soothing of love, and the cheering of congenial companionship are Divine remedies for sorrow. 'fhey are lights in the gloom, though they do not bring the day; gentle han<l8 to wipe away the tears, the flowing of which they may not be able to stanch. The moat desolate picture is that of one like Jerusalem in this elegy, weeping sore in the night, with no friendly ray to break the darkness, and no one to remove the tears that foll upon the cheeks unheeded and neglected, crying for comfort only to the pitiles8 silence. 1. Let us learn to dwell in faithfulness with God, that we may enjoy his unfailing sympathy. 2. Let us extend hands of brotherly compassion to the sorrowing, that, whatever be the grief, its last anguish may be spared; and then, through human comfort, we may lead up to the Divine consolations. Ver. 4.-The abandoned feasts. Jerusalem was the religious centre of the nation. Thither the tribes came up to present themselves before the Lord. Great assemblies and joyous feasts were held there for the benefit of all the Jews. But after the Babylonian destruction all this was suspended. None now came to the solemn feasts. The high-roads which were wont to be thronged with pilgrims mourn for the lack of travellers; the gates through which they used to press are unused; priests sigh with weariness and distress, having no glad offerings to present; and the virgins who led the song and dance in honour of God are smitten with affliction. I. IT IS A CALAMITY FOB PUBLIC WORSHIP TO CEASE. Some regard public worship as an onerous duty and others as a superfluous infliction. But they who enter into the privileges of it heartily and spiritually know that it is a boon to the worshipper. As the sabbath is made for man, so also is the institution of worship. To be deprived of it is to suffer loss. 1. The loss of the joy of worship. Thertl is a gladness in expressing love to earthly friends which should be found in the outpouring of our devotion to God. To mingle with the song of the angels is to taste the joy of the angels. 2. The loss of the elevating influence of worship. The soul rises on the wings of its own prayer. Worship is aspiration, and aspiration elevates. If we.never worship we stagnate in worldlinP.ss. True worship is spiritual and may be enjoyed most in private. But public worship greatly helps this spiritual worship with most people. 3. The loss of the social influence of worship. Public worship affords mutual help in worship. Numbers give warmth and life to it. ll. IT IS A CALAMITY FOB JOYOUS FESTIVALS TO CEASE. The loss is twofold. 1. The loss of the joy itself. The gladness of worship is no small part of the brightness of a devout man's life. Rob him of this, and you darken bis sky. There are clouds enough; we cannot afford to lose the sunlight which pierces and sometimes illumines them. 2. The loss of the influence of the joy. (1) This joy purifies. It keeps out unholy pleasures by satisfying the soul with its own blessedness. (2) This joy strengthens. In gladness we can serve God most earnestly. If, then, the unavoidable loss of joyous exercises of religion is a calamity, how great is the error of those who voluntarily convert religion into a thing of gloom! Ill, IT IS A CALAMITY FOB BELIGIOUB INTERCOURSE BETWEEN MEN TO CE.ASE. The festival was an occasion for the meeting of Jews from all quarters. Townsmen met countrymen. Herdsmen from the south met agriculturists from the north. \,Vhen this assembly was interrupted, the people suffered in many respects. 1. The loss of brotherly association. We are tempted to forget our brethren if we cease to see them. Solitary Christians tend to become selfish Christians. Brotherly sympathy is fostered by brother-fellowship. 2. The loss of mutual stimulus. The strong would urge on the weak, and the more spiritual inspire the less spiritual. There were prophets in these assemblies. 3, 'l'he loss of the breadth of variety. We become narrow by isolation. Intercourse broadens us. Christians should seek opportunities to meet with their fellow-Christians, to gain width and liberality of view.
Ver. 6.-Hwr beauty departed from Zion. I. Z10N HAD A BEAUTY OF HEB OWN, The dwellings of Zion shone splendid in cedar and gold. A softer beauty was shed over her from old memories and tender associations. The spiritual Zion has her beauty. It is not the magnificence of marble columns and gilded decorations. The beauty of Zion is the beauty of her worship and life. 1. The beauty of holiness. Purity is beautiful as impurity is ugly. This high spiritual loveliness is like the glory of God. 2. The f, THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH:. [tJR, I, 1-22,
b~w~/ qf wt>P. Zion was the place where the tribes e.ssembled. Hero e.11 jealousies were to be laid a11ide Rnd all qmlrrels healed. What is more beautiful th1m oonoesefon 11nd forgiveness? This beRuty should chrRcterize the Church of Christ. "Behold how good 11.nd how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell toaether in unity I" etc. (Ps'. cxxxiii.). 8. The beattty of .ioy. Zion was the centre of festive gatherings. 'l'he !IRcrod hill used to echo with shouts of glltdnoss; it wRs enlivened with the timbrel and song of hRppy maidens. The joy of Divine grace imparts a sweetness to the very countenance of the faithful servRnt of God. II. ~ION. LOST _HER BEAUTY. The fine city was eacked by ruthless soldiers; the splendid edifices rifled or fired; the pomp e.nd pageantry dissipated by sword and axe. But the higher beauty of Zion was also lost, and lost before she was robbed of her extemRl. gr.andeur.. Her. holin~ss was corrupted. Sin destroys the spiritual beauty of the Chr1st1an. His white priestly garments are defiled when he descends into the mire of morRI degradation. It is not only that sin will be visited with certain definite pains and penalties. Before that happens there is an indescribable loss in the tarnisheci character and man-ed beauty of the soul which, to one who is awake to the evil condition into which he has fallen, must be a shame and grief. 1:rr. THE LOSS OF THE BEAUTY OF ZION WAS A MOURNFUL OALAM:ITY. This beauty is no idle ornament, to be put -off and on at the caprice of the wearer nnd for objects of idle display. It is the pledge of her King's favour, the inspiration of her own best life, nnd the secret of her influcnoe. I. Health is lost. As when the sunlight which flashes on silvery lakes and mountain snows fades away, the chills and mists of night creep over the valley, so, when the glory of God departs from a soul, coldness, darkness, and death take its place. 2. Influence is lost. Christians are to be the light of the world. Losing their brightness, they cease to draw others to Christ. The fair countenance of the bride of Christ wins many guests to the wedding feast. Let her see that it is not marred, lest her Lord be dishonoured.