A69234:829
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, this may serve to comfort and refresh us, when as we are ready to sink under the weight of sin, and heavy burden of affliction, and in regard hereof are ready to conclude that we are cast out of Gods favour; for then we are to remember that the Lord oftentimes restraineth the signs of his favour, and continueth the afflictions of those, whom notwithstanding, he dearly loveth for the causes above said, &c.
Secondly, this may serue to comfort and refresh vs, when as we are ready to sincke vnder the waight of sinne, and heauie burthen of affliction, and in regard hereof are readie to conclude that we are cast out of Gods fauour; for then wee are to remember that the Lord oftentimes restrayneth the signes of his fauour, and continueth the afflictions of those, whom notwithstanding, he dearely loueth for the causes aboue said, &c.
Thirdly, whereas the Lord saith, that she shall stay for 1him in her afflicted estate, and shall not play the harlot, &c. hence we learn, that the reason why the Lord continueth to restrain his favour, and to afflict his people, is not because he hateth them, but that hereby they may be moved more seriously to repent, and to fly from their sins with greater detestation, when they see these miserable effects that follow them. If our heavenly father, when we grievously offend, should cocker us, and show no sign of his displeasure, or being somewhat offended, should presently be reconciled us; we finding no bitterness neither of Gods anger, nor of affliction, which might cause us to distaste the sweet pleasures of sin, would never soundly and seriously repent of them: but when we apprehend his heavy displeasure, and cannot with much entreaty be assured of reconciliation; when we feel the smart of sharp afflictions, and can by no means find ease, then we call our sins to remembrance, and are grieved at the heart that we have committed them; then we hate and detest them, as being the fountain from which do flow these waters of bitterness; and then we resolve with our selves, that if our heavenly father will but this once forgive, and be reconciled unto us: if he will but cause the wonted beams of his favour to shine upon us, and ease us of the heavy burden of our afflictions, we will never again be persuaded so by our sins to provoke his displeasure, though all the profit, pleasures, and preferment of the world were offered unto us.