Jeremiah 8

Jeremiah 8:4-9

Though they are fallen into grievous calamities, they will hearken to no counsel that will tend to their recovery; but, persevering in their wickedness, they continue firmly trusting to the flattering delusions of their false prophets. Scarcely one of them seriously thinks what he has done; but in general they rush forward into abominable practices, quite thoughtless and regardless of danger. More brutish than the fowls of heaven, they have no proper discernment either of God’s mercies or judgments.—Though God has given them his law, and it has been copied out and expounded to them, and they even boast of it, yet they make no good use of it. Their politicians can advise nothing for their relief, and indeed shew themselves arrant fools by their rejection of God’s word

Jeremiah 8:18-20

I am almost overcome with grief to hear the cries of the people, occasioned by the ravage of the Chaldeans. How comes it that we, who are God’s people and have his temple among us, are thus destroyed by profane heathens? It is because of our idolatries; and, after all our looking for assistance from the Egyptians or others, the season is past, and no help is come

Jeremiah 8:22

All means of help fail, because we continue obstinate in our sin

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VIII. -Barbarous is the outrage of bloody conquerors, in sporting with the remains of the dead. But it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God, who can stretch out his hand to death and damnation to devour us. Just is his vengeance in exposing idolaters, even when dead, before the idols which they had loved and worshipped in life: and fearful is the state when life becomes a burden, and men prefer to it a random leap into eternity. How obstinate against God, how attached to apostasy and self-imposition, how heedless of their own conduct, and how regardless of God’s word, do most men live! But none are more distinguished plagues to nations than evil, flattering, and impudent, clergy. Nor shall any in hell have a deeper share of damnation. To their running unsent of God, preaching another gospel, and slight dealing with the consciences of sinners, is owing the ruin of nations and churches, and the everlasting misery of millions. But, when God arms himself to judgment against a people, what multitudes of calamities beset them! what deprivation of comforts! what disappointments, terrors, and despair! And it is greatly affecting to faithful ministers to see ruin, inevitable ruin, coming on their congregation, church, or nation. 2