_Them that prophesy out of their own hearts._ THE FALSE PROPHET To be a false prophet seems to us, indeed, an enormity. To have the great gift and trust of prophecy, and then to misuse it; to be admitted, if we may so speak, of God’s council, and then to sink that heavenly teaching in earthly and s... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy prophets are like the foxes in the desert._ FALSE PROPHETS LIKE FOXES 1. These creatures are lovers of grapes, as we know by a common proverb; and consequently they did much damage in such countries as Judea, which abounded with vineyards, as is noted in Song of Solomon 2:15, not only by devou... [ Continue Reading ]
_One built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar._ THE WALL DAUBED WITH UNTEMPERED MORTAR I. The text speaks of a wall. Men look about them to discover some sort of wall or other behind which to shelter from conscience and Divine threatening. I suppose this is because conscien... [ Continue Reading ]
_Which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace._ PEACE, AND THERE IS NO PEACE I. They “see visions of peace” who preach and speak what is pleasing rather than what is of truth and of God. A people’s folly will find exponents. But truth perverted will be avenged. False doctrine is but u... [ Continue Reading ]
Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes. PILLOWS FOR ALL ELBOWS There is often something very quaint and forcible about the imagery of the old prophets. It lays hold upon you and impresses you much more effectually than if they had delivered their message in plain though powerful language... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad._ THE BALEFUL INFLUENCE OF INFIDELITY I. Infidelity exerts a baleful influence upon the righteous. Note the charge, “Because,” etc. 1. It casts a shadow upon his pathway. It is the shadow of midnight. Leaves him to grope his way in da... [ Continue Reading ]