ON HOSEA XIV.- VERSES 2, 3. 85 discouragements, not only from enemies, but from friends and disciples : Judas betrays him, Peter denies him, his disciples sleep, his kinsfolks stand afar off, yet he doth not look back from a cross to a crown ; and though he be tempted to come down from the cross, yet he stays it out, that he might love, and save us to the uttermost; but we no sooner out of Egypt and Sodom, but we have hankering affections to return, at the least to look backwards again. We engage ourselves to be ruled by the word of the Lord, as the Jews did, Jer. xlii. 5, 6. and with them, Jer. xliii. 2. when we know his word, cavil against it, and shrink away from our own resolutions. O how should this humble us, and make us vile in our own eyes ! God is exceedingly angry with the breach of but human covenants, Jer. xxxiv. 18. Ezek. xvii. 18. how much more with the breach of holy covenants between himself and us ! and threateneth severely to revenge the quarrel of his covenant, Lev. vi. 25. and so doubtless he now doth, and will do still, except we take a penitent revenge upon ourselves for it. And therefore, - 4. Having entered into covenant we should use double diligence in our performance of it, quickening and stirring up ourselves thereunto. (1.) By the consideration of the stability of his covenant with us, even the " sure mercies of David," Isa. liv. S, 9. lv. 3. To break faith with a false per- son were a fault, but to deceive Him that never fails nor forsakes us, increaseth both the guilt and the unkindness. (2.) By consideration of his continued and renewed mercies. If he were a wilderness unto us, there might be some colour to make us repent of our bargain, and to look out for a better service. But it H
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