Hos. 4:1-5 Hosea reproves for immorality, as well as idolatry. Ther was no truth, mercy, or knowledge of God in the land: it was full of murders, II Kin. 21:16. Therefore calamities were near, which woul desolate the country. Our sins, as separate persons, as a family, as neighbourhood, as a nation, cause the Lord to have a controversy with us; let us submit and humble ourselves before Him, that he may not go on to destroy.

Hos. 4:6-11 Both priests and people rejected knowledge; God will justl reject them. They forgot the law of God, neither desired no endeavoured to retain it in mind, and to transmit the remembrance to their posterity; therefore God will justly forget them and their children. If we dishonour God with that which is our honour, it will sooner or later, be turned into shame to us. Instead of warning the people against sin, from the consideration of the sacrifices, whic showed what an offence sin was to God, since it needed an atonement the priests encouraged the people to sin, since atonement might be mad at so small an expense. It is very wicked to be pleased with the sin of others, because they may turn to our advantage. What is unlawfull gained, cannot be comfortably used. The people and the priests hardene one another in sin; therefore justly shall they share in the punishment. Sharers in sin must expect to share in ruin. Any lus harboured in the heart, in time will eat out all its strength an vigour. That is the reason why many professors grow so heavy, so dull so dead in the way of religion. They have a liking for some secre lust, which takes away their hearts.

Hos. 4:12-19 The people consulted images, and not the Divine word. Thi would lead to disorder and sin. Thus men prepare scourges for themselves, and vice is spread through a people. Let not Judah com near the idolatrous worship of Israel. For Israel was devoted to idols and must now be let alone. When sinners cast off the easy yoke of Christ, they go on in sin till the Lord saith, Let them alone. The they receive no more warnings, feel no more convictions: Satan take full possession of them, and they ripen for destruction. It is a sad and sore judgment for any man to be let alone in sin. Those who are no disturbed in their sin, will be destroyed for their sin. May we be kep from this awful state; for the wrath of God, like a strong tempest will soon hurry impenitent sinners into ruin __________________________________________________________________

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