A12190:939
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.
1And likewise where it is said the just walks in them, it implies Resolution to go on in those ways till he come to the end, though there be never so much opposition.
1And likewise where it is said the just walkes in them, it implyes Resolution to goe on in those wayes till he come to the end, though there be never so much opposition.
- 14. Resolution.
But how shall we know whether we go on in this way or not?
First, he that goes on in a way the further he hath proceeded therein, looking back, that which he leaves behind seems lesser and lesser in his eye, and that which he goes too greater and greater: so a man may know his progress in the ways of God, when earthly profits and pleasures seem little, his former courses and pleasures seeming now base unto him, when Heaven and heavenly things seem near unto him, it is a sign he is near Heaven: near in time, and nearer in disposition and in wisdom to discern, because the best things are greatest ⟨p. 465⟩in his eye and esteem. In this case, it is a sign that such a one is removed from the world, and is near unto Heaven, having made a good progress in the ways of God.
First, he that goes on in a way the further he hath proceeded therein, looking backe, that which he leaves behind seemes lesser and lesser in his eye, and that which he goes too greater and greater: so a man may know his progresse in the wayes of God, when earthly profits and pleasures seeme little, his former courses and pleasures seeming now base unto him, when Heaven and heavenly things seeme neere unto him, it is a signe he is neere Heaven: neere in time, and neerer in disposition and in wisedome to discerne, because the best things are greatest