A12190:975
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.
Secondly, not to love the word the worse because evil men be made the worse by it, which shows rather the mighty power of the Word, which discovereth them, and will not let them ⟨p. 478⟩be hid, unmasking Hypocrites to themselves and others. As we must not like the Sun the worse because it makes carrion smell; nor the fan, because it winnoweth away the chaff; so must we not fall out with the Word, because it hath these effects upon wicked men.
Secondly, not to love the word the worse because evill men be made the worse by it, which shewes rather the mighty power of the Word, which discovereth them, and will not let them ⟨p. 478⟩be hid, unmasking Hypocrits to themselves and others. As we must not like the Sun the worse because it makes carrion smell; nor the fanne, because it winnoweth away the chaffe; so must we not fall out with the Word, because it hath these effects upon wicked men.
Use. 3 Lastly, it is for Consolation unto them that when their sin is reproved, fall not out with the Word, but with their sin. When they are excited to duty they hate their corruption and do endeavour to walk honestly without reproof. This shows the word is not the savour of death unto death to them, but the savour of life unto life: which Saint Paul makes a sign of Election,1 When they receive the word of God, as the word of God with Thanksgiving. This indeed is a matter of praise to give God thanks for his good word, which saves our souls, and comforts us here in the way of all our Pilgrimage, till we arrive at heavenly glory.
Vse. 3 Lastly, it is for Consolation unto them that when their sinne is reprooved, fall not out with the Word, but with their sinne. When they are excited to duty they hate their corruption and doe indeavour to walke honestly without reproofe. This shewes the word is not the savour of death unto death to them, but the savour of life unto life: which Saint Paul makes a signe of Election,