A69234:241
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.
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 & ⟨p. 78⟩sincere worship and service; then will his jealousy burn like fire, and his wrath will suddenly break forth and utterly consume her, being now no better then an adulterous harlot. It is true indeed, that where Gods true religion is established, and his Gospel sincerely preached; there, if the people do not live according to their profession, & bring forth the fruits thereof, it will not privilege them from afflictions and punishments; nay rather the Lord will first visit them, because they are of his own family; as appeareth, 1. Pet. 4. 17. Jer. 25. 29. Heb. 12. 6. Apoc. 3. 19. But these visitations are in 2mercy, that by his fatherly chastisements he may reclaim them, lest running on in their sins, they should be condemned with the world; as it is,