A12190:978
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.
What can be said more for our encouragement then that which hath been delivered in this Chapter. God the party offended, who is JEHOVAH, God all-sufficient, exhorts us to return unto him, who is able and willing to help. And he also (out of his rich goodness) forewarneth us of the dangerous estate a sinner is in: who being fallen by his iniquity, ought therefore to pity himself, Return and not run on in a further course of disobedience, and backsliding. And words are put in our mouths, dictated by God himself, which needs must be very prevailing with him: what an encouragement is this? yea further, (as we have heard) these petitions are all answered graciously, and abundantly above all they did ask: wherein God surmounteth our desires, and thoughts, as we heard at large. Whereby we also may be confident to have our petitions and suites in like sort granted, if we go unto God with his own words, and form prescribed. If we take with us words of Prayer we shall be sure to vanquish all our spiritual enemies: for faithful Prayer works wonders in Heaven and Earth.1 And that God doth not bid us be religious to our loss; he showeth that we shall loose nothing by following his counsel, and walking in a religious ⟨p. 480⟩course of life: having abominated our Idols, He will observe us, and see us, and be a shelter unto us, having a derivation of fruitfulness from his fullness: In me is thy fruit found.
What can be said more for our incouragement then that which hath beene delivered in this Chapter. God the party offended, who is JEHOVAH, God all-sufficient, exhorts us to return unto him, who is able and willing to help. And hee allso (out of his rich goodnesse) forewarneth us of the dangerous estate a sinner is in: who being fallen by his iniquity, ought therefore to pitie himselfe, Returne and not runne on in a further course of disobedience, and backesliding. And words are put in our mouthes, dictated by God himselfe, which needs must be very prevailing with him: what an incouragement is this? yea further, (as we have heard) these petitions are all answered gratiously, and aboundantly above all they did aske: wherin God surmounteth our desires, and thoughts, as wee heard at large. Whereby we also may be confident to have our petitions and suites in like sort granted, if we goe unto God with his owne words, and forme prescribed. If we take with us words of Prayer we shall be sure to vanquish all our spirituall enemies: for faithfull Prayer works wonders in Heaven and Earth.