A12190:735
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 before Conversion. When we think we have not done so much good, and been sufficiently humbled, and therefore that God will not be merciful to us: as if Christ must take us with dowry of good deeds, or else he cannot, whereas all grace is promised, upon our entry and coming into the Covenant of grace, upon our believing, when we come with empty hearts and hands: The poor (saith Christ) receive the Gospel, 1and those that are lost, Christ is sent to save them, and to call in the weary and heavy laden.
First before Conversion. When we thinke we have not done so much good, and beene sufficiently humbled, and therefore that God will not be mercifull to us: as if Christ must take us with dowry of good deeds, or else hee cannot, whereas all grace is promised, upon our entry and comming into the Covenant of grace, upon our believing, when we come with emptie hearts and hands: The poore (saith Christ) receive the Gospell, 1and those that are lost, Christ is sent to save them, and to call in the weary and heavie laden.
And after Conversion; those that are in the state of grace oftentimes want that comfort in the main point of justification and acceptation to life everlasting which they should have: because they look into their imperfections, seeing this and that want, and so are swallowed up of discomfort; whereas if we had all the graces in the world, yet we must live by Faith, relying upon the merits of Christ. For our good works bring us not to Heaven as a cause, but only are helps and comforts to us in our walking to Heaven. For if we had all