An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth, & tenth chapters of the prophesy of Hosea being first delivered in several lectures at Michaels Cornhil, London / by Jeremiah Burroughs ; being the seventh book published by Thomas Goodwin ... [et al.]

And Judah hath multiplied fenced Cities.

Judah seeing Gods Judgments upon Israel, doth not make that use of the Judgments of God upon their bre∣thren, so as to consider their own sins, and fall down be∣fore

the Lord and be humbled in his sight, but when they saw that Gods hand was against the ten Tribes, all their care was to fortifie themselves; let us build strong Cities that we may be delivered from the miseries that are come upon our brethren; This is that which carnal hearts do, when God expects that they should be put upon humiliati∣on and repentance, and look to it and consider whether they have not the same sins among them that were among their brethren, they regarded nothing but carnal means; It's lawful to build strong Cities, to fence our selves against enemies,* 1.1 yea but we had need lay the foundation of them in humiliation and reformation, and when they are built they may not be rested in, for saith God, I will send a fire and devour them; we must not bless our selves in any strong places as if that could deliver us from the wrath of God. I have read of a City that fearing their enemies, they sent to a neighbor Prince to come and help them, and charged their Embassadors to tell him their strength they had.* 1.2 I but saith the Prince, have you got a cover to defend you from Heaven, and if not, I will not meddle with you, for you must have something to award Gods wrath from you, because you are so wicked a People, and except you have something to deliver you from that I will not assist you. So though we have strong walls, yet we must look for a co∣ver from Heaven, which is our peace with God through Je∣sus Christ.

Again,* 1.3 They have multiplied fenced Cities.] For outward safety men think they have never enough, to secure them∣selves from poverty and from their enemies, but to secure themselves from Gods wrath they think they have enough. In spiritual things we are content with a little, but when it comes to our outward security we think we can never be too safe; and indeed this will be an argument what it is that your hearts are most upon, that that you endeavor to secure your selves most in, that's your chiefest good, that that you would make most sure of, and if any thing in the

world could make you more sure you endeavor to do it: a gracious heart will never say, May I not go to Heaven though I do no more? but can there any thing more be done? doth God require any thing more of his creature? God that knows all things knows my heart is ready to do all thingt that he hath reveal'd to me, and if there were a∣ny thing more to do, Oh that I knew it that I might ful∣fill even all righteousness.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Strong places to be dedica∣ted by pra∣yet and re∣formation.
• * 1.2

  A notable story.
• * 1.3

  Obs. 1.