The Pulpit Commentary — Jeremiah — Volume 1 — Section 275

HOMILIES DY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 2-5.-The helpless?.iss of he,athen gods a conclusive argument against them. How is the superstitious worship of nature and inanimate objects to be corrected? It is obvious that the attributes attached by the worshippers to the idols they worship are wholly foreign to them. It is ignorance, ossociatioa, and the tendency to tmnsfer subjectiYe ideas to objects of sense, that have largely to do with this. 'l'he correction, therefore, must be furnished by a real analysis of the idol--:-a taking of it to pieces, and examining bow it came into existence. Ilut- 1. LET us INQUIRE WHAT WORSHIP INVOLVES.' It is evident that an impression must exist of the power of the object worshipped to help or :to hurt. In some way men have associated it with the production of evil or good in human destiny. A sense of dependence is generated. Fear arises, to degeuera.te into vulgar terr.or or to refine itself into the sentiments of reverence and respect. A being greater th:i.n ou.rselves is needed to constitute a veritable God to the human heart. II. TESTED DY THIS, IDOLS AND CELESTIAL SIGNS CANNOT BE GODS. 1. Careful obser- vation will show that, whilst there may be agreement between certa.in changes of the heavenly bodies arid the changes of weather, physical condition, etc., these are not producible as by a responsible will but according to the fixed laws of nature. 2. The stars of heaven and the idols of earth are alike constituted of inanimate matter. 3. In additwn to this, the latter are wholly the creatures of man. 4-. Neither the he_avenly bodies nor the idols can help themselves.-M. . Vers. 6, 7.-The uniqueness of Jehova;i. When other. gods· bav~ been pro~ed to be false, it is very important that this unlikeness of God to anything• else should be established. His claim to attention and reverence is thereby held in judgment. , L IN WHAT BESPECTS JEHOVAH IS UNIQUE. 1. In idea. It is a wond~ous conception -a being so great, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his_ being, wisdom; power, holiness, justice, goodness, and. truth. As a conception it stands alone, commands respect, and invites reverent investigation. Such goodness_ with such power and wisdom! 2. In pretensions. (1) He claims our sole worship; (2) our highest and holiest service is his by right, and_ is unworthy of him; (3) our welfare .and destiny are in his hands. 3. In works. There is nothing he has claimed to be which he has not made good in his works-creation, providence, grace. II. THIS CONCEPTION OF GOD AS UNIQUE HARMONIZES WITH THE INSTINCTS OF THE HUMAN SPIBIT, AND THE TEACHINGS OF lllBTOBY AND NATURE. It has cast its spell over the mightiest intellects, and commanded the homage of the purest and best of men. In the worship of him whom it represents the highest longings are satisfied, and the most characteristically human sympathies and principles encouraged, The unity of nature; the mental principle that traces everything to a. grea.t First Cause; the manner in which the system of religion of which he is centre and dominating principle explains this, and harmonizes the life of man with his surroundings ;-a.re all indications that point to the same conclusion.-M. Ver. 19.-Grief borne that cannot be cured. I. AN INSTANCE OF THE POWER OF TRUE RELIGION. His sorrow was intense. No one could understand or sympathize with it. Yet be is able to put it under and, although not removing it wholly, to bear it. This is alike removed from self-indulgence and stoicism. II. THE CONSIDERATIONS THAT AFFECTED HIM IN THIS WAY. He had. to finish hie task. It was practical, and could admit of no interruption. The sense of duty is, therefore, supreme-patience, submission. His grief is recognized as a personal stewardship. He is responsible for its expression and repression. It has a special relation t-0 his own character and life. He regards it, therefore, as sent from God, and not, therefore, to be hastily dismissed. How it enriched hie nature, increased his per- sonal usefulness, and enhanced the value of his writings to generations then uubom I Ill. 0HRIBTUNITY 18 TESTED BY THE MANNER IN WHICH IT ENABLES 'MEN TO BEAR AFFLICTION. The relation of our sorrows to our personal and spiritual salvation. 'l'he ministry of sorrow. The hopes of the future alleviating and directing into profitable ou. x. 1-25.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEREMIAH. 275