A69234:653
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, he expresseth the end why he would not have them so much as name idols, to wit, that they may no more be remembered by their names, that is, that having nothing to do with idols, neither in deed nor word, the memory of them may perish, and men may be freed from all danger of falling into idolatry; which being preserved, there remaineth a continual bait to entice us, which in regard of our corruption and proneness to idolatry, we are apt to swallow, to our perdition.
Thirdly, hee expresseth the end why hee would not haue them so much as name idols, to wit, that they may no more be remembred by their names, that is, that hauing nothing to doe with idols, neither in deede nor word, the memorie of them may perish, and men may be freed from all danger of falling into idolatrie; which being preserued, there remaineth a continuall baite to intice vs, which in regard of our corruption and pronenesse to idolatrie, we are apt to swallow, to our perdition.
And this is the meaning of these words. The doctrines The Do∣ctrines. which arise out of them are these. First, out of the 16. verse ⟨p. 270⟩we may observe, that as soon as we are converted and assured 1of Gods love by the inward testimony of his Spirit, confirmed by innumerable his gracious benefits, which are so many earnest pennies and pledges of his favour and our reconciliation, then doth the Lord also give us this grace to show our selves forward in the duties of his worship and service, and in rooting out all superstition and idolatry. If therefore we be truly converted and endued with Gods Spirit, and with the graces thereof, then will we also be zealous and devout in performing service unto God, in hearing his word, calling upon his name, receiving the Sacraments, &c. as also in purging our selves from idolatry and superstition, and in removing all false means of his worship: but if this care and zeal be wanting, it is manifest, that as yet we are not converted, nor have tasted of the comfort of Gods Spirit, and the graces thereof: for when God hath bestowed these, then at that day also he stirreth us up to love and serve him, as our Lord and husband, forsaking all idols and idol worship, as appeareth in this place.