The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1899-06-29
GRACIOUS INVITATIONS
International Sunday scheel Lessos
for July 2, 1s08-Text. Hosea
lptl.0-Memory Verses 4-7.

Iater,atio.al Sunday scheel Lessos
for July 2, 1s08-Text. Hosea
lpn.0eMemory Verses 4-7.
Especially Adapted from Peloubet's Notes.l
GOLDEN TEXT.-Come. and let US re-
turn unto the Lord.-Ho. 81.
READ the whole book Of Hosea
PLACE IN BIBLE HISTORY.-2 Kings.
Chaps. Is. l6. II: Chron.. Chaps. 26, q. 2S
CONTEMPORARY PROPHETS.-Amos.
Belonging to Judah. but prophesying In
Israel. Isaiah. Prophesying in Judah.
SECULAR HISTORY.-During Hosea's
ministry authentic history began in Greece
with the Olympiads. B. c. 776. Rome was
nant. overshadowing power during Hosea's
life. and was the instrument Of the execu-
ton Of the Divine warnings.
EXPLANATORY.
The Mission Of the Prophet Hosea
Hosea had fallen upon evil times. and
his mission was to make them better.
Like Elisha at the bitter fountain of
Jericho, he was to cast the salt of right
eousness into the polluted social and
religious fountains Of Israers life, and
restore the waters to health. The
Prophet Amos preceded Hosea His
message was one Of denunciation Of
sin. Of "Woe unto you," Of punishment,
OF warning. It was Of Divine justice.
The Prophet Hosea follows him with
n new motive, the mightiest that can
be brought to bear upon the heart Of
man-the love of God, the deepest, ten
derest. strongest love possible. ITO
Amos proposition God is Justice Ho-
sea adds, God is Love-"
l. uosea's Personal Experience Makes
Him u Living. Visible Sermon on the
Power Of Love to Conquer Sin.-Chaps.
1-3.
II. Hosea's Appeals and Warnings
Chaps. 3-l4. He shows how the people
are decnying morally, and as natural
result politically.
III. A Vision Of the Past.-Chnp. II.
The warnings and woes against sin are
interrupted by two visions; one OF the
past, chap. II, and one of future possi-
bilities, chap. IA.
". The Vision Of Hope.-I4:Ip.
First. The Prophets Appeal Tvs. l, 81.
v. l. Return" like the prodigal son.
after his bitter experiences. unto the
Lord thy Gods" whose child you are.
to whom you owe allegiance, gratitude.
love, obedience. 'For thou hast fallen
by thine iniquity:" Again like the
prodigal son. They had found "what
an evil and bitter thing" It is to forsake
Jehovah their God (Jer. 2:19). v. 2.
Take with you words" Express your
feelings OF repentance; make public
confession Of sin, SO that your penitence
may be known as widely rs the sin;
put your vows and promises on record;
as It were, sign a pledge. Such things
arc the natural accompaniments of true
repentance. "And turns" r. ". re-
turn. to the Lord. This is the new birth
OF John 3:3, T. It is, and always has
been, the essential condition of saliva
ton.
Second. The Penitent's Prayer and
Confession w. 3, 81. 'Taks away all
iniquity." BY free forgiveness, and by
taking away the sinful nature. "So
will we render the calves Of our lips: t"
The calves, or bullocks, were the larger
sacrifices Of their ritual. Their vows,
their praises, their expressions Of love,
their confessions and promises were
their true offerings to God. Compare
lisa. ss:5-14. va. "Assur, Assyria, shall
not save us:" They will no longer turn
to Assyria for help, as they had done
before (s:13; 7:11; s:o). For In thee
the fatherless:" Io-Ruhamah" OF
chaps. 1 and 2. "tindeth mercy" (Com-
pare John 1919. I will not leave you
"comfortless," Greek, "orphans."
Third. The Lord Speaks In Reply Tvs.
+-6). v. 5. II will be as the dew:"
Rather, as the night mist, 1. e., the
masses Of vapor brought by the damp
westerly winds of summer. The baleful
effects Of the sirocco ore often felt in
Palestine during the rainless heat of
summer, but by the beautiful provi-
sion Of night-mist all hardy forms OF
vegetable life are preserved. - Cam
bridge Bible "Grow:" blossom. "as
the lily:" in glorious beauty and pro-
fusion. VI Q. What beautiful picture
this is Of the kingdom Of God ON earth |;
the ideal which every Christian church
should seek to realize more fully.
Fourth. The Prophet Pictures Israel
Under the Fulfilment of this Promise.
v. 7. They that dwell under his,
Isrears, shadow" The people Of Is.
rael. "Shall return:" Revive as the
bare branches revive In the springtime,
Shall grow, blossom, "ns the vine:
<.udful and fruitful.
Fifth. Repentant Israel Speaks. v.
q What have to do any more with
2D6r Israel renounces idols forever
@. The Lord Responds. n have
i ANED lA<>>~>>AA liz