Jeremiah 30

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXX.—God’s promises ought to be carefully preserved, propagated, considered, and improved. Sin often makes for men a hell upon earth. Very sore trials and miseries often precede the most remarkable deliverances. And diligence in God’s service is the proper fruit of his salvations. But there is no true serving of him, but in receiving and serving his Son Jesus Christ, our mystical David. No profession, however plausible, can secure impunity in sin. Nay, though our heaviest afflictions are far lighter than our sins deserved, yet the sins of professors, and even of saints, are often most sharply corrected. But it is only incurable lusts that make incurable troubles. Let God’s church be ever so fearfully deserted and despised, he will in due time deliver her. Let therefore her true children give no way to disquieting fears or hopeless sorrows. Never is her deliverance nearer than when all refuges but God have entirely failed her, and all her allies and friends appear disposed to hurt her. If Jesus rise up to the prey, he will work great things for her deliverance. And to his person, incarnation, covenant engagements, and fulfilment of them, ought we to look through all temporal or spiritual blessings. And, while he destroys his and our enemies, his kindness and relations to, or work for us, ought to engage our hearts in his worship and service