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…

Yet further, this being in the reign of Jeroboam, when they were in great prosperity, surely their hearts were exceedingly hardened against the Prophet; and it cannot be imagined, but that they entertained his prophecy with scorn and contempt: for it is an usual thing, when men are in the height of their pride, and in their ruff, then like the wild asses colt, to scorn and contemn all that comes against them.

Yet further, this being in the reign of Jeroboam, when they were in great prosperity, surely their hearts were exceedingly hardned against the Prophet; and it cannot be imagined, but that they entertayned his prophesie with scorn and contempt: for it is an usuall thing, when men are in the height of their pride, and in their ruffe, then like the wild asses colt, to scorn and contemn all that comes against them.

It is nothing for a Minister of God to deal plainly with people in the time of adversity, when they are down the wind, but when men are in the ruff of their pride, and in all their jollity, to deal faithfully with them then, this is something, and thus the Prophet Hosea did.

It is nothing for a Minister of God to deale plainly with people in the time of adversity, when they are down the wind, but when men are in the ruffe of their pride, and in all their jollity, to deale faithfully with them then, this is something, and thus the Prophet Hosea did.

That their great prosperity did raise up & harden their hearts with pride against the Prophet,¹ it appears plainly, if you will but read Amos 7. 10. (for we must find Gods mind by comparing one place with another) there you shall find what the fruit of Jeroboam's prosperity was, for Amos and Hosea were contemporary. When Amos was prophesying, Amaziah the Priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam King of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee, the land is not able to bear his words. This was said of Amos, it is like that Hosea did not meet with better measure then this. Amaziah the Priest of Bethel did this. If there be any enemies against the faithful Ministers in a place, they are the Priests of Bethel, idolatrous and superstitious Ministers. And what course do they take? They send to the King, to the Governors, O they have conspired against the King, they are seditious persons, factious men, that keep a stir in the kingdom, and break the peace of the Church, the Land cannot bear their words. Such a message as this you see did Amaziah send concerning Amos; he turns off all from himself to the King, and all the punishment that must be inflicted upon Amos, must be in the name of the King. And mark the 12. ver. of that Chap. Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee away into the land of Judea, and prophesy there. We are not holy enough for you forsooth, we are Idolaters, we do not worship God