Ver. 3.-The rain. The climate of Palestine differe from our own. There are "cnrly" mine at sowing-time. Rain continues from autumn until sprincr. That which swells the corn and prepares for harvest is the "latter" rain. Defici;ncy of rain is fatal to the hope~ of the husba.ndman; regular and abundant rains ensure his crops. Accordingly these rains serve as figures of the spiritual influences of God in producin"' and perfectinii; spiritual life and fruitfolness. The appropriateneSB is evident of th; application of this figurative language to the spiritual economy beneath which we are privileged to live. 'l'be Holy Spirit's influences resemble the la.Lter and the former rain, inasmuch as they are- I. HEAVENLY IN ORIGIN. II. SEASONABLE IN BESTOWMENT, III. CoP10us IN MEASunE. IV. UNFAILING IN SUPPLY. V. REFRESHING IN EFFECTS. VI. QUICKENING TO THE LIFELESS. VII. FERTILIZING IN ULTIMATE RESULTS. APPLIOATION. 1. Recognize an historical fact in the Divine outponring. 2. Believe e. faithful promise of mercy and blessing. 3. Act upon an encouragement to earnest prayer.-T. Ver. 4.-Transitory goodness. The climate of Palestine is dry, and accordingly dew is especially precious. Hence it is a natural figure of welcome blessings. "I will be dew unto Israel;" "As the dew on Hermon." Rain, too, is now and again infrequent, and is therefore longed for and prized. " He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass." Both dew and rain are necessary for vegetation and life, and are appropriate emblems of highest good. And as a light dew is too soon scorched up, and as a passing rain-cloud disappoints the expectations of the husbandman, these serve to set forth such good signs and omens as are not fulfilled and realized. So they were used by Hosea with reference to Israel; and such a purpose they may subserve in fixing attention upon superficial and transitory goodness wherever it is found. I. A CERTAIN KIND OF GOODNESS IS ADMITTED. The case is that of an irreligious man who by some means is led to give attention to spiritual teaching, and to take interest and even pleasure in it. One hitherto impenitent now sheds tears of sorrow because of his sin. One formerly unrighteous now makes efforts after justice and holi- ness, and the reformation of his conduct is obvious and undeniable. Among the young we often meet with cases corresponding with the :figurative language of the text. Deep impressions seem to be made, if we may judge by the outward and unmistakable appearances. II. VA.BIOUS CAUSES ACCOUNT FOB THIS KIND OF GOODNESS. Events which have happened in the order of God's providence, some striking calamity or bereavement, some faithful admonition of parent or teacher, some impressive sermon, or some startling word from Holy Writ, the example of decided piety presented by some one near and dear,-any of these may well account for the kind of goodness described in the figurative language of the text. III. 'l'HIS KIND OF GOODNESS 18 OFTEN TRANSITORY. As the dew of the morninii: dries up in the blazing heat of the sun; as the gathering cloud disperses and v~nishes away; as the blossom of spriug is blasted and issues in no fruit; as the splendid sun- rise is followed by an unsetlled, dreary, or stormy day ;-so the promise pnt forth by the young, the ardent, the impressible, is often doomed to issue in disappointment. This may be owing to natural levity and fickleness, to the influence of worldly society, to violent temptations, or to the mere lapse of time. But one thing is indisputable, and that is the contrast between the promise and the fulfilment. IV. THIS KIND OF GOODNESS 18 VERY MIS0HIEVOUS. And this in many ways. Spiritual dryness and barrenness return, and are worse than before. A reproach accrues to the religion of Christ, and a discouragement falls upon the ministers of Christ. Such cases act as a dissuasive from a religious profession, and they are destructive of the spiritual prospects of the unhappy persons who experience the transitory change. v. THE FEELINGS WlTil WHICH Goo CONTEMPLATES THIS KIND OF GOODNJ,;SS, He is here represeute<l as asking, "What shall J, what <:au I, do'(" Such an inquiry is a HlO THE BOOK OF HOSEA. [orr. VI, 1-11.
revel~tion of. deep interest, of willingness to use every method to create a more perma- nent 1mpress1on, of grief that all which has hitherto been done has, alas I been done in nin. ·what a reYelation of the Divine heart I VI. Tm; FEELINGS WITH WHICH THOSE TO WHOM THIS DESORil"rION APPLIES SHOULD nEGARD THEMSELVES. Such should ask, "How is our superficial character our incon- sistent conduct, regarded by God?" Taking a profoundly serious view of their conduct an~ stnte, they should repent, _and h1;1mbly seek the influences of the Holy Spirit, that their hearts may be as good s011, bearing much fruit.-T.