Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 14:2

2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD , and say unto him , take away all iniquity , and receive us graciously : so will we render the calves of our lips .

Bethink your selves what words will best set out your sins, Gods patience towards you, and your present sorrow and Repentance for sin; prepare your selves to make Confessions, Petitions, Vows, and Praises to God,

with words join deeds, let your hearts be in your words, turn, do not as the incorrigible Hypocrite.

See ver. 1. let. c.

Pray, present your Petitions to him who heareth Prayer; here is no mention of Sheep or Oxen, or any legal Sacrifices, True Repentance is required which is much better, faith and hope through the great Sacrifice, in vertue of which these Converts expect the Grace they need and seek.

This Petition for pardon of sin includes confession of it, sorrow for it, hope that God will of meer Grace forgive it, and take away the guilt, prevent the punishment, and abolish the power of sin, not of some, but of all; Sincere Converts seek full Justification, and full Sanctification.

Into thy protection, guidance, and benediction.

And this of thy meer Grace and Goodness, having taken away sin, take also graciously our persons as reconciled, and well-pleasing to thee.

This will qualifie and encourage us to give the Sacrifices which are to God much more pleasing than an Ox that hath horns and hoofs; Psal. 69.31. with these calves of our lips we will give our hearts also, for those praises of the lips are fruits of what praise the heart of the Convert first gives, and these here are signs of their heart given to God, that so they may be Spiritual Sacrifices, such as Ps. 50.13. or Heb. 13.15.

Marginal references: Or, give good.