The results of prayer are a further test. We cannot say that a piutioular pro.yer is not acceptable to God because it does not bring us tha particula.r thing we seek, since we are always making foolish requests, and God mercifully deals with us according to his wise and good will rather than according to the letter of our language. Still, if no answer is ever received to prayer, something must be wrong. Either all our prayers are mistaken, which shows ,ve could not be receiving the help of God's inspiration; or our spiritual condition is one of separation from God, in which condition no prayer could be answered. If not in every detail, yet in the ma.in, religious experience may be tested by the facts of life. The prophet must find his prediction confirmed by history. The man of prayer must show some fruits of his devotion. •
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1-22.-Divine judgments not to be resisted. A conference of ambassadors from neighbouring nations had been held at Zedekiah's court to consider plans of revolt against Nebuchadnezzar. The king himself and a patriotic party were bent upon resistance. This movement Jeremiah checked at its very outset by his symbolical warning. I. GoD IS RULER OF ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE EARTH. He made them, and con- trols their destinies. Of the earth he says, "I have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me." His control over human interests, possessions, and destinies is absolute and unlimited. II. EVEN THE UNGODLY llAY BE INSTRUMENTS OF HIS PURPOSES, "Nebuchadnezzar, my sen-ant,"-a remarkable title when applied to a heathen prince; The character of the authorities, the agents, and the instrumentalities by which we are opposed is not in itself a reason for resisting them if they are evidently of Divine appointment. In such a case we should be fighting against God. Moral evil is ever to be resiste.f and witnessed against, but that which God appoints must be acknowledged and submitted to, IIJ. lN SUOH CASES CIRCUMSTANCES WILL CLEARLY SHOW WHETHER THE APPOINTMENT IS OF GoD OR NOT, Alm NOW WE MUST BE GUIDED IN oun 0ONDU0T, The advice of the prophet is not to be interpreted as an expression of mere political prurlence. It was the ruoral significance of Nebuchadnezzar's supremacy to which he appealed. In default of revelation our own conscience and common sense must be our guides. 1. In cases of unmistakable Divine dispensations the law of submission is clearly taught. Of this class is the rule of submission to the powers that be; of cheerful contentment with one's lot in life, so far as it seems beyond our own legitimate control or to be provi- dentially arranged. 2. The ordinary miscellaneous trials and difficulties of life are not to be r-e:1arded in this way. Where there is not witness of conscience enjoining sub- mission, energetic effort must be made. The Bible is no book of fatalism. It inoulcates self-help, manly fortitude, and believing, intelligent enterprise. IV. GUIDANCE AND INSTBUCTION MAY BE GRANTED TO MEN EVEN WHILST UNDEB DIVINE DISOIPLINE. 1. Injunctions. To be punished. does not mean to be cast off; quite the contrary. And therefore, if there be any gracious purpose in the dispensa- tion, it is well that it should be explained. False prophets have foretold favourable turns of fortune with mischievous effect. These must be contradicted, and their tendency exposed. The Bible is full of instruction to the perplexed in all ages, and the Spirit of God still speaks to the hearts of his children. 2. Signs. Sometimes these will be of one kind, sometimes of another. Here a crucial test was proposed, viz. the challenge to the false prophets to bring back the vessels of the temple from Babylon. If God heard their prayer, then it would appear that their advice was sound. Signs will never be wanting to those who earnestly seek to know God's will. 3. These are to be sougl,t thro'Ugh prayer and waiting upon God.-M. Ver, 18.-Prophets tested by prayer. L BY THIS THEIR DISPOSITION WAS DIS· COVERED. Prayer is one of the most vital indications of the presence of spiritual life. It is only by constant devotion and spiritual intercourse with God that any one can be truly acquainted with him or know his will. The taunt of the prophet is to the effect that they are not over addicted to this practice, but prefer to indulge in political OH, XXVII 1-22.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEREMIAH. 679