Vcrs. 18-23.-Tke conspiracy of .dnathoth. This incident may afford us some lessons on the subject of persecution, in its occasion and character, the behaviour of the persecuted and the dghteous action of God i11 dealing with it. J. THE OCCASION OF 'I'IIE 0ONSPJBAOY ILLUSTRATES A COMMON 0AUSE OF PERSECUTION, Jeremiah had been proclaimiog unwelcome truths. He had exposed sin and threatened judgment. Such preaching was uopopular, and the men of Anathoth sought to stay it l>y force (ver. 21). 1. The faithful preacher .must ea:pect to meet with opposition, Unpopularity is no proof of incompetence (i.e. if it arises from the subject-matter of tbo teaching, not from the style of the teacher). Christ, who began his mission with public favour, ended it amidst universal contumely. 2. The most needful truth is the most unwelcome. The smooth words of false prophets of" peace" are acceptable. But they are narcotics given to men who should be roused to flee for their live~. '.l'he only hope for those who are spending wicked lives is in their beiog awakeoed to a sense of guilt and danger. The effort to awaken them, however, stirs their resentment. lL THE COJfDUOT OF THE CONSPffiATORS REVEALS THE TRUE CJIARAOTER OF PEBIIE· cUTons. 1. It is foolish. Truth cannot be destroyed by suppressing the voice that 11tters it. Some day it will declare itself in spite of all hindrance. 2. It is unfair. Words are met by force. To silence a voice is not to reply to jt. Violent opposition to the spread of ideas is a tacit confession of inability to meet them on their own ground of reason, a virtual confession of their force of truth. 3. It is destructi~e of social .order, Jeremiah's fellow-townsmen conspire against hµn, 'l'he persecuting spirit divides nearest neighbours. It is the greatest enemy to brotherly charity (Matt. x. 36). 4. It is treacherous. While Jeremiah was ignorant of their enmity-led like a lamb to the slaughter-the men of Anathoth were plotting against his life, 6. It is murderous. The tree is to be destroyed with its fruit, Professing a good purpose, persecution is invariably possessed by a cruel spirit. 6. It covers enmity to God in opposition to his servants. Jeremiah was bidden no longer to prophesy in the Name of Jehovah. It could not be denied that he spoke with Divine authority. 'l'herefQre to silence Lim was to refuse to receive the message of Qod. Ill. '.l'rrn DEHA VIOUR OF TEE VICTIM EXEMPLIFIES TEE RIGHT 0OURSE TO BE PURSUED UNDE!l. PERSECUTION. 1. Not to desist from the duty which provoked the persecution. Jeremiah met with little but opposition throughout his long life; yet he remained faith- ful to the last. 2. Not to rashly embrace danger. Jeremiah sought dolivernnce. It is childish to court persecution. 3. To seelc help from God. Jeremiah nt once com- mitled his cause to God. God alone (1) can help; (2) hos the authority to e~ecuto vengeance (Rom. xii. 19); (3) judges righteously, impartially, without the bias of passion; and (4) discerns the motive of men and the degree11 of guilt trying" the reins and the heart." OU. XI. 1-23.J ·rnE BOOK OJ!' THE PROPHET JEREMIAH. 29'.J
IV, 'l'HE AC'.l'lON OF GOD TYPIFIES TUE ULTIMATE EXECUTIO~ OF DIVINE JUDGMENT, 1. Punishment must follow such wickedness. Though it is delayed, the vengeance must come. 2. This punishment will be severe. " The young men shall die by the sword," the children by famine. Fearful sin must bring fearful penalties. 3. This punishment will be without exception. No remnant of the men of Anathoth will be spared. All are guilty; all must suffer. There is a popular impression to the effect that the number of sinful pers1ms lessens the blame attaching to each individual. It is a mistake. If all sin, each will be punished individually as much as if one only were guilty. No conspiracy of men, however widespread, however subtle in schemes, how- ever violent in action, can defeat the ends of Divine justice (Prov. xi. 21).