A69234:512
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.
Whereby he aggravateth the wretchedness of her estate, and in a most lively manner setteth forth the desperateness of her misery. For though one be in misery and distress, yet if they have hope that they may have access to such friends, unto whom when they have made known their case, they shall find them both able and willing to relieve them; this is a strong argument to work in them patience: but if either they cannot come at them, whom they most trust and rely upon, or else find them altogether unable to do them any good, then the frustrating of their hope being added to the weight of their misery and afflictions, overwhelmeth and presseth them down, and maketh their burden unsupportable.
Wherby he aggrauateth the wretchednes of her estate, and in a most liuely maner setteth forth the desperatenes of her miserie. For though one be in miserie and distresse, yet if they haue hope that they may haue accesse to such friends, vnto whom when they haue made knowne their case, they shall finde them both able and willing to releeue them; this is a strong argument to worke in them patience: but if either they cannot come at them, whom they most trust and relie vpon, or else find them altogether vnable to do them any good, then the frustrating of their hope being added to the waight of their miserie and afflictions, ouerwhelmeth and presseth them downe, and maketh their burthen vnsupportable.
And this is the first effect of the Churches afflictions. The second is expressed in these words, Then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband, for at that time was I better then now. In which words is contained the Churches repentance, and the reason moving her hereunto. The first is expressed in these words, Then shall she say, I will go and return unto my first husband: that is, after she seeth her self crossed in her wicked courses, and so hedged in with afflictions, that she cannot follow her Idols, and enjoy her former prosperity, after she hath long in vain sought for help and deliverance at the hands of her Idols, and hath now no hope by their means, either to come out of her present misery, or to enjoy her former prosperity, being destitute of all other help; then she shall say, that is, she shall resolve and determine, yea and also profess this her purpose and resolution, that she would no longer sit still in this misery, and suffer her self to be swallowed up of grief, and desperation; but she