Jeremiah 21

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXI.—God often honours his ministers when they think their days are consumed in shame. And they, who would not take God’s direction for deliverance from sin, would often gladly take it for escaping from trouble. But it is vain to hope that God will do that for us in our sin which he did for others in their integrity; or that any thing will help us when he is our determined adversary; or that men will pity us when we have forfeited his compassion. An ignominious slavery, or a miserable death, is but a dreadful alternative. But it is best to give up the defence of our country when we can do nothing for its relief. It is but a disgrace for men to be descended of godly ancestors when they indulge themselves in impiety. When nations are in danger princes ought without delay to reform themselves and their subjects: and ministers, who faithfully admonish them to it, had need to be well furnished with faith and courage. 3