A69234:136
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.
But it is further objected, that it should be to no purpose Objection 2 if this were not really done; and that it would have been as effectual to convince the people of their sins, if the Prophet had set them before them in plain words, and used no parables. I answer, that parables are more emphatical, Answer. and leave a more deep impression then bare words; for they are as it were real speeches, wherein things are lively represented to the sight of the understanding, as in pictures and tables. And therefore the Lord would have his Prophet not only in plain words, but also in parables to set before the people their sins, especially their sin of idolatry, wherein both their patents and themselves had grievously offended.
But it is further obiected, that it should bee to no purpose Obiection 2 if this were not really done; and that it would haue been as effectuall to conuince the people of their sinnes, if the Prophet had set them before them in plaine words, and vsed no parables. I answer, that parables are more emphaticall, Answer. and leaue a more deepe impression then bare words; for they are as it were reall speeches, wherein things are liuely represented to the sight of the vnderstanding, as in pictures and tables. And therefore the Lord would haue his Prophet not onely in plaine words, but also in parables to set before the people their sinnes, especially their sinne of idolatrie, wherein both their patents and themselues had grieuously offended.
As though he should have said: The Lord enjoined me, to the end that I should in more lively manner set before you ⟨p. 36⟩your sin of idolatry, to propound unto you this parable, wherein he commanded me, to resemble himself unto me, who should marry a harlot, and have by her adulterous children. For whereas the Lord like a loving husband had espoused you unto him, you have played the harlot, and have committed spiritual adultery with idols and devils, so that now the land is become like unto a brothel or common stews. And therefore the Lord is purposed to take with you that course which husbands do with their adulterous wives, that is, to divorce and put you away from him.