Ver. 3.-Divine omniscience, Uninspired teachers often act upon imperfect infor- mation, Ministers of religion take some people to be better and others to be worse than they really are. From this unavoidable infirmity of men the omniscient God is free, In dealing with a sinful soul or a sinful community he speaks and acts from a perfect knowledge; I. THE FACT OF DIVINE OMNIBOIENOE, It is incredible that there should be any bounds to Divine knowledge; yet it is scarcely to be realized by us that there should be none. See how this thought inspired the psalmist (Ps. cxx:xix.). This natural attribute of the Creator is one mode, so to speak, of his infinite perfection. IJ. THE BEARING OF THE DIVINE OMNISCIENCE UPON TllE STATE OF THE SINNER. 1. No aggravation of the sinner's guilt is hid. If Ephraim sinned against light, this was known to Jehovah; if Israel rejected the counsels of the prophets divinely sent, this was not hid from him. 2. No extenuation of the sinner's guilt is hid. The temptation to which he yields, the weakness which succumbs, the regret and remorse which follow ein,-all are known to Heaven. 3. The judgment which God passes is righteous and unquestionable. '!'here is no escape from the Divine tribunal to our own; for the voice within accords with that from above. Ill. THE PRACTICAL LESSONS OF THE DIVINE OllL.'ITSCIENOE. 1. It should lead to a full and immediate confession. God knows all, and if we do not acknowledge our sin it will not be hid from him. Whilst "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive." 2. It should lead us to watchfulness and prayer. If his eye is ever upon us, let our eyes ever be up unto him; if his ea.r is ever open, let our cry ever ascend unto him. 3. It should lead the accepted soul to constant fellowship with God. To the Christian the thought of the Divine omniscience is fraught with holy, filial, rejoicing confidence. It is not only our sins that are not hidden from him; he knows our prayers, our love, our hopes, our all.-T. Ver. 6.-Di'vine witlidrawal. When the Lord invited Israel's approach, Israel remained afar off in unbelief and impenitence. And when, in distress and anxiety, Israel drew near the Lord, it was to find that he would no !onger reveal his face or bestow his favour. I. THE OCCASION OF THE DIVINE WITHDRAWAL. The Scriptures often represent the Lord as hiding bis face, as tnming away his ear, as repenting him of the favour he bad shown, as hiding himself. Why such action? Surely this withdrawal is always and only because of human sin. Whilst his subjects are loyal, they always find him gracious and accessible; but from tb,e rebellious and obstinate he withdraws himself in displeasure. II. THE SIGNS OF THE DIVINE WITBDRA wAL. In the case of Isroel prayers were unheard, sacrifices were disregarded, enemies were suffered to triumph, and national disasters followed one another thick and fast. God has ways of withdrawing himself from a soul as well as from a nation. He removes the joyful light of bis countenance, and suffers afflictions to befall those from whom he hides his face for a moment. III. 'l'HE PURPOSES OF THE DIVINE WITHDRAWAL, It is a purpose of mercy, not of malevolence or vindictiveness. If men will not obey God, he leaves them to taste the fruits of disobedience. When they are wearied of his absence, and turn unto him, it is with great mercies that he gathers them.-T. Ver. 7.-Human treachery. Israel's idolatry was unfaithfulness and treason to Jehovah. And every one who does wickedly in departing from God is similarly guilty, and is similarly marked by Divine omniscience and regarded with Divwe displeasure. I. THE PROOl!'B OF 'l'REACHERY. The main principle of infidelity and traitorousness 156 THE BOOK OF HOSEA. (ctt. v. 1-11'1.
is \,he preference of another for God. Whether our own carnal gratification, or the 11pplause of men, or the wealth of this world, be desired rather than the service and fa,Tour of God, in every such case treason, spiritual treason, has been committed. This is shown by idolatry, by sensuality, by worldliness, by pride; a.II of which are evidenceR of a t.rerumnable intent. II. THE sm OF TREACHERY. This appee.rs when we consider: 1, God's claim upon our fidelity. In calling us his and treating us as his, in providing for all our w11nts, our Di,ine Lord has established and exhibited his right to our loyal subjection and ser,ice. 2. God's grace and indulgence. He has shown his affection by his considerate care for our happiness. 'ro be disloyal to him is base insensibility and ingratitude. IIl. THE CONSEQUENCES OF TREACHERY. God is as a king, who cannot be indifferent to the treason, the rebellion, of his subjects; he is as a husband, who cannot pass over the infidelity of his wife. He will exercise his sovereign power, vindicate his righteous claims, and punish the disloyal and the traitorous. To avoid ~ doom so awful, "kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way."-T.