Jeremiah 36

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXVI.—A serious and believing consideration of the certain and fatal consequences of our sin promotes a cordial repentance: and, in all their work, ministers ought to endeavour at the conversion of sinners from their evil ways. For this the writing of God’s word is designed; and all the writing or repeating of sermons must be directed to the same. Such as truly discern the need of repentance will supplicate God for it. But there may be great pretences, even to extraordinary devotion, while men continue enemies to the power of it. And national fasts, without national reformation, will never turn away national judgments. When we profess to be supplicating for mercy, it is very useful to be faithfully told of our sins and our duty: and we ought to communicate to others those divine truths which have been peculiarly affecting to ourselves. God’s ministers should lay hold on every opportunity, private or public, for teaching and warning their hearers. And there is need of very close dealing, as, by delay or otherwise, sinners will do all they can to evade convictions, or to shake them off. Nay, hardened sinners, especially in high stations, stick at nothing to disgrace the oracles of God, to destroy his messengers, and discover their own determinate resolution to continue in sin. And, while they, who for God’s cause boldly put their life in their hands, are wonderfully protected, they who contend with God, and obstinately resist his counsels, do only treasure up for themselves wrath against the day of wrath. By contending with his curses, they but prepare heavier ones for themselves: and silent accomplices in guilt may look for a share in the punishment. 4