A12190:943
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, he that will walk aright in Gods ways, he must be resolute against all opposition whatsoever: for we meet with many lets hinderances and scandals, to drive us out of the way. Sometimes the ill lives of those who walk in these ways, sometimes their slips and falls, sometimes persecution, and our own natures are full of scandals, subject to take this and that offence, and then we are ready to be snared on the right hand, or feared and scared on the left. And our nature so far as it is unsanctified, is prone to catch, and ready to join with the world: therefore we have need of resolution of spirit and determination: as David, 1I have determined O Lord: and I will keep thy laws, I have sworn that I will keep thy righteous judgements: this is a resolute determination.
Againe, he that will walke aright in Gods wayes, hee must be resolute against all opposition whatsoever: for wee meete with many lets hinderances and scandals, to drive us out of the way. Sometimes the ill lives of those who walke in these wayes, sometimes their slips and fals, sometimes persecution, and our owne natures are full of scandals, subject to take this and that offence, and then we are ready to bee snared on the right hand, or feared and scared on the left. And our nature so farre as it is unsanctified, is prone to catch, and ready to joyne with the world: therefore wee have need of resolution of spirit and determination: as David, 1I have determined O Lord: and I will keepe thy lawes, I have sworne that I will keepe thy righteous judgements: this is a resolute determination.
And then again, pray to God with David that he would direct our ways. Oh that my ways were so directed to keep thy laws! I see that my nature is ready to draw me away to evil, and perverse crooked courses: I see though I determine to take a good course that there is much opposition: therefore good Lord direct me in my course, direct thou my thoughts, words and carriage. Therefore that we may walk steadfastly, let us resolve with settled determination, praying to God for strength: otherwise resolution with dependence on our own power may be a work of the flesh: but resolve thus, these are right ways and straight, they lead to Heaven, Happiness and Glory, therefore I will walk in them, whatsoever come of it. We have all the discouragements which may hinder us in the ways of God. For as we are travellers, so we are soldiers, warfaring men that meet with many rubs, thorns, therefore to walk amidst such dangerous ways we must be well shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, that is Patience, and reasons taken from thence. God hath provided spiritual armour in the Word against all oppositions that meet with us: so that by Resolution and Prayer to him, using his means we may go through all.