nl<l path, i.e. in the spirit of the religion of his fathers (eh. xxxi. 31-34). "Thcs~ times a.re the ancient times, when the world is ancient, and .not those which we count aucient, ordine retrogrado, by a computation backwards from Oul'sclves" (Francis Bacon). Ver. 17.-Watchmen. I. THE MISSION OF TIIE WATCHMEN,. 1. They are appointed by God. God raises up prophets, preachers, teachers of righteousness, Unless they have a Divine call they are usurping a position to which they have no right (Gal. i. 1 15). Hence see (1) the authority of the watchmen; (2) the merciful kindness of God i; pro- viding warning and instruction. 2. They are to observe what goes on around them. The prophets are seers of spiritual truths, observers of events of history in the light of those truths, and thus, as watchmen, able to discern approaching dangers. The Christian teachers must not be wrapt up in abstract truth. They must see the appli- cation of this, note the condition and needs of men, discern the "signs of the times." The prophets were political leaders. They discoursed on subjects which in our day would be discussed in the newspaper. 3. They are to blow the trumpet. The seer is to be a prophet. He who knows truth must make it known to others. The watchman must not simply "let bis light shine;" he must blow a trumpet, demand attention, compel men to hear. The enemy is at the gate. This is no time for mild disquisitions on military tactics; it is a moment when men must be a.waked from their sleep and summoned to arms. The Christian preacher speaks to men who are asleep and in great danger. His duty is not simply to let the truth be known. He must arouse, urge, " compel " men to hear his message. ll THE RECEPTION OF THE MISSION OF THE w ATCHMEN. The watchman has done his duty in sounding the trumpet, If none will hear, he is free. 1. Men must hearken to the Divine message before they can profit by it. To be warned is not to be saved. If men refuse to accept the truths of Christianity these can do them no good, and they are left free to follow or to neglect them. 2. Men must obey the Divine message before they can profit by it. It is nothing to tremble at the warning of judgment unless we are moved to actions of precaution. Felix trembled, and was none the better for this proof of the powerful effect of the preaching of St. Paul (Acts xxiv. 25). 3, If the Divine message is heard and disregarded, the folly, guilt, and ruin will only be aggra- vated. The plea of ignorance is gone. Indifference is converted into obstinate rebellion (ver. 19).
Ver. 20.- Worthless sacrifices. I. 8ACRIFIOE8 ARE WORTHLESS WHEN THEY ARE NOT OFFERED IN THE BIGHT SPIRIT. '.l'he mere gifts are of no use to God (Pa. I. 8-13). They are only valuable as expressing the thoughts and feelings of the giver. Religious services are simply good as the outward expression of worship. 1. Sacrifices are worthless when they are not prompted by spiritual devotion; religious services are unacceptable when they are only external performances. The true sacrifice must be of the waz, i.e. self-dedication. 2. Sacrifices are worthless when they are accompanied by immorality of condU,Ct. Worship at church is a mockery if daily conduct in the world is corrupt (Isa. i. 15). !L WORTHLESS BACBIFICEB MAY HAVE ALL 'l'HE EXTERNAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ACCEPTABLE BACBIFICEB. 1. They may be offered to God. '!'here may be a real inten- tion to approach God, yet this is vain if the heart is wrong, 2. 'l'hey may be accord- ing to prescrioed order. The formally obedient Jews were rigidly subservient to the ordinance of the authorized ritual, 3. They may be costly-incense from Sheba, sweet cane from India. But men cannot buy acceptance with God by signing heavy cheques. III. THE OFFERING OF WORTHLESS SACRIFICES IS A SERIOUS FAULT. 1. It is an insult to God. Better offer nothing than the worthless gift when all he really asks for, the heart, is withheld. 2. It is a source of self-delusion. The offering being given, the conscience feels relieved, false pride is stimulated, and the real spiritual condition is hidden. People have a vague feeling that they have done a good thing in attending church, in sitting out a service, in mechanically following the forms of worship. Yet, as this is really utterly worthless, the impression of self-complacency it produces is highly injurious.
Vers. 27-30.-Testing fires. Under the image of an assayer and his fire, Jemmiah ea. Vi.. 1-30.J THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEHEMIA.H. 153