A12190:748
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.
If this be the affection of Gods people towards Idols and Idolaters, an utter aversation, and shall we think to jumble and mingle contrary things together, to serve God and the Devil, Christ and Anti-christ.
If this be the affection of Gods people towards Idols and Idolaters, an utter aversation, and shall we thinke to jumble and mingle contrary things together, to serve God and the Divell, Christ and Anti-christ.
Thus we see what to think of the temper of these men,1 in lighter matters indeed we may enjoy our own private opinions in some things. As Saint Paul saith in lesser things, If any men be otherwise minded, God shall reveal it unto him. But when he comes to the point of justification by Christ in Gods worship: what saith he? If any man be otherwise minded, God shall reveal it? No, but if I or an Angel from Heaven teach otherwise, let him be accursed. 2Now when men teach another doctrine and worship, joining with gross Idolaters in that worship, there we must be of Pauls spirit, If I or an Angel from Heaven teach otherwise, let him be accursed. The Holy Ghost at first appeared in the form and shape of a Dove which is a meek and mild creature,3 that hath no talons to hurt with. Yet notwithstanding at another time, he appeared in fiery tongues, 4to show that the same Spirit that in lesser things maintaineth peace and love, when it is set against any sin, especially against that sin of sins ⟨p. 362⟩Idolatry, which brings Gods vengeance upon Kingdoms and states, and roots them out; there the Holy Ghost must appear in fire, that element must be in the hearts of people against that sin: that though to persons that have their slips, and in lesser matters there must be the spirit of a dove: yet there must be in men the spirit of courage, indignation, abomination and hatred unto the Idolatry of the times. That we may say from our hearts with Ephraim, What have I now any more to do with Idols?