A12190:958
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.
1Know first they are the most safe ways of all, whatsoever trouble or affliction we meet withal, it is no matter, it will prove the safest way in the end. For as it was with the cloud which went before Gods people, it was both for Direction and Protection: so the Spirit of God, and the ways of God as they serve for Direction, so they serve for Protection, God will direct, and protect us if we walk in his ways: let him be our Director, and he will be our preserver and protector in all times.
1Know first they are the most safe waies of all, whatsoever trouble or affliction we meet withall, it is no matter, it will proove the safest way in the end. For as it was with the cloude which went before Gods people, it was both for Direction and Protection: so the Spirit of God, and the wayes of God as they serve for Direction, so they serve for Protection, God will direct, and protect us if wee walke in his wayes: let him be our Director, and he will be our preserver and protector in all times.
- 11. The ways of God are the most safe ways.1. The wayes of God are the most safe waies.
Again, they are the most pleasant ways of all, all Wisdoms ways are paved with Prosperity and Pleasure,1 for when God doth enlarge and sanctify the soul to walk in them, he giveth withal a royal gift, inward peace of conscience and joy unspeakable and glorious with an enlarged Spirit. God meets his children in his own ways, they are therefore to walk there. Let a man start out of Gods ways, he meets with the Devil, with the Devils instruments, and many snares. But in Gods ways, he shall be sure to meet with God, if he walk in them with Humility and respect to God, looking up for direction and strength, and denying his own Wisdom: in this case a man shall be sure to have God go along with him in all his ways. In Gods ways expect Gods company: therefore they are the safest and the most pleasant ways.