A12190:941
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.
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 ⟨p. 465⟩in his eye and esteeme. In this case, it is a signe that such a one is removed from the world, and is neere unto Heaven, having made a good progresse in the wayes of God.
It implies likewise in the second place, an uniform course of life. Such a one doth not duties by starts now and then, but constantly, therefore we must judge of men by a tenure of life, what their constant ways are: sometimes though they be good men, they may step awry into an ill way, and yet come in again. Sometimes an ill man may cross a good way, as a thief when he crosseth the high-way: or a good man steps out of the way, but this is not their way, they are both out and to seek of their way. A wicked man when he speaks of good things he is out of his way; he acts a part and assumes a person he is unskilful to act, therefore he doth it untowardly. But a mans way is his course, a good mans way is good though his startings be ill, and an ill mans way is naught, though for passion or for by ends, he may now and then do good things. Therefore considering that the walking in the ways of God is uniform and orderly: let us judge of our selves by the tenure of our life, and course thereof. And let those poor souls who think they are out of the way because they run into some infirmities now and then, comfort themselves in this, that God judgeth not by single actions, but according to the tenure of a mans life, what he is. For often-times Gods