ON HOSEA XIV. -- VERSES 5 -7. 215 science we make of fruitfulness, the more way do we make for peace ; when the waters of lust are sunk, the dove will quickly bring an olive- branch in : and the more the peace of God rules in the heart, the more will it strengthen the conscience and care of obedience, out of these considerations; 1. Out of thankfulness for so great a blessing; 2. Out of fear to forfeit it ; 3. Out of wisdom to improve and in- crease it. [5.] He promiseth that his church shall be as the smell of Lebanon, and that the scent of it shall be as the wine of Lebanon, as elsewhere we find her compared to a garden of spices, Cant. iv. 12 -14. she shall be filled with the sweet savour of the gospel of Christ. Thanks be unto God," saith the apostle, " which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place, for we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ," 2 Cor. ii. 14, 15. where there are two metaphors, one of a sweet ointment, the other of a triumph. The name of Christ is compared to an ointment, Cant. i. 3. and preaching of the gospel, which is making manifest the savour of this ointment, and is called the bearing of Christ's name, Acts ix. 15. Now, this sweet sa- vour is annexed unto a triumphal solemnity, because in all times of public joy, they were wont to anoint themselves with sweet oil, which is therefore called, " The oil of gladness," Psa. xlv. 7, 8. Isa. lxi. 3. For in times of mourning they did abstain from sweet ointments, 2 Sam. xiv. 2. Dan. x. 2, 3. The gospel therefore being a message of great joy, Luke ii. 13. a leading captivity captive, and the means whereby Christ rideth forth gloriously, conquering and to con- quer, Psa. xlv. 3, 4. cx. 2. Rev. vi. 2. therefore they who brought these good tidings, are said to be as a
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