Jeremiah 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV.—With the greatest ease even by withholding drops of rain, God can render his enemies miserable, and make the inhabitants of the wealthiest cities pale, faint, and dying. At his nod fields deny their crops, and fountains their water, and cause even the richest to die by hunger and thirst: and not only sinners, but the irrational creatures for our sakes, share in the punishment. Those who take no shame for their sins provoke God to confound them with disappointments: and many mourn over their miseries who never mourn over the sinful causes of them. Yes both sins and judgments often lie heaviest on their hearts who had the least hand in procuring them. Formingly dreadful, but just, is God’s departure from a church or nation whose Hope and Saviour he has long been. And great is his condescension to indulge his people in the most familiar expostulations, and in the improving of his own excellencies, as arguments to enforce their requests. But no prayers can prevail when he is determined to ruin men obstinate in wickedness: no sacrifice can be accepted, no excuse admitted. What plagues to themselves, and all around, are flattering, unfaithful, and erroneous, ministers! But they who are faithful cannot forbear intercessions for their people’s welfare and salvation. With unutterable groans and expostulations they deprecate their ruin; and encourage themselves therein by the views of God’s honour, power, and covenant relation. 4