A69234:361
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, we are to observe what kind of head our Saviour 1Christ is unto us, not an idle head, or in title only; but such a one as in deed and truth hath in him the nature and disposition of a head, in the highest degree of all perfection. For he is such a head as entirely loveth us, as being the members of his own body; he is an almighty and most powerful head, who is able to protect and defend us from all dangers and malice of enemies; he is a most vigilant and provident head, who observeth all our wants, and by his all-ruling providence, provideth for us: and finally, he is a most wise head, to govern and guide us in all our ways, not only illuminating us, and giving us sight to discern which is the best course; but also deriving unto us strength and motion, whereby we are enabled to walk in it. And therefore seeing we have a head so absolute and perfect in the highest degree of all excellency; let us take heed that we make not choice of any other, nor of our selves to be our head, but renouncing all other, keep us wholly and only unto him. And seeing he is a most loving head, let us rejoice in his love, and return love unto him again: and as the arm offereth it self to be cut off, rather then the head should be wounded; so let us, who are the members of Christs body, be ready to endure blows, wounds, yea death it self, rather then any wound of dishonour should be inflicted on our head Christ. And seeing he is an almighty head, let us trust wholly in his power, resting and relying upon him alone for deliverance out of the middest of all dangers, and from the raging violence of all enemies; and seeing he is our careful and most provident head, let us not rest so much upon our own provision, industry and labour, which will often fail us, as upon his all-sufficient, all-seeing, and all-ruling providence, who knoweth all ⟨p. 128⟩our wants, better then we our selves, and never faileth either in will or power to supply them. And lastly, seeing he is such a head as is infinite in wisdom, and all knowledge, let us submit our selves wholly and only, to be instructed, governed and guided by him; not following others directions and traditions, nor our own inventions. For he is the light of the world, and he that followeth him, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life: Joh. 8. 12.