A69234:963
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 fourth sin is Stealing, whereby (as in the former) 1we are not only to understand Theft in the grosest kind, as that open and violent Theft, which is called Rapina & Latrocinium, Rapine and Robbery, or that secret and deceitful Theft, which we call Furtum, that is, pilfering and stealing; but also all manner of unlawful means, whereby our neighbour is defrauded and deprived of his goods, whether they be condemned by human Laws, or allowed and tolle rated. And this is a Tree which sendeth forth many branches: 2For either this theft is committed out of contract, or in contract: to the first we are to refer all violent and forcible courses, taken for the spoiling our neighbour of his goods. As first oppression, whereby those who excel others in power ⟨p. 83⟩3authority and riches, are ready to devour & swallow up the poor, to grind their faces, feed upon their sweat, and even drink their blood; of such we read. Isaiah 3. 14. 15. Micah. 3. 42. 3. And in this respect those oppressors are called roaring 5Lyons, and devouring Wolves. Zeph. 3. 3. And this oppression 6is committed either through mere violence, and without colour of Law, which is the usual Theft of Tyrants, and cruel Land-lords: or else when some show of Law is pretended; which is called extortion, and is the sin either of Magistrates, who make Laws for the oppression of the common wealth, who take bribes to betray the cause of the innocent, who press the extremity of the Law, and strictly stand upon the outward letter, though in respect of circumstances it be without all equity.