HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere. 1-10.-11ze two baskets of figs; or, predetermining influences. These are not to be understood of the opposite development of character in two sets of persons in slightly differing circumstances, but rather of the primary influence of Divine faith as contrasted with the want of it amidst the trials of lifo. The people left behind were disposed to felicitate themselves over their brethren who had been carried off into Uhaldea, but this impression is corrected by Jeremiah . . ~'he exiles "'.ere the true people of God and were to be under his constant superv1s10n and lovrng care ; tho uthers were to' be cast off, to become a prey to inner corruption and the unchecked destructive influences of the world. I. THE MYSTERY OF TIIE DIVINE ET.EOTION, From comparatively similar circum- stance~ to evolve distinct type~ of character and destiny. Ou~ of the same clay to moul_d the saint and the sinner. It is the old lesson of the potter m another form. There 1s nuthiog in a man himself to account for God's favour. He chooseth whom he will and rejecteth whom he will. Yet is it true that he willeth not the death of a sinner, but 1·athcr that all should cowe unto him and live. 11. 'l'HE MA.N!,!ER IN WHICU ELECTIVE GRACE MANIFESTS ITBEL:V, 1. Recalling. (Ver. CII. XXIV. 1--10.] TIIE DOOK 01!' TIIE PROPHET JEREMIAH. 545
6.) How unlikely un<ler the circumstances I Yet rendered credible by the remarkable individuality of the Jewish people from age to age. Reconstituting. (Ver. 6.) The figure is twofold-building and life-growth (cf. Eph. ii. 21, 22). Spiritually recreating. (Ver. 7.) The aim of the previous discipline; but the beginning of great national glory and blessedness. For connection of these processes, cf. Hom. viii. 28-30. 2. Circumstances are made to subserve a merciful purpose. The immediate condition of the Chaldean exiles might appeg.r a harder one than that of their compatriots at home; but in the end this would turn to their salvation. Not only will God overrule all things for the good of his people, but be will use them for their spiritual education. 'l'he influence of circumstances is thus shown to depend for the most part upon the spiritual state of those who are surrounded by them. 3. Circumstances are appointed for the destruction of the obstinately impenitent. Moral reprobation and political annihilation were to come upon these. There would be no swerving or slackening in tho execution of their sentence. 'l'his is agreeable wilh the character of him ,vho hates sin with an eternal hatred. The climax of misery here indicated is but a faint suggestion of that which will follow upon rejection of the gospel. And yet how simple are the elements of such a punishment! God has but to withdraw his grace, and the inner depravity of nature will work unchecked its fearful consequences, accelerating and directing the external circumstances of life. And all this has another aspect, which is full of comfort to those who are spiritually inclined. The faintest dawn of repentance is the opening of the "door of hope;" and when the heart is changed the tendency of untoward circumstance at once is altered, and the positive blessings of God again return.-M. Vers. 1-10.-CalamUy with God and without him. I. To TIIE CHILD OF GRACE. 1. It is a chastening. 2. A restoration. II. To THE UNGODLY. 1. An influence depreciating character. 2. A source of restlessness and fresh transgression. 3. An ever-increasing evil. 4. An ultimate destruction.-M. Vers.1-10.-Punishedfor salvation; left alone/or destruction. A general principle of God's moral government. 'l'he flower of Judah, about to be deported to Babylon, are followed by t-he prophet with wistful gaze. They aro the seed of the true Israel; whereas those who are allowed to remain quietly at home are to be of no account in God's purpose. I. How DIFFERENT OFTEN ABE THE EXTERNAL FROM THE SPIRITUAL PROSPECTS OF MEN I Jeconiah and his companions might have been pitied by their friends left behin<l. The outw1ud position of any one is no index of his relations with Goel. II. PRESENT TnIAL MAY BE A PROOF OF DIVINE LOVE, AND PRESENT IMMUNITY FROM MISFORTUNE IS NOT ALWAYS TO BE TAKEN ABAN EVIDENCE OF DIVINE FAVOUR, "Wholll tho Lord lovelh he chasteneth, and scourgeth every sou whom ho receiveth." Punish- ment was needed to atone for the past and purify for the future. 'l'he exile in l3abylon, with its deprivation of political and religious privilege, was a new point uf view for the captives. It is a familiar experience to hear men who havo done well in the world, or who have hacl a comparatively smooth life, say," God has blessed us." This statement is often open to question. God may simply let a)one those whom he has given up. Tho lethargy induced in many by good fortune is to be guarded against. Count them happy that" endure, as seeing him who is invisible," Inward depravity will soon work the destruction of those in whom it remains. Ilf. 'fHE GLORY OF THE DIVINE IN MAN IS EVOLVED FROM TIIE HUMILIATION OF THI': BUMAN. A mere remnant. How few of thoso who went forth would return! Children's children might bo blessed, but not they themselves. And even then it would require not only reorganization, but rebirth in spirituality. It is over so. A profound and radical change is needed ere any one can become a member of the true eternal Israel. Israel after the flesh is senteuced to death, that Israel after the Spirit may live for ever.-M. Ver. 6.-" I will set mine eyes upon them for good." The distressed and afflicted for his sake he ever regards with special attention and interest. "The captives are dearest JEREMIAH, 2 l( 646 THE IlOOK OF THE PROPHET JEREMIAH. [arr. xuv. 1-10.