Jeremiah 42:22

REFLECTIONS

READER! you and I shall lose all the beauties of these scriptures, if from the representation here made of the Church, in the days of Jeremiah we do not gather instruction, to suit the Church in our's. Depend upon it in all ages, more or less, it is the same. Oh! how doth Zion languish! How are the glorious distinguishing truths of our holy faith kept back, or believed only in part! And as these pillars, and ground of the truth, are but coolly received; so in proportion, like Johanan and his party, we are looking more to an arm of flesh for our confidence, than to the living God. Thus turning from one creature to another, we seek salvation from any, and from every resource, rather than the one great and finished redemption of Jesus! Oh that the Lord would give his people grace, that in the present hour the advice of Jeremiah might be followed; that we may abide in Christ, that the Lord might build us up, and plant us in the glorious salvation by Jesus! For then when the Lord comes to bless his land and people, he will bring with him grace to pardon, grace to renew, grace to sanctify, grace to save, and an abundance of grace, to enable us to triumph; over all our enemies. Precious Lord! fulfil all thy merciful dispensations towards us, and return to thy people, as thou hast said, a pure language, that they may call upon the name of the Lord with one consent.