yea, who even
obstinately resist us! we then wish to be freed at once, and to become
pensioned soldiers. But, seeing this prophet's long protracted
ministry, let us take from it an example of patience, that we may not
despair although the Lord should not at once free us from our burden."

Many interpreters have zealously attempted to determine the [Pg 174]
particular portions of this lengthened period to which the particular
portions of this book belong. But such an undertaking is wholly vain in
the case before us, as well as in that of Micah, and most of the minor
prophets generally. The supposition upon which it rests is false--viz.,
that the collection consists of a number of single, detached portions.
We do not possess the whole of Hosea's prophecies, but only the
substance of their essential contents,--a survey which he himself gave
towards the end of his ministry. This appears (1) from the [Hebrew: dbr
ihvh] in the inscription. In itself, this would not be a decisive
argument, as the prophet might also have comprehended in an _ideal_
unity, discourses outwardly distinct; but, nevertheless, as long as no
reason appears for the contrary, it is more naturally referred to a
continuous discourse with an external unity also. (2.) It appears from
the entire omission of all chronological data. The only exception is in
ver. 2; but this exception serves only to strengthen the argument drawn
from the omission everywhere else. (3.) It is proved by the absence of
all certain indications about the beginning and ending of the
particular portions. There occur, just as in the second part of Isaiah,
new starting points only; but, with these exceptions, the discourse
always moves on in the same manner. (4.) It is seen from the
indefiniteness and generality of the historical references, which must
necessarily arise if the prophet referred, in like manner, to the whole
of this lengthened period. That the facts, upon which the last two
arguments rest, really exist, is made sufficiently apparent from the
immense diversity of opinions as to the number and extent of the
particular portions, and as to the time of their composition. There are
not even two of the more important interpreters who agree in the main
points alone. Such a diversity does not exist in reference to any of
the prophetical books which actually consist of detached prophecies.
(5.) The style and language are too much the same throughout the whole,
to admit of the idea th