A69234:1128
Lectures upon the four first chapters of the prophecy of Hosea Wherein the text…Lectures vpon the foure first chapters of the prophecie of Hosea Wherein the text…
Lectures upon the four first chapters of the prophecy of Hosea Wherein the text is expounded and cleared, and such profitable instructions observed, and applied, as naturally arise out of this holy Scripture, and are fit for these times. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods word.Lectures vpon the foure first chapters of the prophecie of Hosea Wherein the text is exponded and cleered, and such profitable instructions obserued, and applied, as naturally arise out of this holie Scripture, and are fit for these times. By Iohn Dovvname Bacheler in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods word.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston and T. East for William Welby, 1608
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.
Lastly, it serveth to admonish the people, that they do 1not rest contented to be still lead by such blind guides, nor to be under the charge of such ignorant and unskilful shepherds, as have no knowledge to feed them; for what will it profit them, if by living in such places they may have plenty for their bodies, if in the mean while their souls, are starved? what benefit will they have by any worldly conveniency in their place of abode; the neighbour-hood of their friends; the goodness of the air; the pleasantness of the seat; the fitness of living there for to gain in their trade or calling: yea, what if in every respect it be like the seat of Sodom, which was pleasant and fruitful as the Garden of 2God; if for want of instruction, it be a Sodom also in ignorance and sin, which with the inhabitants thereof must one day be destroyed? There is no man so foolish that would be allured either by pleasure or profit, to dwell in a place where there is no bread to preserve the life of his body, but much more foolish are they who are incited by these baits to live in such a place where there is no food for the soul. No man would dwell in a town which is assaulted by enemies, and hath no watch-man to give warning of their approach, though the place were both pleasant & profitable, for what would it advantage him to have wealth & all delights, if he be in a continual fear that he shall be destroyed? but we in this world have not only our spiritual enemies to assault us, but also whole armies of Gods judgements ready to invade us, if we live in sin and ignorance; if therefore we want a watch man to give us warning of the approach of these enemies and judgements, that by putting on the spiritual armour, we may be enabled to repel the one, and by returning unto God our king, whom by our sins we have offended, we may be preserved from the other, what will ⟨p. 152⟩the profits and pleasures of this life benefit us, seeing we are daily in danger to be destroyed? For as our Saviour saith. Mar. 8. 36. What will it profit a man if he shall win the whole 3world, if he shall loose his own soul. Rather therefore let us follow Mary's example, that is, howsoever we think worldly things convenient, yet let us judge this one thing necessary.