A69234:827
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.
The second thing to be observed is, that the Lord will not presently be reconciled with his people, and show unto 1them the wonted signs of his favour, till he hath taken trial of their repentance by manifold afflictions; and this he doth not so much to approve their unfeigned repentance to himself, for he searcheth the heart and reigns, and therefore needeth not these outward signs; but first that by these signs, their own faith may be assured, that they are truly converted, seeing they endure the trial with patience, because they have sinned. Secondly, that he may show his detestation of sin, in that he will not easily be reconciled, even with those whom he dearly loveth, when they have grievously offended Thirdly, that by these corrections he may make them careful for the time to come, that they do not again by their sins provoke his displeasure; for he that with a wounded conscience and broken spirit, hath long sought and sued for mercy, and hath spent many a bitter sigh and grievous groan before he could attain unto the assurance of gods favour, having obtained it will not easily be ⟨p. 25⟩allured again by his sins to hazard and loose it. Fourthly that hereby he may glorify his name, by approving his justice and righteous judgements even to those that are with out, when as they see that he will not wink at sin, no not in his dearest children; who otherwise would take occasion upon their sin and impunity to blaspheme. 2 Sam. 12. 14. 2Lastly, that he may hereby teach the wicked what they are to expect, for if the Lord so correcteth those sins in his children which of infirmity they have committed, how will he punish the sins of wicked men which they commit with full consent of will? If he be displeased with the faithful, and will not presently assure them of his favour, after they have repented, then what can they look for that continue in their sins without repentance, but that he will pour upon them the full viols of his wrath? If he so severely chastiseth sin in his sons and friends, how grievously will he punish it, in slaves and enemies? examples hereof we have in Adam, David, Hezekiah, the people of Israel, and Christ himself.