A12190:692
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.
It were to misspend precious time (appointed for better uses) to tell you of the abominable distinctions of the Papists of Latria and Dulia, or to insist upon a discourse of Heathenish Idolatry: Truths, but not so profitable for us to spend time in.1 Therefore we will rather come to show the Reasons, why Ephraim so abhorreth Idolatry, Idols, and conceits of all.
It were to mispend pretious time (appointed for better uses) to tell you of the abhominable distinctions of the Papists of Latria and Dulia, or to insist upon a discourse of Heathenish Idolatrie: Truthes, but not so profitable for us to spend time in.1 Therefore we will rather come to shew the Reasons, why Ephraim so abhorreth Idolatry, Idols, and conceits of all.
- 11. Reasons of Ephraims hatred unto Idols.
To begin in the first place with Idols;1 when Ephraim is truly converted, he hates them, because Idols are abominable to God, unto ⟨p. 334⟩whom Ephraim is now converted. Ephraim hates Idols, for Idolatry is spiritual Adultery, Religion is as it were a conjugal act of marriage, so that a breach in religious worship, is a breach of spiritual marriage. Now the worshipping of Idols being a breach of the conjugal act of marriage betwixt God and the soul, spiritual Adultery, it must needs be abominable. For adultery is an abominable filthy thing; much more spiritual Adultery: therefore (saith Ephraim) What have I now any more to do with Idols?
To begin in the first place with Idols;1