A12190:811
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.
A fir-tree, is a green tree, but it hath no fruit, the excellencies of the creatures are applied to God but not the defects. Therefore when comparisons are taken from the creatures and given to God, we must alway except the defects, supplying the same by some other clearing comparison. So God is not only a fir-tree for shelter and defence, but he is a fruit-full tree, so a fir tree is not, and therefore without comparison▪ God hath more in him then any creature hath. For all that excellency which is in all the creatures is in him, and that in a far more eminent manner: therefore he is both ⟨p. 403⟩a shelter and fruit. If a passenger in distress have not only a fir tree to shelter him and shadow him, but a fruit tree also to feed him, he thinks he is made, when God thus comforts him. So a Christian he hath not only shelter from the wrath of God; but he hath also a place of rest and quiet, the mercy of God to keep him, and the Word and Sacraments to feed him. God is a fruit tree, as well as a fir tree.
A firre-tree, is a greene tree, but it hath no fruit, the excellencies of the creatures are applyed to God but not the defects. Therefore when comparisons are taken from the creatures and given to God, we must alway except the defects, supplying the same by some other cleering comparison. So God is not onely a firre-tree for shelter and defence, but he is a fruit-full tree, so a firre tree is not, and therefore without comparison▪ God hath more in him then any creature hath. For all that excellency which is in all the creatures is in him, and that in a farre more eminent manner: therefore hee is both ⟨p. 403⟩a shelter and fruit. If a passenger in distresse have not onely a firre tree to shelter him and shadow him, but a fruit tree also to feed him, he thinkes he is made, when God thus comforts him. So a Christian he hath not onely shelter from the wrath of God; but hee hath also a place of rest and quiet, the mercy of God to keepe him, and the Word and Sacraments to feed him. God is a fruit tree, as well as a firre tree.