A12190:844
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.
Who is wise and he shall understand these things.
First of all, we must know that the Prophet here in this figurative speech makes a kind of Exclamation, who is wise? he doth as it were secretly mourn at the Apostasy and fewness of those that be truly wise, as if he had said, I have given you many directions, and showed you what sins lead to destruction, I have showed what course ye are to take, and the bounty of God to those that Return: but, Who is Wise and Prudent to regard these things?
First of all, we must know that the Prophet here in this figurative speech makes a kinde of Exclamation, who is wise? he doth as it were secretly mourne at the Apostacy and fewnesse of those that be truely wise, as if he had said, I have given you many directions, and shewed you what sinnes lead to destruction, I have shewed what course yee are to take, and the bountie of God to those that Returne: but, Who is Wise and Prudent to regard these things?
In the words therefore (in regard of the speaker, the Prophet) we may observe this ere we come particularly to them: the character of a holy, merciful, gracious, and wise man, that when he hath spoken things to excellent purpose, he would not have those things lost, but out of mercy and compassion mingled with ⟨p. 425⟩a great deal of heavenly wisdom, would have the best fruit of all he hath spoken. Which was the custom of the men of God in the Scriptures, the Spirit of God leading them to strike the nail home, when they taught truths to lay the word close upon the conscience, as much as they could. What is the whole book of Deuteronomy, as the word signifieth, but a repeating of the former laws? Moses thought all to no purpose, unless he repeated laws, and fastened them upon the soul: so our Saviour Christ still when he had spoken excellent things, saith, Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. So saith Jeremiah,