A69234:925
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 first sin whereof he accuseth them is, that there 1was no truth in the land: in which respect, if we examine the state of men in these days, we shall find that there is but too great similitude between us and them For may we not in our times, and in our land, take up the complaint of the Prophet, that there is no truth? may we not justly say of these times, as the Prophet Isaiah of his, namely, that truth is fallen in the street, and that it so faileth, that he who refraineth from evil maketh himself a pray? Esa. 59. 14. 15. For that we 2may come to particulars: where are those simple hearted ⟨p. 69⟩Nathaniels, in whom there is no guile? how small is the number 3of those faithful men, who speak the truth from their harts? where almost shall a man find, that integrity, simplicity, and uprightness of heart, which is in so many places of the Scriptures commended unto us, both by precept and by example? Nay, rather is not this simplicity so much hated, that even the name it self is had in reproach? for a simple man and a fool are commonly used in the same signification: and contrariwise he is reputed most wise, who is most deceitful, double hearted, and void of truth. Is not every where the serpentine subtlety in great request, & in the mean while the simplicity of the Dove, not only contemned, but also derided, as if it were sottish folly? is it not a chief point of policy in our days to pretend one thing, and intend another? to dissemble hatred with lying lips, and Judas-like to betray under colour of kissing and embracing? by all which it clearly appeareth, that there is no truth, that is, no simplicity nor sincerity in the hearts of men.
The first sinne whereof he accuseth them is, that there 1was no truth in the land: in which respect, if vvee examine the state of men in these dayes, wee shall finde that there is but too great similitude betweene vs and them For may we not in our times, and in our land, take vp the complaint of the Prophet, that there is no truth? may we not justly say of these times, as the Prophet Esay of his, namely, that truth is fallen in the streete, and that it so faileth, that he who refraineth from euill maketh himselfe a pray?