A69234:474
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.
And this is the meaning of these words. The doctrines to be observed out of them are these. First we may note, that 1the Lord contenteth not himself with a general denunciation of his judgements against the whole Church of Israel; but also applieth them specially to the particular members thereof. The which example is to be imitated of Gods Ministers, especially considering that such is the self-love, pride, hypocrisy, and security of men, that they will make no application of general reprehensions and threatenings unto themselves, so long as they can shift them off, and apply ⟨p. 183⟩them unto others. An example hereof we have in the secure Israelites, Esa. 28. 15. and in the Priests and Pharisees: Matth. 221. 41. yea David himself made no use of the general parable for his humiliation till it was particularly applied, 2. Sam. 12. 7. And therefore because that which is spoken to all, is 3spoken to none; it hath been the custom of all Gods true Prophets and Ambassadors, to make particular application of their general doctrines, to the special use of their own hearers: so Nathan to David, 2. Sam. 12. 7. Peter to the Jews, 4Act. 2. 23. all the Prophets to their several peoples, to whom they were sent. And this duty is to be performed of all faithful Ministers, for they are Gods stewards, and therefore they are not to suffer every one to rush into the storehouse of Gods word, and to take what pleaseth them; but they must give every man his own portion in season; as it is,