Jeremiah 20

Jeremiah 20:7-10

Contrary to my own inclination, thou hast persuaded me to undertake this office, and hast disappointed me of the comforts which I expected in it. By thy powerful arguments and authority thou didst overrule me in it; yet have I met with nothing but derision and persecution. For, since I begun to deliver thy messages, I have prophesied of nothing but miseries to befall my people; and on that account all my messages have been made matter of derision and reproach to me; I therefore resolved to prophesy no more: but I found myself inwardly tormented with challenges of conscience and frowns from God, till I again delivered his messages. Though, with fear, I knew that I was every where calumniated, as seditious, false, and dangerous to the state; and mine enemies were ready to spread the most malignant aspersions, in order to procure my disgrace or death; and even my relations and intimates did all they could to enanare me. 8 S

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XX.—How heartily the wicked, especially among the clergy, hate the faithful ministers of Christ! They, who boldly remonstrate against the wickedness of an abandoned generation, must scarcely expect the common formalities of justice. But God can soon make those, who would frighten his prophets, a terror to themselves. And they who attempt to stop their mouth do but hasten their own doom. It is never safe for ministers to promise themselves much comfort on earth. Neither the wisdom of the serpent, nor the harmlessness of the dove, will be able to preserve them from reproach and derision. Nay, ridicule and contempt are the common weapons of the ungodly against the preachers of truth. And it is no small pain to a faithful soul to hear God’s messages treated with levity and contempt. To faint in the Lord’s way, or to wish that we had never entered into it, because we meet with difficulties, is extremely weak and foolish. But it is an ease for burdened souls to pour out their complaints before the Lord: even that which is terrible in him turns out to their comfort. And, when they avenge not themselves, but commit their cause to him, he will compass them about with songs of expected, and afterwards enjoyed, deliverance. But, alas, how inconstant are the frames of the best on earth! Now they mount up to heaven in excellency; but soon descend to the depths of weakness and guilt. Alas, what vanity and vexation of spirit fill up human life! But absurd is sinful passion when allowed to rumble. And it is dangerous to have an unbridled tongue while our passions are strong