A12190:662
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.
First, Our calling must be respected,1 for howsoever we must carry an universal hatred to sin, thus far, that we must not do it. Yet in the discovery of hatred and dislike to others, we must consider what calling we have and how far we go.
First, Our calling must be respected,1 for howsoever we must carry an universall hatred to sin, thus farre, that we must not doe it. Yet in the discovery of hatred and dislike to others, we must consider what calling we have and how farre we goe.
- 11. We must consider our calling to reprove others.1. Wee must consider our calling to reproove others.
And it must be done with a sweet temper,1 keeping our distance, and reserving the due respect unto those in whom we show our dislike. As we see, Nathan when he came to tell David of his fault, how he doth it, what art he useth, It must so be done, as that it may appear to be done out of pure zeal, that it is no wild-fire, nor no heat of nature, but that it cometh merely from the spirit, and in much love with ⟨p. 318⟩mildness and pity: in which case it carrieth a wondrous authority. The discovery of hatred to the faults either in a Minister, or in a Magistrate, though they must be truly dealt with, and have their faults told them: yet there must be respect had to their place, by reason of the weakness of men. As it is with the body, great men have their Physicians as well as meaner: only their physic must be more costly, because (perhaps) of their tenderness of their constitutions: but as for their bodies, they must not be suffered to perish, nor will not. So for their souls, they must have that which other men have to help them: but it must be done with reservation and respect, as Paul speaking to Festus the Governor, calleth him most Noble Festus,