had foolishly trusted. But does not this graphic metaphor," a. deceitful bow," describe the character of every unbeliever; and of every Christian, in so far as he trusts in his own strength? "In like way doth every sinner act, using against Goel in the service of Satan, God's gifts of nature or of outward means, talents, or wealth, 'or strength, or beauty, ur power of speech. God gave all for his own glury; and man turns all aside to do houour and service to Satan" (Pusey). We must be daily strengthened with the grace that is in Christ Jesus, if our bow is to "turn not back," but to" a.bide in strength."-0. J. Ver. 2.-An unconsidered truth. Two facts are suggested here. I. THAT Gon REMEMBERS THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN. " Wickedness " may exist in thought or intention (Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24), in word (Matt. xii. 36), in act (Ps. Ii. 4). 1. This/act is proclaimed in God's Word. (1) Statements. Jcr. xiv. 10 proves God's watchfulness, Jer. xvii. 1 bis recollection, Isa. xliv. 22 his record, etc. (2) Examples seen in the sin of Adam, the antediluvians, Joseph's brethren, Abraham in Egypt, David, etc. 2. This fact i,9 necessitated by the Divine nature. God's omnipresence, omniscience, and immutability imply it. His absolute perfection makes impoS:1ible either defect uf knowledge or decay of faculty. 3. This/act is exemplified in the life of the Lord Jesus. "He knew what was in man;" "He knew their thoughts," etc. 8how how completely he detected the plots of his foes, knew the doubt.:1 of his disciples (John xx. 27), overheard the discussions of distant followers (~lark ix. 34), perceived the unexpressed longings of the unpardoned (Matt. ix. 2-7), ancl read the secrets of a sinful life (Luko vii. 37-50). 4. This fact is a requisite to a Just fudyme1tt. See references to the coming jndgment (Eccles. xii. 14; Jer.'xxxii.18, etc.). No fair decision could be given except by One who knew all our sins and struggles, and had forgotten none of their circumstances. II. TBAT MAN FORGETS THE SUPERVISION OF Gon. "They consider not," etc. It is not said man has no knowledge of the fact, but that he does not reflect upon it. To "consider in the heart" is to think over the truth seriously, closely, with sincere appli- cation to ourselves. If the charge were not true, we should no longer continue in sin; we should not attempt to extenuate it; we should mourn over it as an offence against God rather than as a cause of dishonour or loss to ourselves. Show the sinlulness of this. 1. It is disobedience to the exhortation of God. "Now therefore consider your ways ; " "Oh that they were wise, that they would consider," etc.! 2. It is rebellion against the rule of conscience. Show what conscience is to the child at his first offence, and what it becomes through continued heeJ.lessuess. 3. It is encouragement to secret sin. "They say, Doth God know?" etc. Mllny sins are disguised from the world, unsuspected by our friends, from which, therefore, no regard fur reputation will save us. The secret sin undermines the character. Open sin follows. Even if it does not, the judgment uf God is against those that do such things. 4. It is a hindrance to true repentance. Men do not come to Christ until they feel their need of him, who "saves his people from their sins."-A. R.
Ver. 8.-The sin of half-heartedness. When the discipline which God sends to arouse men to thought fails of its purpose, it cannot but harw the nation or the individual receiving it. There is a light frum heaven which ushers in the new day, and wakes the world to life and joy; but there is also a light from heaven, seen in the lightning-flash, which serves only to make the darkness visible; and this, not that, was the emblem or the light shed upon Israel by exhortation and discipline in Hosea's times. They were scorched, not blessed, because they refused to turn to the Lord. Subject-The si-n. of half-heartedness is set before us in the graphic imagery of our text. I. THE OAUSE OF THIS BIN. Doubtless it varies accordiug to the circumstances and the character of each one who is guilty of it. Sometimes the sin results from weakness of character and vacillation of purpose, and sometimes from want of earnest considera- tion. But the cause mentioned in our text is by no weans infrequent. "Ephraim hath mixed himself among the people," i.e. the heathen. Israel was ordained tu be a separated people (Ex.od. x.xxiv. 12, 13; Lev. xx. 24). Balaam was shrewd euuugb tu seo that their strength lay in their separateness (Numb. :uiii. 9). He kn~w that the cm:;c ~alak 110ught ~ainst tliem would fall, if onl1 they 1,:ouhl be l1lendGd with the idol1:w~i...- 222 Tl!E :800K OF HOSEA. tctt. vn. 1-tvl.