A12190:905
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.
Again, they do things to a good end,1 the §2Glory of God, and the good of man. For want hereof, the alms, prayers and fasting of the Scribes and Pharisees (because they did nothing out of love to God or man, but for vain glory and carnal respects) are condemned of Christ. So some are brought in at the last day saying, Lord, Lord, have we not in thy name prophesied, 2and in thy name cast out Devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works: and yet Christ professeth not to know them, but calleth them workers of iniquity. They had Gifts and Calling and delivered true doctrine, &c. But here was their failing, They prophesied in his name, but not for his Name. Their actions were good in themselves, and for others, but the end of ⟨p. 452⟩them was naught, and therefore both they and their works are condemned. Yet this is not so to be understood, but that Gods children have some thoughts of vain glory which accompanieth and creepeth into their best actions, but they do acknowledge this for a sin, confess it, and desire the Lord to pardon and subdue it, and then it shall never be laid to their charge. Because having of infirmities is not contrary to sincerity, but allowing of them, and living in them, in which case the Lord is more pleased with our Humiliation for our sin, then the motions to vain-glory did offend him.
Againe, they doe things to a good end,1 the §2Glory of God, and the good of man. For want heereof, the almes, prayers and fasting of the Scribes and Pharisees (because they did nothing out of love to God or man, but for vaine glory and carnall respects) are condemned of Christ. So some are brought in at the last day saying, Lord, Lord, have we not in thy name prophecied, 2and in thy name cast out Divels, and in thy name done many wonderfull works: and yet Christ professeth not to know them, but calleth them workers of iniquity. They had Gifts and Calling and delivered true doctrine, &c. But heere was their failing, They prophecied in his name, but not for his Name. Their actions were good in themselves, and for others, but the end of