An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth, & tenth chapters of…

But those Observations that we may take from either of these two times,¹ from the time that they got conquests over their enemies, or secondly from the time of their peace, put them both together are such as these.

1. 1Obs. 1.

First, Carnal hearts rejoice and bless themselves in their outward present prosperity, in their Health, Strength, Friends, as if all were well with them, although they be under much guiltiness, though there be fearful breaches between God and their souls, and how things are between God and them they care not, so be it all may be well with them for outward things; this is the guise for carnal hearts, they are presently upon the merry pin, and rejoice and delight much if so be that thy may have but any prosperity, though but for a while, if there be no punishment of sin upon them the guilt and pollution of sin never troubles them.¹ Saith Augustin in his twelfth Tract. upon John, The joy of the world is nothing else but their wickedness unpunished; if God do not punish them presently then they have a great deal of joy.² And in Amos, 6. 4. there you have the description of the people of Israel more at large (for Amos prophesied in the same time that Hosea did) They lie upon beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the Lambs our of the flock, ³and the Calves out of the midst of the stall, that chant to the sound of the Viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music like David, that drink Wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments; but they are not ⟨p. 140⟩