understood, forms the most effectual remedy to such poisonous sentiments. The Son of God gave
himself for our transgressions, to show the excellence of the Divine law, and the evil of sin. Never
let us think we may do wickedness without suffering for it.
Jer. 7:17-20 The Jews took pride in showing zeal for their idols. Let us learn to be earnest in
the service of our God, even from this bad example. Let us think it an honour to be employed in
any work for God. Let us be as diligent ourselves, and as careful to teach our children the truths of
God, as many are to teach the mysteries of iniquity. The direct tendency of this sin is malice against
God, but it will hurt themselves. And they shall find there is no escaping. God's wrath is fire
unquenchable.
Jer. 7:21-28 God shows that obedience was required of them. That which God commanded
was, Hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord thy God. The promise is very encouraging. Let
God's will be your rule, and his favour shall be your happiness. God was displeased with
disobedience. We understand the gospel as little as the Jews understood the law, if we think that
even the sacrifice of Christ lessens our obligation to obey.
Jer. 7:29-34 In token both of sorrow and of slavery, Jerusalem must be degraded, and separated
from God, as she had been separated to him. The heart is the place in which God has chosen to put
his name; but if sin has the innermost and uppermost place there, we pollute the temple of the Lord.
The destruction of Jerusalem appears here very terrible. The slain shall be many; they having made
it the place of their sin. Evil pursues sinners, even after death. Those who will not, by the grace of
God, be cured of vain mirth, shall, by the justice of God, be deprived of all mirth. How many ruin
their health and property without complaining, when engaged in Satan's service! May we learn to
relish holy joys, and to sit loose to all others though lawful.
Chapter 8
The remains of the dead exposed. (Jer. 8:1-3) The stupidity of the people, compared with the
instinct of the brute creation. (Jer. 8:4-13) The alarm of the invasion, and lamentation. (Jer. 8:14-22)
Jer. 8:1-3 Though no real hurt can be done to a dead body, yet disgrace to the remains of wicked
persons may alarm those yet alive; and this reminds us that the Divine justice and punishments
extend beyond the grave. Whatever befalls us here, let us humble ourselves before God, and seek
his mercy.
Jer. 8:4-13 What brought this ruin? 1. The people would not attend to reason; they would not
act in the affairs of their souls with common prudence. Sin is backsliding; it is going back from the
way that leads to life, to that which leads to destruction. 2. They would not attend to the warning
of conscience. They did not take the first step towards repentance: true repentance begins in serious
inquiry as to what we have done, from conviction that we have done amiss. 3. They would not