A12190:705
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.
Answ. 3 Then again they vow to Saints, as in the form of their vows is seen: I vow to the Virgin Mary, &c. Now a vow is a religious act. They vow to Saints, and burn incense unto them, erect Temples, and set apart days for their worship, and so break all the four Commandments of the first Table. In a good fashion it is not unfit to remember them, that their memorial may be kept: but we are not to worship them.
Answ. 3 Then againe they vow to Saints, as in the forme of their vowes is seene: I vow to the Virgin Mary, &c. Now a vow is a religious act. They vow to Saints, and burne incense unto them, erect Temples, and set apart dayes for their worship, and so breake all the foure Commandements of the first Table. In a good fashion it is not unfit to remember them, that their memoriall may be kept: but wee are not to worship them.
And besides Saints, they have other false gods: for their head of the Church is an abominable Idol, unto whom they ascribe that which is proper unto Christ, to be the head of the Church, which hath no influence from him, but all from Christ the spiritual head thereof. Therefore the Apostle complaineth of such: Who hold not the head, 1&c. Those of the Romish Church, hold not the head, hold not Christ, because they attribute that to Saints and men, which is proper to Christ only. They make the Pope the judge of all controversies, who must give authority to the word, and determine Scripture to be Scripture, what a shameful thing is this to make him judge of the Scriptures which must judge him at the last day? a pitiful thing it is, to see a man of sin go about to judge the righteous law of God, and to determine of that which must ere long determine him unto eternal torments, without particular repentance. Yet being spiritually drunk, this folly they are given too, that they will be judge of that which must be judge of them. Many ways they make him an Idol, ascribing that to him which is proper to Christ.
And besides Saints, they have other false gods: for their head of the Church is an abhominable Idoll, unto whom they ascribe that which is proper unto Christ, to be the head of the Church, which hath no influence from him, but all from Christ the spirituall head thereof. Therefore the Apostle complaineth of such: Who hold not the head,