A69234:240
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.
Secondly, we here learn, that though our sins be great, 1and our imperfections and corruptions manifold; yet this will not withhold from us the course of Gods mercies, if we turn to God by repentance. The Jews were not much behind the Israelites in rebellion, idolatry, and all wickedness; and yet because they often forsook their wicked ways, either when they were admonished by Gods Prophets, or exercised with afflictions, and turned unto God by true repentance; therefore the Lord promiseth unto them mercy and deliverance: whereas the Israelites, who continued obstinately in their impenitency, were given over of God to utter destruction. The like example we have in Saul and Manasseh, Peter and Judas, and many others.
Secondly, we here learne, that though our sinnes be great, 1and our imperfections and corruptions manifold; yet this will not withhold from vs the course of Gods mercies, if we turne to God by repentance. The Iewes were not much behinde the Israelites in rebellion, idolatry, and all wickednes; and yet because they often forsooke their wicked waies, either when they were admonished by Gods Prophets, or exercised with afflictions, and turned vnto God by true repentance; therefore the Lord promiseth vnto them mercy and deliuerance: whereas the Israelites, who continued obstinately in their impenitency, were giuen ouer of God to vtter destruction. The like example we haue in Saul and Manasse, Peter and Iudas, and many others.
- 1Gods mercy to those that repent.
Thirdly, we learn, that it is a notable argument to move the Lord to spare a people, when as they maintain amongst 1them Gods pure and sincere worship and service, notwithstanding they are polluted with many corruptions and imperfections: but when as true religion is banished or despised, when Gods sincere worship is neglected, and idolatry and superstition erected; this is a strong motive to cause the Lord to pour down his fearful judgements; as appeareth in the example of the Israelites and the Jews. Whilst the wise continueth her love and marriage fidelity towards her husband, he is content to bear with many infirmities, and to put up many injuries; but if she violate her faith, and place her love upon a stranger, he is kindled with rage and jealousy, and will never endure such intolerable wickedness: so whilst the Church, which is Gods spouse, continueth in her love, and observeth her marriage promise, that she will obey and respect him above all; he is content to spare her, though she be full of corruptions and imperfections: but when she withdraweth her love, and setteth it upon idols, and disclaiming her promised obedience, neglecteth his pure religion &