A12190:854
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, prudent, &c.
But to come more particularly to the words, Who is wise and he shall understand these things, The holy man of God here in his exhortation naming wisdom, singling out wise and prudent men; Who is wise and who is prudent? he toucheth men upon the quick right vein, for who is there that would not be thought wise and prudent? a corrupt man naturally rather desires to be thought sinful then weak, judge him as you will, so you judge him not to be an unwise, an unprudent man. A proud man till he be subdued and humbled, had rather be thought dishonest then simple, because if he be dishonest, he thinks it is out of choice: but to be simple, this argueth imperfection, and not ⟨p. 429⟩freedom and bravery of spirit: therefore it being the natural desire and instinct of all men to be thought wise and to be so, he endeavours to work upon that affection in them, Who is wise, &c. Well saith he, I know you all desire to be thought wise and prudent men, would you make it good that you are so indeed? believe my sayings, this is the way, whosoever is wise let him understand these things, and he that is prudent let him hearken to these things that I have spoken.
But to come more particularly to the words, Who is wise and he shall understand these things, The holy man of God here in his exhortation naming wisedome, singling out wise and prudent men; Who is wise and who is prudent? he toucheth men upon the quicke right veine, for who is there that would not be thought wise and prudent? a corrupt man naturally rather desires to be thought sinnefull then weake, judge him as you will, so you judge him not to be an unwise, an unprudent man. A proud man till he be subdued and humbled, had rather be thought dishonest then simple, because if hee be dishonest, he thinkes it is out of choice: but to be simple, this argueth imperfection, and not ⟨p. 429⟩freedome and bravery of spirit: therefore it being the naturall desire and instinct of all men to be thought wise and to bee so, hee endeavours to worke upon that affection in them, Who is wise, &c. Well saith he, I know you all desire to be thought wise and prudent men, would you make it good that you are so indeed? beleeve my sayings, this is the way, whosoever is wise let him understand these things, and he that is prudent let him hearken to these things that I have spoken.