A12190:776
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.
There is an excellent place even touching Ephraim himself,1 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself, thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised as a Bullock unaccustomed to the yoke, turn me to thee and I shall be turned, thou art the Lord my God, &c. Is Ephraim a dear son, is he a pleasant child, for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still; therefore my bowels are troubled for him, I will have mercy upon him. If Ephraim begin to bemoan himself for his folly, presently follows, that Gods bowels are turned to him, so it is said of Ephraim here, after he had renounced Idols, Gods bowels are turned towards him, I have heard him and observed him. Which yields us a sweet and comfortable consideration, to turn to God from all our sinful courses, because God is so ready to forgive, and to forgive great sins. What if our sin be Idolatry, the grand sin of the first Table: yet if Ephraim say, what have I to do with Idols (though it be spiritual adultery) yet if Ephraim begin to renounce Idolatry, God will say, I have heard him and observed him. If your sins were as red as crimson (saith God) I will make them white as wool, &c, Crimson sins, double dyed sins,2 it is no matter what they are, if we come to God, there is more mercy in him then sin in us. If Ephraim say, what have I to do with my former evil courses, God will hear him and observe him.
There is an excellent place even touching Ephraim himselfe,1 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himselfe, thou hast chastised mee, and I was chastised as a Bullock unaccustomed to the yoake, turne me to thee and I shall bee turned, thou art the Lord my God, &c. Is Ephraim a deare sonne, is he a pleasant child, for since I spake against him I doe earnestly remember him still; therefore my bowels are troubled for him, I will have mercy upon him. If Ephraim beginne to bemoane himselfe for his folly, presently followes, that Gods bowels are turned to him, so it is said of Ephraim here, after hee had renounced Jdols, Gods bowels are turned towards him, I have heard him and observed him. Which yeelds us a sweet and comfortable consideration, to turne to God from all our sinfull courses, because God is so ready to forgive, and to forgive great sinnes. What if our sinne be Jdolatry, the grand sinne of the first Table: yet if Ephraim say, what have I to doe with Idols (though it be spirituall adultery) yet if Ephraim beginne to renounce Idolatry, God will say, I have heard him and observed him. Jf your sinnes were as red as crimson (saith God) I will make them white as wooll, &c, Crimson sinnes, double dyed sins,