A12190:841
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.
Now because these were great matters of great consequence, to make them either happy in the observing them, or miserable in neglecting them, you see how he shuts up all in a most weighty close: Who is wise and he shall understand these things, prudent and he shall know them, for the ways of the Lord are equal, &c.
Now because these were great matters of great consequence, to make them either happy in the observing them, or miserable in neglecting them, you see how he shuts up all in a most weighty close: Who is wise and he shall understand these things, prudent and he shall know them, for the wayes of the Lord are equall, &c.
Wherein the scope of the Prophet is, to stir up a holy regard of what hath been spoken, he would not have all lost for want of attention or application, and therefore he here stirs them up to a holy use of all: which stirring up, is excellently and figuratively clothed with an Epiphonemy, or acclamation, who is wise and he shall understand these things, &c. He doth not ⟨p. 423⟩say, let men understand these things, but who is wise and who is prudent? Let them consider of these things, and then the Exhortation is backed with many Reasons, 1. It is wisdom and prudence to regard these things that J have spoken (who is wise and who is prudent) 2. And then again they are the ways of God that are spoken off, and they are straight and equal in themselves. 3. And they lead to happiness directly, without winding and turning, a man is sure to attain his journeys end in them, and if they will take example of those who only are exemplary to them, he tells them the Just shall walk in them, they shall not walk alone, they shall have the company of a cloud of witnesses, who prosper and walk on cheerfully in this way, and attain happiness in the end. 4. Then the last argument is taken from the contrary end of all them who cavil and snarl at Gods ways and truth, that think themselves witty to pick quarrels with somewhat in Gods book, as it is a common fashion now a days to have a divinity of mens own: Transgressors, such as are opposite to Gods ways, they shall fall in these ways, that is they take offence at these ways and so fall into sin, and by falling into sin, fall into misery, till at last they fall into Hell, which is the end of all quarrellers