Jeremiah 29

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIX.—Letters of seasonable comfort or advice, are a service to God and his church. Though God correct his people, he never breaks his covenant with them. And the view of God as our God, and the appointer of our troubles, tends greatly to render us patient under them. In every condition we ought to make the best of what we have, though we should be far from having all we wish. They who behave meekly and quietly often meet with better treatment from strangers than they expected. And, whatever hardships we have to endure in a country, we should pray for its welfare. When people love to be deceived they readily find flatterers to their ruin. But they who trust the promises of God shall never be disappointed. No difficulties can hinder the execution of his purposes, or fulfilment of his promises, beyond the due time. And his promises should excite, not supersede, our earnest prayers. By prayer we go forth to meet the accomplishment of promises. And it is when our supplications are fervent, cordial, and persevering, that we may expect gracious returns. Alas, how often men mistake the messengers, the preachers, and prophets, of Satan, for those of Jesus Christ, and credit them as such! But they who flatter men in sin are undoubtedly false prophets. And, if men make themselves vile by their sins, God, in just judgment, will render them vile in their sufferings. If evil clergymen indulge themselves in secret wickedness, let them not wonder if God render them base before all the people on earth, and eternally damned in hell. They, who would be faithful to souls, may expect to be treated by their unfaithful brethren as deceivers or madmen persecuting zeal, under pretence of regard to the honour of God, will extend its murderous influence to the utmost; and very often church power is employed in tormenting her best friends. But God often renders those friendly to his faithful servants, of whom it could scarcely have been expected; while their persecutors are quickly overwhelmed with ruin; and they that would not wait the due season of God’s favours lose their share in them