of_o the_o abstruse_a depth_n and_o obscure_a difficulty_n thereof_o it_o do_v as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o explanation_n in_o handle_v whereof_o i_o have_v chief_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o text_n from_o all_o obscurity_n and_o have_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v the_o hide_a treasure_n therein_o contain_v to_o communicate_v and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o enrich_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o by_o their_o read_n and_o meditation_n the_o which_o my_o labour_n i_o desire_v shall_v come_v forth_o into_o public_a view_n under_o your_o lordship_n patronage_n and_o protection_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o great_a love_n which_o you_o have_v show_v to_o learning_n and_o religion_n even_o from_o your_o tender_a youth_n for_o howsoever_o you_o be_v descend_v of_o a_o noble_a house_n and_o from_o parent_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o worship_n yet_o you_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o scholar_n life_n and_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o howsoever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o calling_n most_o honourable_a and_o best_a replenish_v with_o happy_a contentment_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o contemn_a and_o under_o value_v by_o the_o world_n &_o worldly_a man_n that_o many_o much_o your_o inferior_n both_o in_o birth_n and_o mean_n do_v think_v this_o profession_n a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o their_o state_n and_o credit_n the_o which_o also_o will_v have_v discourage_v you_o from_o enter_v into_o this_o call_n have_v you_o not_o with_o eye_n spiritual_o enlighten_v behold_v the_o inward_a dignity_n and_o glory_n thereof_o through_o the_o ragged_a veil_n of_o worldly_a contempt_n and_o as_o your_o love_n to_o learning_n move_v you_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o profession_n so_o the_o same_o love_n incite_v you_o to_o take_v such_o extraordinary_a pain_n in_o your_o study_n that_o i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o my_o own_o knowledge_n be_v a_o poor_a member_n of_o that_o college_n whereof_o you_o be_v once_o a_o chief_a ornament_n that_o scarce_o any_o of_o the_o poor_a scholar_n who_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n but_o learning_n to_o advance_v either_o state_n or_o credit_n do_v go_v before_o you_o in_o unwearied_a pain_n and_o industrious_a labour_n the_o which_o your_o diligent_a study_n the_o lord_n so_o prosper_v with_o his_o blessing_n that_o the_o plentiful_a harvest_n answer_v and_o surmount_v the_o great_a expectation_n which_o can_v be_v have_v of_o such_o a_o hopeful_a seed_n time_n insomuch_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a university_n you_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o great_a honour_n which_o it_o can_v yield_v unto_o any_o before_o the_o ordinary_a time_n which_o you_o prevent_v not_o only_o by_o nobleness_n of_o birth_n but_o also_o through_o sufficiency_n and_o desert_n and_o since_o have_v be_v think_v the_o meet_a by_o our_o sovereign_a king_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o those_o gift_n wherein_o himself_o excel_v to_o be_v his_o assistant_n in_o his_o most_o learned_a study_n and_o after_o manifold_a experience_n of_o your_o great_a sufficiency_n to_o be_v advance_v unto_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a preferment_n which_o our_o land_n afford_v to_o those_o who_o gift_n be_v of_o great_a eminency_n whereby_o you_o who_o have_v always_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o learning_n be_v now_o enable_v to_o be_v a_o chief_a patron_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o all_o which_o i_o now_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n not_o in_o base_a flattery_n which_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n know_v my_o soul_n detest_v nor_o to_o angle_v your_o affection_n by_o cast_v before_o you_o the_o bait_n of_o your_o own_o praise_n but_o rather_o to_o admonish_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n towards_o god_n which_o worldly_a prosperity_n cause_v we_o too_o often_o to_o forget_v namely_o that_o with_o your_o whole_a endeavour_n you_o seek_v to_o honour_v he_o who_o have_v thus_o high_o honour_v you_o and_o to_o employ_v those_o rich_a talent_n of_o learning_n authority_n honour_n and_o favour_n with_o your_o sovereign_n which_o your_o great_a master_n have_v bestow_v on_o you_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n over_o a_o part_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o make_v a_o steward_n and_o overseer_n otherwise_o howsoever_o these_o gift_n may_v adorn_v you_o in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o worldly_a man_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o profit_v you_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o rather_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o receipt_n will_v enlarge_v the_o bill_n of_o your_o account_n in_o that_o great_a and_o last_o audit_n which_o you_o must_v make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n more_o especial_o i_o entreat_v your_o lordship_n to_o labour_n that_o in_o all_o place_n where_o you_o have_v any_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a preach_v of_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a sword_n and_o sceptre_n of_o his_o kingdom_n whereby_o he_o reign_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o plant_v under_o you_o a_o godly_a learned_a and_o faithful_a ministry_n who_o may_v instruct_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o countenance_n and_o patronize_v they_o be_v place_v against_o wicked_a atheist_n profane_a worldling_n and_o idolatrous_a papist_n that_o so_o under_o the_o shade_n of_o your_o protection_n they_o may_v comfortable_o persist_v in_o the_o painful_a work_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o be_v shelter_v from_o the_o scorch_a fury_n of_o all_o opposer_n so_o shall_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v his_o mercy_n more_o and_o more_o towards_o you_o perpetuate_v unto_o you_o a_o honourable_a name_n and_o memory_n among_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o this_o life_n present_a and_o crown_v you_o with_o endless_a glory_n and_o immortality_n among_o his_o holy_a saint_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v your_o lordship_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v command_v john_n downame_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n christian_n reader_n although_o the_o world_n be_v already_o so_o full_a of_o book_n that_o a_o man_n may_v spend_v his_o whole_a time_n in_o read_v title_n and_o inscription_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o few_o among_o this_o multitude_n in_o our_o english_a tongue_n which_o contain_v sound_a exposition_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o directory_n of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o general_n think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v better_o spend_v his_o labour_n then_o in_o expound_v and_o clear_n these_o holy_a and_o hide_a mystery_n so_o more_o particular_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o profitable_a and_o acceptable_a labour_n to_o explain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o hosea_n which_o as_o it_o be_v exceed_o obscure_a and_o not_o by_o any_o that_o i_o know_v of_o expound_v in_o our_o tongue_n so_o also_o when_o it_o be_v understand_v most_o excellent_a and_o of_o singular_a use_n for_o these_o time_n and_o therefore_o rely_v myself_o upon_o god_n assistance_n i_o have_v undertake_v this_o hard_a task_n and_o by_o his_o blessing_n have_v already_o proceed_v unto_o the_o five_o chapter_n in_o handle_v whereof_o i_o have_v chief_o labour_v to_o clear_v this_o scripture_n from_o all_o obscurity_n and_o then_o to_o inform_v the_o reader_n judgement_n by_o such_o instruction_n as_o natural_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o reform_v his_o affection_n life_n and_o conversation_n by_o make_v thereof_o use_v and_o application_n the_o which_o my_o labour_n i_o may_v true_o say_v i_o only_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o own_o private_a charge_n and_o never_o think_v of_o make_v they_o public_a by_o the_o press_n till_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o three_o first_o chapter_n when_o as_o be_v persuade_v by_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n to_o set_v they_o out_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o i_o begin_v to_o resolve_v upon_o this_o course_n yet_o with_o a_o purpose_n not_o to_o diwlge_v any_o part_n till_o the_o whole_a be_v finish_v but_o he_o who_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o print_v this_o book_n herein_o overrule_v i_o persuade_v i_o to_o publish_v my_o reading_n upon_o these_o chapter_n first_o for_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o rest_n unto_o which_o motion_n i_o have_v condescend_v with_o a_o purpose_n to_o take_v the_o like_a pain_n in_o those_o chapter_n which_o remain_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n if_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n perceive_v that_o this_o part_n find_v good_a acceptation_n and_o shall_v be_v think_v profitable_a by_o
those_o who_o be_v of_o better_a judgement_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n which_o my_o desire_n be_v shall_v be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o my_o labour_n which_o that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o perform_v i_o entreat_v that_o as_o i_o endeavour_n to_o benefit_v thou_o with_o my_o pain_n and_o study_n so_o thou_o will_v assist_v i_o with_o thy_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o help_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o these_o my_o endeavour_n who_o only_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o expound_v that_o which_o be_v first_o preach_v and_o write_v by_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n i._n d._n fault_n escape_v pag._n 18._o lin_v 35._o read_v forename_n pag._n 31._o in_o mark_fw-mi r._n take_v unto_o thou_o p._n 32._o l._n 33._o r._n who_o be_v to_o be_v p._n 33._o l._n 2._o r._n god_n severe_a ibid._n l._n 15._o such_o a_o holy_a and_o high_a call_n p._n 35._o l._n 14._o r._n eat_v a_o roll_n p._n 40._o l._n 36._o r._n turn_v unto_o he_o p._n 97._o in_o 2._o alph._n l._n 13._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lectures_fw-fr upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hosea_n the_o preface_n or_o introduction_n before_o i_o come_v to_o expound_v this_o our_o prophet_n i_o will_v prefix_v somewhat_o great_a why_o the_o 12._o prophet_n be_v call_v the_o lesser_a the_o other_o four_o the_o great_a both_o concern_v the_o twelve_o prophet_n of_o which_o this_o our_o prophet_n be_v one_o and_o also_o concern_v the_o prophet_n himself_o in_o general_a concern_v the_o former_a we_o will_v consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n why_o they_o be_v call_v the_o small_a or_o lesser_a prophet_n the_o other_o four_o the_o great_a not_o because_o the_o other_o be_v before_o they_o in_o time_n for_o this_o our_o prophet_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v the_o precedence_n of_o they_o all_o as_o afterward_o shall_v appear_v nor_o yet_o because_o they_o excel_v they_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n for_o in_o these_o respect_n also_o this_o our_o prophet_n give_v place_n to_o none_o of_o the_o great_a but_o because_o the_o book_n contain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o other_o four_o be_v much_o more_o large_a than_o these_o which_o contain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o these_o twelve_o and_o therefore_o because_o the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o their_o length_n and_o greatness_n but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o contain_v we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v less_o account_n of_o the_o short_a then_o of_o the_o long_a nor_o of_o the_o small_a prophet_n then_o of_o the_o great_a in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v why_o all_o these_o twelve_o volume_n why_o these_o be_v join_v in_o one_o volume_n be_v original_o join_v in_o one_o book_n or_o volume_n not_o because_o they_o live_v prophesy_v and_o write_v in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o so_o join_v their_o work_n together_o for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v the_o first_o some_o the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n who_o writing_n be_v extant_a some_o before_o some_z in_o and_o some_o after_o the_o captivity_n but_o by_o god_n all-ruling_a providence_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v write_v in_o diverse_a age_n and_o scatter_v in_o diverse_a book_n shall_v afterward_o be_v collect_v into_o one_o volume_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o preserve_v from_o lose_v and_o perish_v to_o which_o danger_n they_o will_v have_v be_v more_o expose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v sever_v and_o scatter_v where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v god_n vigilant_a care_n in_o preserve_v all_o the_o writing_n of_o his_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v but_o a_o slender_a argument_n for_o their_o tradition_n when_o as_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o be_v invent_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v lose_v and_o perish_v the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o be_v the_o several_a people_n unto_o which_o these_o prophet_n prophesy_v for_o some_o prophesy_v prophesy_v unto_o what_o people_n the_o several_a prophet_n prophesy_v to_o the_o israelite_n namely_o hosea_n joel_n amos_n micheas_n some_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o zophonias_n haggeus_n zacharias_n malachias_n some_o to_o the_o gentile_n as_o jonas_n and_o nahum_n to_o the_o ninivites_fw-la habacuc_fw-la to_o the_o babylonian_n abdias_n to_o the_o edomite_n the_o which_o consideration_n be_v very_o profitable_a as_o bring_v great_a light_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prophecy_n the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v consider_v be_v the_o general_a subject_n prophecy_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o prophecy_n or_o matter_n which_o the_o prophet_n handle_n the_o which_o be_v partly_o legal_a and_o partly_o evangelicall_a for_o that_o which_o be_v brief_o and_o somewhat_o dark_o set_v down_o by_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n be_v enlarge_v and_o expound_v by_o the_o prophet_n first_o therefore_o they_o contain_v holy_a precept_n prescribe_v by_o god_n for_o the_o guide_n and_o direct_v of_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v gracious_a promise_n of_o both_o outward_a temporal_a and_o also_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a benefit_n to_o those_o that_o yield_v obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o neither_o will_v the_o lord_n have_v man_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o nought_o nor_o yet_o bestow_v his_o benefit_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v he_o their_o service_n and_o therefore_o as_o on_o his_o part_n he_o promise_v his_o grace_n and_o benefit_n so_o he_o require_v that_o those_o upon_o who_o he_o bestow_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o it_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n second_o they_o contain_v reprehension_n and_o severe_a threaten_n of_o grievous_a punishment_n against_o the_o transgressor_n of_o these_o holy_a precept_n and_o that_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a three_o there_o be_v intermix_v with_o these_o threaten_n of_o common_a calamity_n special_a consolation_n for_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o integrity_n and_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o universal_a deluge_n of_o wickedness_n which_o overflow_v the_o land_n last_o they_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n both_o of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o prophet_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n in_o who_o notwithstanding_o their_o imperfection_n and_o want_n in_o their_o legal_a obedience_n they_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o eternal_o save_v and_o these_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n matter_n and_o scope_n of_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o prophet_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v these_o moses_n expound_v these_o thing_n brief_o and_o dark_o these_o more_o large_o and_o plain_o as_o be_v exposition_n of_o he_o moses_n set_v down_o both_o the_o threaten_n &_o the_o promise_n general_o and_o indefinite_o without_o limitation_n of_o punishment_n person_n time_n or_o place_n the_o prophet_n special_o determine_v these_o circumstance_n set_v down_o the_o particular_a punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o place_n where_o moses_n general_o and_o obscure_o promise_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v say_v that_o a_o prophet_n shall_v be_v raise_v by_o god_n from_o among_o the_o people_n like_v unto_o himself_o etc._n etc._n deut._n 18._o 18._o the_o prophet_n particular_o describe_v he_o what_o kind_n of_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v namely_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n in_o bethlem_n of_o jury_n how_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o much_o in_o general_a of_o these_o twelve_o prophet_n now_o we_o will_v add_v something_o of_o this_o our_o prophet_n hosea_n and_o authentical_a that_o hoseahs_n prophecy_n be_v authentical_a first_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o by_o his_o commandment_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n first_o because_o it_o be_v cite_v and_o allege_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o by_o they_o approve_v for_o canonical_a scripture_n
so_o matth._n 2._o 15._o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n speak_v by_o hosea_n chap._n 11._o 1._o matth._n 14._o matth._n 2._o 15._o hos_fw-la 11._o 1._o matth._n 9_o 13._o hos_fw-la 6._o 6._o rom._n 9_o 25._o hos_fw-la 2._o 23._o 1._o cor._n 15._o 55._o hos_fw-la 13._o 14._o 9_o 13._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v speak_v by_o hosea_n chap._n 6._o 6._o rom._n 9_o 25._o as_o he_o say_v also_o in_o hosea_n i_o will_v call_v they_o my_o people_n which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n etc._n etc._n hose_n 2._o 23._o 1._o cor._n 15._o 55._o o_o death_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o death_n o_o grave_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n hos_fw-la 13._o 14._o second_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v sufficient_o approve_a by_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o it_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n and_o a_o infallible_a note_n to_o distinguish_v true_a prophecy_n from_o those_o which_o be_v false_a deut._n 18._o 21_o 22._o 22_o deut._n 18._o 21_o 22_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o prophesy_v but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o prophecy_n last_o we_o be_v to_o set_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o prophecy_n which_o consist_v in_o these_o point_n first_o he_o severe_o reprehend_v prophecy_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o israelite_n especial_o their_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n have_v restrain_v his_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o ten_o tribe_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la make_v choice_n of_o two_o other_o place_n dan_o and_o bethel_n for_o this_o purpose_n where_o they_o erect_v golden_a calf_n and_o other_o idol_n and_o build_v strange_a altar_n that_o they_o may_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o their_o image_n worship_n god_n in_o these_o idol_n whereas_o in_o truth_n in_o stead_n of_o god_n they_o worship_v the_o devil_n this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n the_o prophet_n sharp_o reprehend_v show_v the_o heynousnesse_n thereof_o how_o odious_a it_o be_v in_o god_n sight_n the_o miserable_a effect_n which_o it_o produce_v and_o the_o fearful_a plague_n and_o punishment_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n will_v punish_v it_o second_o he_o exhort_v and_o use_v diverse_a argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v escape_v these_o plague_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n show_v also_o how_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o god_n last_o he_o prophesi_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v expect_v he_o and_o do_v rest_n upon_o he_o for_o their_o salvation_n all_o which_o point_n be_v set_v down_o partly_o under_o shadow_n and_o type_n and_o partly_o evident_o simple_o and_o clear_o and_o so_o much_o in_o general_a of_o this_o prophecy_n now_o i_o will_v proceed_v observe_v the_o order_n in_o this_o book_n observe_v to_o the_o more_o special_a handle_n thereof_o wherein_o i_o will_v observe_v this_o order_n first_o i_o will_v brief_o set_v down_o the_o sum_n or_o main_a argument_n of_o every_o chapter_n second_o i_o will_v divide_v it_o into_o his_o general_a part_n three_o i_o will_v expound_v and_o explain_v the_o particular_a verse_n and_o last_o gather_v out_o of_o they_o such_o doctrine_n and_o use_n as_o shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n and_o shall_v be_v most_o fit_a for_o our_o instruction_n and_o edification_n let_v we_o therefore_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o chapter_n the_o chapter_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n main_a argument_n whereof_o be_v this_o after_o that_o he_o have_v prefix_v the_o inscription_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o author_n of_o this_o prophecy_n his_o call_n from_o god_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o prophesy_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o hearer_n and_o reader_n more_o attenttive_a he_o accuse_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o namely_o of_o their_o grievous_a idolatry_n under_o the_o type_n of_o a_o infamous_a harlot_n and_o her_o adulterous_a issue_n set_v down_o withal_o commination_n of_o heavy_a judgement_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v short_o execute_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n to_o which_o he_o adjoin_v a_o singular_a consolation_n to_o the_o faithful_a that_o notwithstanding_o the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o rebellious_a people_n the_o lord_n will_v show_v himself_o constant_a in_o his_o promise_n which_o he_o make_v to_o their_o forefather_n and_o will_v multiply_v their_o spiritual_a seed_n in_o great_a number_n make_v they_o not_o only_o his_o people_n but_o also_o his_o son_n and_o child_n and_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n out_o of_o which_o we_o chapter_n the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n may_v gather_v the_o several_a part_n thereof_o which_o be_v two_o first_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o prophecy_n verse_n 1_o and_o second_o the_o prophecy_n itself_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o which_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n first_o legal_a commination_n second_o evangelicall_a consolation_n in_o the_o commination_n be_v set_v down_o first_o the_o sin_n vers_fw-la 2_o 3._o and_o second_o the_o punishment_n vers_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o 8_o 9_o the_o consolation_n be_v first_o proper_a to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o second_o common_a to_o judah_n and_o israel_n vers_fw-la 10_o 11._o the_o inscription_n be_v set_v down_o verse_n 1._o the_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n 1_o lord_n which_o come_v to_o hosea_n the_o son_n of_o beeri_n in_o the_o day_n of_o vzzia_n jothan_n ahaz_n and_o hezechia_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la the_o son_n of_o joash_n king_n of_o israel_n this_o inscription_n be_v prefix_v for_o these_o end_n first_o to_o make_v the_o hearer_n or_o reader_n attentive_a in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o hosea_n himself_o or_o of_o mortal_a man_n but_o of_o the_o everliving_a god_n second_o to_o gain_v authority_n unto_o and_o to_o show_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o the_o device_n of_o man_n utter_v after_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o reveil_v to_o hosea_n and_o by_o he_o to_o all_o the_o people_n long_o before_o the_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v not_o in_o a_o uncertain_a time_n but_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o these_o king_n here_o name_v three_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v help_v and_o further_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a prophecy_n for_o know_v in_o what_o time_n and_o in_o who_o reign_n these_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v we_o may_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n read_v the_o story_n of_o those_o time_n and_o so_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n under_o the_o government_n of_o these_o king_n which_o will_v give_v no_o small_a light_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o these_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a inscription_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o wherein_o be_v contain_v four_o thing_n first_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o prophecy_n namely_o jehovah_n second_o the_o matter_n or_o main_a argument_n thereof_o that_o be_v god_n word_n three_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n by_o who_o this_o word_n be_v deliver_v to_o wit_n hosea_n the_o prophet_n last_o the_o time_n of_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o prophecy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o these_o king_n concern_v the_o first_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o prophecy_n prophecy_n the_o author_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v jehovah_n who_o have_v his_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o give_v be_v to_o all_o creature_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v we_o attentive_o to_o hear_v and_o dutiful_o to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n both_o in_o flee_v the_o vice_n therein_o condemn_v and_o practise_v and_o perform_v the_o duty_n therein_o commend_v and_o command_v unto_o us._n for_o it_o be_v jehovah_n who_o speak_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o his_o word_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o obey_v as_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o guide_v and_o rule_v us._n achitophel_n 23._o 2._o sam._n 16._o 23._o word_n be_v receive_v as_o oracle_n because_o he_o be_v wise_a though_o his_o wisdom_n be_v mingle_v with_o sin_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v with_o foolishness_n how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v we_o to_o hearken_v to_o god_n himself_o speak_v unto_o we_o who_o
wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o most_o perfect_a it_o be_v jehovah_n that_o speak_v who_o have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o and_o therefore_o be_v eternal_a so_o that_o he_o everlive_v to_o reward_v the_o obedient_a and_o punish_v the_o rebellious_a it_o be_v jehovah_n who_o be_v immutable_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o fault_n which_o he_o dislike_v among_o the_o people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o hosea_n he_o mislike_v also_o now_o the_o same_o duty_n he_o require_v of_o they_o he_o require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o than_o he_o multiply_v his_o mercy_n upon_o they_o who_o hear_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o his_o judgement_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v rebellious_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o sin_n so_o have_v he_o now_o also_o the_o like_a mercy_n and_o judgement_n in_o store_n for_o they_o who_o either_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o word_n or_o wilful_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v it_o it_o be_v jehovah_n who_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a and_o therefore_o be_v a_o eyewitnesse_n and_o beholder_n of_o all_o our_o action_n yea_o of_o our_o secret_a thought_n and_o intention_n so_o that_o he_o take_v a_o special_a view_n both_o of_o our_o obedience_n to_o reward_v it_o and_o of_o our_o disobedience_n to_o punish_v it_o if_o a_o just_a judge_n shall_v always_o look_v upon_o the_o action_n of_o a_o malefactor_n it_o will_v restrain_v he_o from_o his_o wickedness_n because_o he_o that_o see_v he_o have_v power_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o punish_v he_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v always_o behold_v the_o service_n of_o his_o subject_n he_o will_v perform_v his_o duty_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o chearefulnes_n in_o hope_n of_o reward_n but_o our_o powerful_a judge_n look_v on_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o offend_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n our_o gracious_a king_n behold_v our_o service_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o obey_v his_o word_n with_o cheerful_a diligence_n assure_v ourselves_o yâ—_z he_o will_v not_o send_v we_o away_o empty_a hand_a it_o be_v jehovah_n that_o speak_v who_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o omnisufficient_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o neglect_v his_o word_n be_v we_o never_o so_o mighty_a and_o sufficient_a to_o reward_v we_o and_o to_o protect_v we_o from_o all_o enemy_n and_o other_o danger_n if_o we_o harken_v unto_o it_o and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v jehovah_n who_o be_v not_o only_o in_o himself_o infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o the_o chief_a goodness_n but_o also_o do_v communicate_v this_o his_o goodness_n unto_o his_o creature_n for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act._n 1728._o he_o have_v create_v we_o of_o nothing_o and_o redeem_v we_o when_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o 28._o act_n 17._o 28._o nothing_o he_o have_v give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o do_v preserve_v we_o that_o we_o may_v continue_v to_o be_v multiply_v upon_o we_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o health_n strength_n and_o welfare_n and_o when_o notwithstanding_o we_o make_v the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v to_o be_v in_o endless_a misery_n he_o have_v procure_v and_o provide_v for_o we_o by_o the_o price_n of_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o best_a belove_a a_o eternal_a be_v in_o joy_n and_o happiness_n see_v therefore_o jehovah_n be_v our_o lord_n by_o a_o treble_a right_n both_o because_o he_o have_v create_v and_o give_v unto_o we_o our_o be_v and_o have_v redeem_v we_o that_o we_o may_v ever_o be_v in_o happiness_n and_o provide_v all_o thing_n for_o we_o needful_a at_o his_o proper_a charge_n protect_v we_o from_o all_o enemy_n and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n therefore_o let_v we_o attentive_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o diligent_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o he_o injoin_v us._n last_o it_o be_v jehovah_n that_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o prophecy_n who_o as_o he_o have_v his_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o give_v be_v 3._o exod._n 6._o 3._o to_o all_o his_o creature_n so_o especial_o to_o his_o word_n and_o that_o both_o to_o his_o promise_n and_o also_o to_o his_o threaten_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v perform_v obedience_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n therein_o contain_v but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o they_o nor_o submit_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a obedience_n to_o walk_v in_o they_o but_o cast_v they_o behind_o our_o back_n and_o wilful_o go_v forward_o in_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o this_o book_n be_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v then_o shall_v all_o those_o plague_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v therein_o threaten_v fall_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o true_a of_o his_o word_n and_o immutable_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o mercy_n &_o judgement_n unto_o all_o man_n &_o in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o principal_a cause_n &_o chief_a author_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o lord_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prophecy_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n speech_n or_o prophecy_n reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n and_o this_o matter_n or_o argument_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o prophet_n yea_o to_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v usual_o prefix_v and_o often_o repeat_v in_o their_o writing_n but_o in_o diverse_a phrase_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o vision_n of_o isaiah_n the_o burden_n which_o habacuc_n do_v see_v etc._n etc._n which_o all_o signify_v the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n save_v that_o the_o word_n respect_v the_o speaker_n vision_n the_o hearer_n and_o burden_n signify_v the_o denunciation_n of_o some_o heavy_a punishment_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o prophet_n prefix_v these_o phrase_n be_v that_o they_o may_v gain_v authority_n to_o their_o speech_n and_o move_v their_o hearer_n and_o reader_n to_o reverence_n &_o attention_n and_o unto_o holy_a obedience_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o deliver_v because_o they_o come_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o have_v his_o ambassage_n put_v into_o their_o mouth_n they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o invention_n but_o the_o pure_a and_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n do_v the_o apostle_n likewise_o show_v their_o call_n from_o god_n &_o that_o they_o speak_v not_o their_o own_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o rom._n 1._o 1._o paul_n a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n 1._o rom._n 1._o 1._o christ_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n put_v apart_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n gal._n 1._o 1._o paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n neither_o by_o man_n but_o 1._o gal._n 1._o 1._o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n and_o verse_n 11._o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v be_v not_o of_o man_n nor_o receive_v nor_o teach_v of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o the_o apostle_n john_n 1._o epist_n 1._o 1._o that_o which_o be_v from_o 1._o 1._o john_n 1._o 1._o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v etc._n etc._n that_o declare_v we_o unto_o you_o and_o apoc._n 1._o 1._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n 1._o apoc_fw-la 1._o 1._o the_o doctrine_n which_o herehence_a we_o learn_v be_v diverse_a first_o sinner_n god_n mercy_n in_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n we_o may_v observe_v the_o endless_a and_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v just_o provoke_v to_o wrath_n against_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n do_v not_o sudden_o pour_v forth_o his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o give_v long_a time_n of_o repentance_n and_o because_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o overtake_v of_o his_o plague_n send_v his_o prophet_n to_o allure_v they_o to_o obedience_n by_o gracious_a promise_n and_o to_o terrify_v they_o from_o sininng_a by_o denounce_v heavy_a judgement_n and_o thus_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o the_o israelite_n in_o this_o place_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a mercy_n have_v he_o a_o long_a time_n show_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v further_o gather_v that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o send_v his_o prophet_n and_o vouchsafe_v his_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n he_o have_v not_o utter_o reject_v they_o nor_o shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n against_o they_o for_o to_o this_o end_n he_o call_v they_o by_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n because_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v