A69234:610
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, seeing it is the work of God alone, we must not rest in our own power and strength, for the effecting of this great work, but we must call upon God for this grace, saying with the Church, Lament. 5. 21. Convert us O Lord, and 1we shall be converted: much less are we to defer our conversion from day to day, as though it were a matter which we can easily perform at our own pleasure, but considering it is the Lords free gift, let us receive it when he offereth it, and turn unto him, when he allureth and persuadeth us to repentance.
Secondly, seeing it is the work of God alone, we must not rest in our owne power and strength, for the effecting of this great worke, but we must call vpon God for this grace, saying with the Church, Lament. 5. 21. Conuert vs O Lord, and 1we shall be conuerted: much lesse are we to deferre our conuersion from day to day, as though it were a matter which we can easilie performe at our owne pleasure, but considering it is the Lords free gift, let vs receiue it when he offereth it, and turne vnto him, when he allureth and perswadeth vs to repentance.
And so likewise because it is the Lord alone, who allureth and turneth the heart, it behooveth all those who would convert others, not to rest too much in the force of their own eloquence, or the strength of their own reasons, but to join with their earnest labour and endeavour, humble and hearty prayers unto almighty God, desiring the assistance of his holy Spirit, by which alone their persuasions are made effectual to persuade.