A12190:694
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.
1And then again, Idolatry frameth base conceits of God: whereas on the contrary we should elevate and raise up our hearts unto him, Idolatry pulls him down and conforms him to our base conceits. Were it not a wrong to man, to make him like a Swine, or an Ape or some such ridiculous creature? who in this case would think himself well used? there is not such disproportion betwixt any creature and man, as there is betwixt the great God of Heaven and Earth and the best creature that can be made to resemble him. Therefore it is an abominable abuse and dishonour to the great Majesty of God to be represented any kind of way.
1And then againe, Jdolatry frameth base conceits of God: whereas on the contrary wee should elevate and raise up our hearts unto him, Idolatry pulls him downe and conformes him to our base conceits. Were it not a wrong to man, to make him like a Swine, or an Ape or some such ridiculous creature? who in this case would thinke himselfe well used? there is not such disproportion betwixt any creature and man, as there is betwixt the great God of Heaven and Earth and the best creature that can be made to resemble him. Therefore it is an abhominable abuse and dishonour to the great Majesty of God to be represented any kinde of way.
- 12. Because Idolatry frames base conceits of God
1Again, Consider the opposition between any representation of God, and God: they are corruptible things, God is incorruptible; they are visible, God is invisible: they are vain and nothing; God a being of himself, ⟨p. 335⟩who giveth being unto all things. God is the living God, and the cause of all life. To be brief, the Scripture to show Gods hatred of them, calleth them dung-hill gods, and (Abel) as it is in this book, vanity, nothing, a name to alienate the affections from them.