I ost antidote to error is the healthful development of truth. There is no phase c,f <lcpravHy, transgression, or unbelief for which the Word of God has not, in its historic evoluLion, some doctrine, reproof, correction, or instruction in righteousness. Ilevcale,\ through human lips and lives by the operation of the Holy Spirit, it is a living, manifulrl growth, intimately associated with the vicissitudes of that human life it has to correct and redeem. There can never be a time when the gospel will have no word for the inquiring, wondering, suffering, sinning, unbelieving spirit of man. 3. The ministry of tlie prophet was a visible sign of the Divine long-suffering. "But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people" (Rom. x._21; Isa. lxv. 2). "0 faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall! suffer you?" (Matt. xvii. 17).-M. Vers. 4-10.-Tlie call of tlie propliet. .As these are elements both ordinary and extraordinary in the prophetic office, so preparation, etc., for it must be of both kinds. Much that may be said of it will be applicable to all other service in God's Church; anJ there will be some conditions and circumstances that must necessarily be peculiar and abnormal. The behaviour, too, of one called to such a high office must ever be interest- ing to observers. I. THE SPIRIT IN WHICH BUCH AN OFFICE SHOULD BE ASSUMED. Like Moses and others 9f whom wo read, Jeremiah was of a backward and retiring disposition. It required insistance and remonstrance on the part of ,Jehovah to persuade him to undertake the task. His low thoughts of himself as contrasted with the mighty office to which he was called, held him back.. Thertl are some things that come most gracefully when they are spontaneotis. The general' duty, love, and service, owing by the creature lo the Creator, etc., are of this kind. But for special' work and appointment, requiring great qualifications and especial help of Gou, motlesty and hesitation are a reco=endation rather than otherwise. Our question, pointed first of all homewards, should be, "Who ·is sufficient for these things?" A feeling like this is helpful and preparative, as leadin)!; to. the perception of the true strength and fitness that come from God, and to a constant dependence upon him. Many long ·idly for "some great thing to do," others hesitate because th,e thing is too great. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH Goo PREPARES MEN FOR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE IN HIE, CHURCH, Where direction and impulse are needed revelation is made. The spirit of tlie prophet is not left in doubt. .A. b,esitating, vacillating prophet were a worthless messenger to the faithless. Revelation is therefore made to him of: 1. His anticipative choice in tlie counsels of God. This predestinating grace of God is a frequent assertion of the Old Testam_ent. It is a mystery we cannot fathom ; but is consistent with the free choice of the subject addressed._ It has its effect in the voluntary acceptance of the appointment through persuasion and appeal. A discovery of this nature can only be for the few, who are called to especial responsibilities, etc., and has no reference to the general demands of duty, affection, zeal, which address themselves to all. 2. Future Divine evidence, protection, and inspiration. God will be with him, and will fit him for all he has to do. So Christ to his disciples, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. xxviii. 20). This is to meet the exigencies of Divine service, and is not intended for personal aims and ends. Many a lowly worker in the Master's service is thereby endued with irresistible power. It is a conviction for which we are encouraged to se~k grounds and assurances. 3. .Authority amongst tlie nations to destroy and to restore. This is a moral investment, Just as God eni'orces truth and righteousness with accompanying mysterious sanctions, so he clothes his messenger with an authority the consciences of men will recogniae even when their perversity of will inclines them to disobey. How much of this spirit of certitude and conviction is needed for tho ordinary life of the Christian ? Have we the measure of it we require? or are we inefficient and useless because of our lack of it? . There can be no question that such a spirit is inculcated by Christianity, and that re:1so11nble grounds arc afforded us all upon which to be thoroughly persuaded in our own mind. Let us act upon our deepest convictions and most unalter- able certainties. 'l'his is the only way to attain to a sound apprehension of Divine thlng8, and an efficient condition of ~ervice,-M, 20 THE BOOK OF 'l'HE PHOPHE'l' JEREMIAH. [oH, I, 1-19,
Ver. 11.-" HlJiat seest thou1" (cf. Amos vii. 8; viii, 2; Zeeb. iv. 2; v. 2). 'l'he seer is encouraged and impelled to the exercise of bis gifts. His first duty is plain, viz. to test his own powers of vision; and next, to ponder the significance of what he sees, So the spiritually endowed are summoned to the performance of the special work to ·which they have been called; and the newly discovered gift lifts them into a new sphere of responsibility and action. I. GOD-GIVEN GIFTS ARE A STEWARDSHIP TO BE __EXERCISED WITII TIIE UTMOST 0A.BE• .1,m,KESS AND E!-.'DEA VOUR. If. ,VE CA1''NOT TELL HOW HIGHLY WE ABE ENDOWED UNTIL WE TRY OURSELVES TO THE UTMOST; A.'!D THE BEST GIFTS MAY BE IMPROVED DY CULTIVATION, III. THE WELFARE OF MULTITUDES MAY DEPEND UPON TIIE FAITHFULNESS OF ONE, Of many it might be asked," Do they see at all?" Vision is a Divine gift to those who are to be leaders of men; and in lesser measure is given to all for their salvation if they will but open their eyes.-M.