, that now he shall exchange them for more solid and substantial comforts. For, I have heard him, and observed him: so that let him see what he looseth in parting with base corruptions, worldly lusts, pleasures and the like, he shall find it more abundantly supplied in a far more excellent manner in me, and in the fruits and effects of my love unto him; so as he shall find that there is nothing lost by entering strictly into my service. And whereas formerly he walked in a vain shadow, in relying on Egypt, Ashur, and the works of his own hands: now he shall have a far more excellent shadow, which no storm, nor rain, nor injury of weather can pierce through: I am like a green fir-tree unto him. Not such a shadow as those his Idols were, who could not keep off the storm of Gods wrath from him,1 nor such a shadow as Jonahs gourd was, which flourished for one day, and was nipped the next. No, I will be constant and permanent as my self, I will be as the green ⟨p. 304⟩[…] ⟨p. 305⟩[…] ⟨p. 306⟩fir tree; a constant shadow to keep back all annoyance whatsoever; not like the cursed noisome shadow of Idols, under which Ephraim rested before. But, I will observe and regard him, and be like a green fir tree unto him. I will not only be a shadow and shelter of defence unto him from injury and molestation, that he may rest quietly; but he shall be also fruitful: though the fir tree be not so fruitful: yet from me is thy fruit found, whatsoever he is in himself; yet this shall not be matter of discouragement unto him: I am all sufficient, there is enough in me to supply him with: from me is thy fruit found. But to take them in order.
As though the Lord had said, let not Ephraim thinke that when he hath forsooke Idols, hee hath forsaken his comfort, (as though there were no comfort in walking according to the rule of my Word and Lawes.) Let him know that in steed of these poore and base comforts, either in grosse Idolatry, or other more cunning Idolatries whatsoever which formerly tooke him up, that now he shall exchange them for more solid and substantiall comforts. For, I have heard him, and observed him: so that let him see what he looseth in parting with base corruptions, worldly lusts, pleasures and the like, hee shall finde it more abundantly supplied in a farre more excellent manner in mee, and in the fruits and effects of my love unto him; so as he shall finde that there is nothing lost by entring strictly into my service. And whereas formerly hee walked in a vaine shadow, in relying on Egypt, Ashur, and the works of his owne hands: now hee shall have a farre more excellent shadow, which no storme, nor raine, nor injury of weather can pierce through: I am like a greene firre-tree unto him. Not such a shadow as those his Idols were, who could not keepe off the storme of Gods wrath from him,