A69234:642
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 here learn, that the Lord bestoweth his temporal 1benefits corporal and spiritual, upon the faithful, not only for their present use and comfort, but also for the confirming and increasing of their faith and hope, in the assurance of far more excellent gifts, even the unvaluable treasures ⟨p. 264⟩of his eternal kingdom; for he giveth the valley of Achor for the door of hope, that is, the benefits of this life, that they may be pledges and earnest pennies, to assure us of all his benefits belonging to the life to come. The which as it may be understood of all Gods gifts bestowed upon the faithful, so especially of the inward graces of Gods sanctifying Spirit, namely, charity, zeal, patience, humility, love to the Gospel, sanctification of life, and the rest: so that whosoever find themselves endued therewith, they may be assured that they have so many pledges and earnest pennies of their eternal happiness, and that it is not possible that their hope should become void and frustrate, which the Lord hath confirmed with so many seals. The consideration whereof should make us to labour above all things for these spiritual gifts and graces, whereby this door of hope may be opened unto us, and we confirmed in the assurance of our election and salvation: unto which duty the Apostle exhorteth us, 2. Pet. 1. 10. especially let us by all means seek to obtain 2the gift of Gods Spirit, which giveth unto us an assured testimony that we are his children and heirs of eternal life, Rom. 8. 16. 17. sealeth up this assurance in our harts and consciences, 3Eph. 1. 13. and also is the pledge and earnest penny of our heavenly inheritance, 2. Cor. 1. 22.4