A12190:830
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.
Let us therefore carry this about us as a principle of holy life, to know that our good is hid up in God, and not in the creature; so that if all help were taken away, yet we have it immediately, purer and better in the fountain. What if there were not a creature in the world to help me? what if all were against me? yet God may make all their powers and endeavours fruitful. There is such fruit from God, that he can make the worst things which befalleth us fruitful, when he pleaseth; there is a blessing in curses and crosses, a good fruit in them: who can do him harm that God turneth the bitterest things he suffers to his good. Let none be daunted in a good cause, but go on resolutely, seeing God hath all in himself. Was not Moses forty days without any earthly comfort on the mount?1 and Christ also without natural sustentation so long? did not God give light without a Sun in the first creation? we are ⟨p. 414⟩tied to means but he is not. We think if such friends and helps be taken away, that then all is gone, but what were they? were not they means which God used at his good pleasure, and cannot he give comfort without them? yes certainly, the greatest comfort and grace is oft-times given immediately from God, when he salutes the soul by his own Spirit, as he did Paul and Silas in the dungeon, who in the midst of discomfort,2 had their spirit enlarged to sing hymns at mid-night: God reserving that comfort for that time. Therefore seeing all comfort is from God, and he is not tied to this or that means, nay can bless all contrary means, is not this a ground of Resolution?
Let us therefore carry this about us as a principle of holy life, to know that our good is hid up in God, and not in the creature; so that if all helpe were taken away, yet we have it immediately, purer and better in the fountaine. What if there were not a creature in the world to helpe me? what if all were against me? yet God may make all their powers and indeavours fruitfull. There is such fruit from God, that he can make the worst things which befalleth us fruitfull, when he pleaseth; there is a blessing in curses and crosses, a good fruit in them: who can doe him harme that God turneth the bitterest things he suffers to his good. Let none be daunted in a good cause, but goe on resolutly, seeing God hath all in himselfe. Was not Moses forty dayes without any earthly comfort on the mount?