The Pulpit Commentary — Jeremiah — Volume 1 — Section 45

Intention, the subjective conditions that originate aml give character to it. It is sub- jeclivo, not actualized; or its actualization in one of several forms or directions is in- different. Towards any of these the Divine power may dir~t th? impulse and tendency ; or they may be shut up to them through the unconsc10us mfluence of providence, working in wicler cycles. 2. Jn the overdoing or aggravation of the appointed taski"' •··' II, WHAT IT IB THATAGGBAV'.fTES THE GUILT OP THE WICKED INSTRUMENT OF DIVINE WRATH. It is the character of God's people, and the relation they bear to him. They have been "holiness iintd the Lord." In so far as this character is interfered with or injured by the instruments of vengeance, the latter shall be the more guilty. In so far, too, as hat.red fe>r this character, either as past or present, in God's people has actuate<l the vengeance in.flicted, tbe avengers "shall offend." (Cf. for a similar sentiment, Matt. xviii. 6.) 'l'he 'Divine Being declares his personal attachment to those he has chosen, and his identification with them. To injure them is to injure him. They also repre- sent, even in their apostasy, the stock from which salvation is to come, and the world's spiritual future.-M. Vere. 4-9.-The indictment of Israel. The chosen nation is arraigned in all ils generations and in all its orders. It is a universal and continuous crime; and it ran parallel with a succession of unheard-of mercies, deliverances, and favours. In these respects it corresponds to the sin of God's people in every age-forgetfulness of past mercy, abuse of present blessings, the corruption and pen-erseness of those who were entrusted with Divine mysteries and sacred offices. J. JEHOVAH APPEALS TO HIS ORARACTEB AND DEALINGS IN THE PAST IN DISPTIOOF OF ·THEBE BEING ANY EXCUSE IN THEM FOR THE SIN OF IIIS PEOPLE. Inquiry is challenged. History is rehearsed. So it always has been. • The reason for the sins, etc., of God's people is in themselves and not in God. God is just, and all the allegations and mur- murs of unbelieving and disobedient Israel are lies. So the excuses Christians often give for their faults and offences are already answered· in advance. We have received from him nothing but good. His help and protection were at onr disposal ; but we forsook him, and sinned against both him and ourselves. II. THE ENORMITY OP THE OFFENCE IS THEN BET FORTH, The recital is marked by simplicity, symmetry, force, and point. It contains the undeniable commonplo.ccs of history and experience, but the artist's power is shown in the grouping and per- spective. 1. It is ancient and hereditary. 'l'he fathers, the children, and the children's children. Just as they could not go back to a time when God had not cared for them and blessed them, eo they could not discover a time when they or their forefathers ha<l not shown unbelief and ingratitude. It is pertinent to ask in such a case, "Must there not be some hereditary and original taint in the sinners themselves?" What will men do with the actual existence of depravity? How will they explain its miserable entail? Human history in every age is marked by persistent wickedness; Christianity suggests an explanation of this. It is for objectors to substitute a better. 2. It consists in in- gratitude, unbelief, and tlie service of false gods. The Exodus with all its marvels an<l mercies, the blessings that surrounded them in the presont, go for nought. 'l'hey aro forgotten or ignored. And idols, which are but vanity, aro sought after to such an ex- tent that their worshippers "are like unto them." 'l'his is the history of religious defection in every age, Forgetfulness of God, ingratitude, and the overwhelming in- fluence of worldly interests and concerns, and the lusts of our own sinful nature, work the same ruin in us. How many idols does the modern world, the mod(ll'n Church not set up? 3. It is marked by the abuse of blessings and tlie breach of sacred trusts. When men are rendered worthless by their sinful practices, they cannot appreciate the good things of God. Divine bounty is wasted, and blessings arc abused. Sncrcd things are desecrated, Those who ought to be lenders and examples are worse than others. The priest who, if any one, ought to know the "secret plo.ce," "the holy of holies," of the Most High, i8 asking where he is. ;The lawyers ar? the greatest law-breakers. The pastors, who ought to guide and feed, are become "blmd mouths." Aud the prophets are false. Oorruptio optimi pessima. How hard is the heart that has oncu known God I "If the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness I" The backslider, the chil<l of holy parents, etc., who shall estimate their wickedness?  ,[O TliE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEHEMIAH. [ou. u. 1-87.