A12190:864
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.
And amongst men he is also counted a wise §3and prudent man, that makes a right choice, for this is wisdom, when a man discerneth a difference, and answerably makes his choice. Simile matter erroris, saith one, Likeness is the mother of error. There is a likeness between good and bad in the world, and between truth and error, now he is a wise man, who is not catchr with these resemblances, but discerneth a difference between temporal & eternal things, shadows & substances, realities and appearances of things, and suitably chooseth eternals before temporals, the favour of God before the favour of men, and in a word those things which concern everlasting happiness, before those that are perishing, Wisdom is seen in choice. By these few instances named, we may see what heavenly wisdom and prudence is, by proportion of Wisdom and Prudence in earthly things. Now considering that there is a better state in another world then in this, he must needs be a wise man that orders things so, as that he may not loose eternity. Most men in the world are penny wise and pound foolish, as we say: wise to a particular end, to get particular favours and ⟨p. 434⟩riches,1 so to satisfy their intentions: but for the main which is Wisdom indeed, to look to their last estate and happiness, and to fit their actions and courses that way, how few are wise to purpose? how few provide for eternity? therefore no marvel the Prophet saith, who is wise and who is prudent? because men live by sense and not by Faith.
And amongst men he is also counted a wise §3and prudent man, that makes a right choice, for this is wisdome, when a man discerneth a difference, and answerably makes his choice. Simile mat•r erroris, saith one, Likenesse is the mother of error. There is a likenesse betweene good and bad in the world, and betweene truth and error, now hee is a wiseman, who is not catchr with these resemblances, but discerneth a difference between temporall & eternall things, shadowes & substances, realities and appearances of things, and suitably chooseth eternals before temporals, the favour of God before the favour of men, and in a word those things which concerne everlasting happines, before those that are perishing, Wisdome is seen in choice. By these few instances named, we may see what heavenly wisdome and prudence is, by proportion of Wisdome and Prudence in earthly things. Now considering that there is a better state in another world then in this, he must needs be a wise man that orders things so, as that he may not loose eternity. Most men in the world are pennywise and pound foolish, as we say: wise to a particular end, to get particular favours and