Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 14:9

9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things ? prudent, and he shall know them ? for the wayes of the LORD are right , and the just shall walk in them : but the transgressors shall fall therein .

Though not many wise, yet some methinks, now of those few who is there that will consider what sins God complains of, and threatens to punish in his people, what sins God forbad them, so much as once to commit and p[illegible: 1 letter]remptorily commanded them to turn from when once committed; what duties he required, what promises he proposed, what patience he used toward them, while any hope of their amendment, what severity upon their incorrigible sins. Who so with any tolerable degree of wisdom will view these things, and seriously consider of them, they will understand, and know that the Prophet hath given best advice▪ and that 'tis safest course to follow it.

The same thing doubled with elegancy and to confirm the word as is usuall in Scripture.

The wayes which he would have us walk in towards him, his Law, his Ordinances of Worship, his whole doctrine which directeth our walk are all Righteous, and equal. And the wayes wherein God walketh toward us in corrections for sins committed in suspending his promises of Grace on conditions of duty, in afflicting or comforting are all righteous and very equal,

Will approve them all justifying the Righteousness of Gods displeasure, and confessing he remembreth mercy in the midst of judgment. And justifying the Righteousness of his precepts by endeavouring to observe them.

Wilful▪ obstinate, and inconsiderate sinners.

Eventually it proves so, they stumble and are offended somewhat at his precepts and commands but more at his severe judgments, they cast off the one, and vainly hope to shift off the other, till at last they fall under the weight of their own sins and Gods wrath.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. 107.43. [illegible: 1 word] 9.12. [illegible: 1 word] 12.10.