Jeremiah 26

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVI.—God patiently waits, and earnestly calls men to repentance. The dispensations of his providence are just, and even similar. And, if men will not be subject to his command, they must be subjected to his curse and the execution of it. If they will not be warned they must be condemned. Profane clergymen never fail to hate and persecute such as are faithful, for their kind warnings. But to be bold in preaching, and patient in suffering, is truly worthy of a minister of Christ. And no damage or death ought to make them in the least recede from God’s truth. If they be faithful, it is at their infinite peril who persecute or murder them. It is proper that men should deter themselves, or others from sin, by the irreparable mischief it will do to our souls. And it is the wisdom of the greatest to regard the admonitions of JEHOVAH. More justice may be expected from profligate civil judges than from abandoned clergy. And yet many wicked princes eagerly draw down the vengeance of God upon their heads, by the persecution of their faithful admonishers. But it is beyond their power to cut off God’s ministers or worshippers till their testimony be finished: and, whenever it please God, he can, in the very worst of times, raise up protectors to his servants. Let us then always attend to our duty, and commit our safety to God, who has the hearts of all men in his hand, and can raise us up friends in the day of trial where we least expected to find them