An exposition of the prophecy of Hosea begun in divers lectures upon the first…An exposition of the prophesie of Hosea begun in divers lectures vpon the first…

We read in Rev. 4. of the four living creatures that appeared unto John, the first was like a Lyon, and the second like an Ox, and the third had a face as a Man, and the fourth was like a flying Eagle. They are (according to the interpretation that reverend Brightman gives) to set out unto us the four states & conditions of the Church. The Primitive times were Lyon-like for their valour: the second age like an Ox to bear the burdens of Antichrist, the third had a face as a man, that stood for their liberties and would not be under such slavery, and they are but times: and then the fourth as an Eagle that soared aloft: In the state of the Church hereafter they shall be like an Eagle, have heavenly hearts, no such drossy, base, earthly hearts as we have now. Labour we even now to be so that we may be fit for that day.

VVee reade in Rev. 4. of the foure living creatures that appeared unto John, the first was like a Lyon, and the second like an Oxe, and the third had a face as a Man, and the fourth was like a flying Eagle. They are (according to the interpreta•ion that reverend Brightman gives) to set out unto us the foure states & conditions of the Church. The Primitive times were Lyon-like for their valour: the second age like an Oxe to beare the burthens of Antichrist, the third had a face as a man, that stood for their liberties and would not be under such slavery, and they are but times: and then the fourth as an Eagle that sored aloft: In the state of the Church hereafter they shall be like an Eagle, have heavenly hearts, no such drossy, base, earthly hearts as we have now. Labour we even now to be so that we may be fit for that day.

And let us all prepare for the Bride groom against his coming. How shall we prepare? The clothing that then shall be, shall be white linen, which is the righteousness of the Saints. That great Doctrine of our justification by the righteousness of Christ shall be the great business of that day, in which the glory of the Saints shall much consist, and they shall be clothed with that, it shall be clearly understood of all men, they shall be ashamed to rest upon duties and ordinances as now they do. Let us study the Doctrine of the righteousness of Christ afore-hand, for that is like to be our clothing at that day, that is the white linen of the Saints which shall be their glory. Let us prepare our Lamps and keep them all burning and shining, the oil not only of jucation, but sanctification, active, stirring in our hearts, that so we may […] to entertain the Bride-groom whensoever […] […].