Hosea 2:14-15

Reader! I beseech you to pause over every verse, and every part and portion of this most blessed Chapter. Was ever grace like thine, thou dear Redeemer? And when the milder methods of thy recovering mercy lose their effect, still thou wilt not relinquish thy people, nor give them up! A wilderness dispensation, under this blessing, shall accomplish that which a fulness of privileges could not induce. The valley of Achor itself shall open a door of hope, when thou art pleased to turn the heart; and songs of holy joy shall burst forth from the soul, which before had been given to idolatry. The Reader will recollect, I hope, what was recorded of Achan, in the wars of Joshua; and from hence see the allusion. As Achan troubled Israel, and from thence troubles arose; so from the very troubles of God's people, by the Lord's sanctifying blessing upon them, from thence blessings shall come. Joshua 7:1 to end. It is very blessed, very gracious, when by the overruling grace of God, our sorrows are made the means of joy; and our afflictions, from being instrumental to bring the heart to God, become like the spiced wine of the pomegranate.