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*his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, || fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his which they made teach one for himself to majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly worship, to the moles and to the bats;

21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for *Heb. the idols of the silver, | q See on 10,19.—Ex. 33:22. Job

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† Or. for him to, &c.

30.6. Cant. 2:14.

"words, "ships of the sea," as our old English 'translation does, Ps. 48:6.' Lowth. (Note, 1 Kings 10:22.)

the earth.

22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?

r Ps. 62:9. 146:3,4. Jer. 17:5,6. | t Job 7:15-21. Ps. 8.4. 14: 3, s Gen. 2:7. 7:22. Job 27:3.

4.

V. 19-21. When God should arise "to shake terribly the land," and the affrighted inhabitants should seek to hide themselves in caves of the earth; they would throw away their idols, even those made of gold and silver, as a use-tries, superstitions, vices, luxuries, and ostentaless encumbrance; and leave them in any deserted corner "to the moles and bats," that they might flee for their lives, and escape the vengeance of the Lord. (Notes, 30:22. 31:6,7. || 46:1,2. Zeph. 1:18.)

V. 22. The Jews were prone to place an idolatrous confidence in their heathen neighbors, with whom they made alliances. Thus they relied on the Egyptians, Syrians, and Assyrians, at different times: but they and all men are here called upon, to cease from depending on mortal man, who would not be able to help them when in extreme danger, and in whose professions of friendship and fidelity no confidence could be placed. (Marg. Ref.--Notes, 3:1-9. Ps. 62:8—10, v. 9. i46:3,4. Jer. 17:5-8.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-9.

not but behold with deep regret the present state of the world, and of the visible church. Alas! we need not wonder, that the Lord seems in many places to have forsaken nominal Christians; when we consider to what a degree many cities and countries professing Christianity are replenished with the idolatious magnificence of the Gentiles; copy their worst fashions, and form the most unnatural coalitions with the children of strangers. Nay, if we only regard the condition of this protestant land: amidst the splendor and affluence to which we have arrived, have we not "been replenished from the east," with every species of vice and luxury? Do we not, as a nation, so delight "in the children of strangers," that none else can properly prepare our feasts, or our diversions, and administer to our pride or pleasure? And though our land is not "full of idols," in the literal sense, yet it is full of idolized riches and possessions: and men are in general so occupied about their gains or indulgences, that the Lord, and his truths, ordinances, and precepts, are forgotten, or despised. Whatever may be the event of these things as to the land, assuredly God will not forgive those, who persist in abasing themselves by their lusts, and refuse to humble themselves before him; but will inflict on them the most dreadful punishment denounced in his holy word.

The unwearied efforts of Satan and his servants to exalt idolatry, infidelity, heresy, and iniquity, and to depress truth and righteousness, may for a time succeed, and then infidels and profligates will triumph: but their joy must be short-lived; for the cause of God shall finally prevail; all the nations of the earth shall flow into the church of Christ, and become his worshippers and servants; and all which has hitherto been done, is only an earnest of what remains to be performed in due season. But whilst we wait and pray for those glorious days, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of Jesus; and all their inhabitants, being humbled and changed by his grace, shall live in equity, truth, and love; cultivate the arts of useful industry; "study to be quiet and to do their own business," and "learn war no more:" let us avail ourselves of the light afforded us, and come and walk in it. Let us remember, that when true religion greatly flourishes, men bestow great diligence, and take much delight, in "going up to the house of the LORD," and in exciting others to accompany them: that they greatly desire, and confidently expect, that He should "teach them his ways,' in order that they may walk in them; and that they gladly receive his law from mount Zion, as their rule of duty, welcome the authority as well as the salvation of the Redeemer, and submit to his rebukes, as well as desire his consolations. And let us remember also, that the humble disciple of Christ is, in every age, a harmless and blameless, a benevolent and quiet person, who follows peace and holiness, forbearing and forgiving others, as "Christ hath forgiven him:"|| insomuch, that if all were of his temper, wars and violent contentions, public or private, must be annihilated.-But, while we expect more glorious times to the church of God; we can

V. 10-22.

Alas! what can wealth and splendor avail, when the Lord arises to take vengeance on guilty nations? His awful dispensations are especially levelled against those who are haughty and lofty, to bring them low; their pre-eminence and affluence mark them out as the most distinguished prey of the rapacious; and they would then gladly compound, to redeem their lives with their choicest treasures. (Notes, Prov. 13:8. Jer. 41:4-8.) But the power and indignation of the Lord are chiefly to be dreaded: and in what secret cavern will men hide themselves from his all-seeing eye? He marks out the proud, as the objects of his jealousy, and has determined, "that the lofty looks of men shall be humbled; that He alone may be exalted," either in the submission, or the ruin, of every daring rival of his glory. (Notes, Dan. 4:34-37. 5:18-24. Luke 14:7-11. 18:9-14. Jam. 4:4-6.) And if temporal judgments are often so tremendous, what will be the case at the day of judgment, "when the heavens and the earth shall pass away, and no place be found for them?" Whither will the sinner then flee to hide himself, "for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty?" Then his idolized gold, silver, and costly furniture, will appear as worthless as the mire in the street; the account to be given, of the acquisition and use of them, will burden his heart; and his iniquity committed about them will exceedingly enhance his condemnation. Happy are they who now flee from the wrath to come; who take shelter in Christ, the Rock of salvation; who are humbled before God in true repentance, and desire that God alone may be exalted in

CHAP. III.

A prediction, that Jerusalem and Judah should be deprived of every support, and reduced to abject distress, because of their daring impiety, 1-9. The happiness of the righteous, and nusery of the wicked declared, 10, 11. A rebuke of the princes and elders for oppression, 12—15. The pride, wantonness, and gaudy apparel and ornaments of the daughters of Zion described; with predictions of terrible judgments on them, 16-26.

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NOR, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem, and from Judah, the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,

3 The captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the teloquent orator. 4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

h

5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself

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i

Ps. 105:16. Jer. 87 21.38:9. Ez. 4:16,17. 14.13. d213-15. 2 Kings 24:14-16. Ps. 74.9. Lam. 5:12–14. Am. 2:3.

e 9.15. Ez. 8.12. 9:5.6.

f Ex. 18:21. Deut. 1:15. 1 Sam. 8.12.

Heb. a man eminent in coun

tenance. Judg. 8:18.

† Or, skilful of speech. Ex. 4:
10,14-16.

g 1 Kings 3:7-9. 2 Chr. 33:1.
34:1. 35:2,5,9,11. Ec. 10:16.
h 9:19-21. 11:13. Jer. 9.3-8.
22:17. Ez. 22.6,7,12. Am. 4:1.
Mic. 3:1-3,11. Zech. 7:9-11.
Mal. 3.5. Jam. 2:6. 5:4.

i 1:4. Lev. 19:32. 2 Kings 2:23.
Job 30 1-12.

their hearts, and glorified in shewing them mercy; who willingly renounce all worldly interests and carnal connexions, and cease from dependence on men, and expectations from them, however powerful and friendly; that they may give up themselves to the Lord, to serve him in righteousness all their future days! Such persons will have nothing to fear in those terrible seasons, when the wicked shall in vain call upon the rocks to fall upon them, and hide them from the wrath of their offended Judge. Let us then make this our grand concern, and be ready to renounce all for Christ, and to venture or suffer for his sake: and let us cease from expecting help from man, or making any mortal our oracle, our standard, or our confidence; for man is not only fickle, deceitful, and vain, but his breath is in his nostrils, and death will soon deprive him of all his power to help or to harm us. Wherein then is he to be accounted of, that we should, from a desire of his smile, or fear of his frown and reproach, offend the almighty and eternal God, who alone is able to save or to destroy?

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7 In that day shall he swear, saying, will not be "an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.

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8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, P to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. $ Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

10 Say 'ye to the righteous, that it

k 2 Sam. 16:5-9. Ec. 10:5-7.
Matt. 26:67,68. 27:28-30,44.
Mark 14:65. Luke 22:64.
14:1. Judg. 11:6-8. John 6.

15.

Heb. lift up the hand. Gen. 14:22. Deut. 32:40. Rev. 10:5,

6.

m 58:12. Jer. 14:19. Lam. 2:13.
Hos. 5:13.

Heb. binder up. Hos. 6:1.
n 2 Chr. 28.5-7,18,19. 33:11.
36:17-19. Jer. 26:6,18. Mic.
3.12.

o 5. 18,19. 57:4. Ps. 73:8,9. Fz.

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8:12. 9.9. Hos. 7:16. Mal 3: 13-15. Matt. 12:36,37. Jude 15.

p 65:3-5. 2 Chr. 33:6,7. Ez. 8. 4-6,17,18. Hab. 1:13

q 16. 1 Sam. 15.32. 2 Kings 9: 30. Ps. 10:4. 73.6,7. Prov. 30:13. Jer. 3:3. 6:15. Dan. 7: 20.

r Gen. 13:13. 19:5-9. Jer. 44: 16,17. Ez. 23:16.

s Lam. 5:16. Hos. 13:9.

t 26:20,21. Fc. 8.12. Jer. 15:11. Ez. 9:4. 18:9-19. Zeph. 2:3. Mal. 3:18. Rom. 2:5-11.

Jerusalem and Judah of every stay and sup port; as well as to reduce the inhabitants to the greatest extremities for want of bread and water. He would speedily cause to cease from among them able commanders and valiant soldiers, active magistrates, faithful teachers and prophets, prudent and experienced counsellors, honorable rulers, expert artificers, or builders, who might fortify the city; (Note, 2 Kings 24: 8-16, v. 14.) and eloquent orators who might influence the people to unite for their own defence: and their very princes should be mere children in years and want of experience. This was fulfilled after the death of Josiah, by the succession of his sons and grandson in their early youth, and by their foolish and infatuated counsels. During those feeble reigns, the people had license to oppress each other, and all distinctions in society seemed to be abolished; so that children, and the meanest of the people, treated the most ancient and honorable with insolence and contempt. "The usual effects of a weak and unsettled govern'ment; when faction grows too hard for justice, 'and seditious men dare openly to insult those 'that are in authority.' Lowth. (Notes, Prov. CHAP. III. V. 1-9. These verses continue 28:2,3. Ec. 10:16-19.) In such circumstances, the subject of the preceding chapter, and de- offices of trust and honor would become so scribe those calamities which would abase the burdensome, that none could be induced willhanghty, terrify the daring, and shew the folly ingly to fill them: whilst every one would see of idolatry, and confidence in men. (Note, 2: the necessity of some persons exerting them22.)-The gradual approach of the siege and selves to repress internal distractions, and to destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans is provide for the public security. Yet the peoprincipally foretold; and the history of that ple would be so impoverished, that very few event, with the Prophecy and Lamentations of could bear the expense of the magistracy: so Jeremiah, form the best comment upon it: but that, if any one was decently clothed, that that destruction itself was an emblem and fore- would be deemed a considerable qualification runner of the final destruction of the city by for authority: and his brethren would be ready the Romans.-The prophet calls on all men to to lay hold of him, and almost constrain him to behold and observe, for "the Lord," the Gov-be a ruler, and to endeavor to repair the ruined ernor, "even JEHOVAH of hosts," or JEHOVAH, state of the community. But every one would the God of armies, was about to deprive protest against so desperate an undertaking;

NOTES.

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shall be well with him; for "they shall eat eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the the fruit of their doings. poor is in your houses.

11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him; for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

13 The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

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15 What mean ye that 'ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GoD of hosts.

16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and I wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daugh14 The LORD will enter into judg-ters of Zion, and the LORD will ** discover ment with the ancients of his people, their secret parts.

and the princes thereof: for dye have

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and be ready to make oath, that he was not in those who administered public affairs;) nay, circumstances for such a charge, having nei- their teachers led them astray, and, by their ther bread nor clothing at home, adequate to the false doctrines, and opposition to the true expense. Or, every one would be so concern- prophets, obstructed and destroyed the way, ed for his present ease, and so anxious to shift in which men ought to have walked. (Note, for his own safety, that no one would trouble Matt. 23:13.) The Lord was therefore deterhimself about the public. For, in fact, the city mined to stand up, and plead his own cause, and land would be ruined and desolated: be- and to enter into judgment with the people; tause their words and works had been so dar- especially with their elders and princes, who ingly rebellious against the Lord, and even be- were notorious for robbery and oppression, fore his glorious eyes, in his holy city and at For what could they mean, who ought to have his temple, as if they had determined to pro- been the support of justice, and the guardians voke him to wrath. Nay, their proud and in- of the poor, by enslaving, and cruelly beating, solent looks, and avowed purposes of wicked- and almost starving them; so that their very aess, rendered them like the abominable in- countenances shewed how they were crushed, habitants of Sodom; so that they had merited and nearly ground to powder by their exacthe severest vengeance, and had brought their tions? (Notes, Am. 5:10--13. 8:4--10. Mic. 2:1 alamities upon their own head. (Marg. Ref.--3. 3:8--12. 6:10--15.) The words, (translatn 1:9,10.-Notes, Jer. 6:13–15, v. 15. 44:15-'ed "children are their oppressors,") 'may be 18.) It is customary, through all the east,' 'says Sir J. Chardin, to gather together an "inmense quantity of furniture and clothes; "'for their fashions never alter.' Princes and 'great men are obliged to have a great stock of 'such things in readiness, for presents upon all 'occasions.... A great quantity of provision for 'the table was equally necessary. Bp. Lowth. 11 King 4:22,23. Neh. 5:17,18.)—The prudent. (2) pop, "the diviner."

'rendered their oppressors glean them; i. e. take from them the poor remainder of their sub'stance, which the former calamities had left. The word is used for gleaning grapes after the main vintage is already gathered, Deut. 24:21. ... "They that lead thee." The margin reads, "they that call thee blessed;" i. e. the 'false prophets, who soothe thee up in thy sins, and foretel nothing but peace and prosperity." Lowth. (Note, 30:8-11. Jer. 28:8,9.)

V. 10, 11. There was a remnant of pious V. 16, 17. The prophet next reproved the persons among the Jews, even in the worst of women of Jerusalein, especially those in sutimes: and though the prophets did not effect perior stations. It might indeed have been a national reformation, so as to prevent public expected that "the daughters of Zion" would calamities, they doubtless were instrumental be sober, decent, and modest in their attire, in bringing many individuals to repentance. and adorned with holiness: but they resemIt was therefore proper, that such persons bled the wanton courtezan, instead of imitatshould be encouraged: and they were here by ing those holy women of old who trusted in the express command of God assured that, God. (Note, 1 Tim. 2:9,10. P. O. 9–15. Note, notwithstanding national crimes and judg- 1 Pet. 3:1-4. P. 0. 1−7.) They walked with ments, however great and many, every upright stretched-forth necks, to shew themselves, to believer would be graciously accepted and rec-gaze, and to be gazed on; and with wanton ompensed, and have the comfort and benefit eyes, set off with artificial painting of the eyeof his righteousness; whilst the woe denounc-lids, inviting the beholders to accost them. ed upon the wicked was taking effect, and Pride and affected delicacy, nay a total want they were receiving the reward of their crimes. of modesty, and regard to decorum, were (Notes, Ec. 8:11-13. Ez. 18:5—9,26-32. 33:2 shewn in all their motions; whilst, after the -11. Rom. 2:7-11.) fashion of their heathen neighbors, they wore little bells in their shoes, the tinkling of which announced their approach. Some interpret this of chains, like a sort of trammels put upon their feet, which hindered these nice ladies

V. 12-15. It was time for the Lord to interpose: for even children and women ruled over his people; (either weak and effeminate persons; or bad women, by their influence with

18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their|| to round tires like the moon,

19 The chains, and "the bracelets, and the mufflers,

20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of he legs, and the head-bands, and the tablets, and the ear-rings,

21 The P rings, and nose-jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,

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'from making too large strides. But the 'words which describe the women's orna'ments, in this, and the following verses, are 'of a very doubtful signification, the modes of 'every age and country varying so often, that 'the succeeding fashion makes the former to 'be quickly forgotten, and the words that express it to be out-dated." Lowth. But the Lord was determined to disgrace and expose them for this vanity and wantonness: some loathsome disease should be sent utterly to destroy their comeliness; and, being taken captive, script, and sold for slaves, they should experience the most shocking and distressing treatment from their inhuman conquerors. Notes, 20:2-4. 47:1-3. Jer. 13:22.)

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Mic. 1:16.

8. Am. 8:10. Rev. 11:3.

z 4:4. Lev. 26:15. Deut. 28:22. 32:24. Rev. 16:9. 18:9.

a 2 Chr. 29.9. Jer. 11:22. 14:18. 18:21. 19:7. 21:9. Lam. 2:21. Am. 9:10.

|| Hev. might.

b Jer. 14:2. Lam. 1:4.

Or, emptied. Heb. cleansed. c 47:1. Job 2:8,13. Lam. 2:10. Ez. 26:16. Luke 19:44.

u 57:9. Prov. 7:17.
x 22:12. Ez. 7:18.
y 15:3. 32:9-11. Job 16:15.
Jer. 4.8. 6:26. 48:37. 49.3.
Lam. 2:10. Ez. 27
27:31. Joel 1:
Chaldeans: but the representation would
equally suit either catastrophe. (Marg. Ref.)
Nose-jewels. (21) Gen. 24:22. Ez. 16:12.
Margins.-"This fashion, however strange it
'may appear to us, was formerly, and is still,
'common in many parts of the east, among
women of all ranks.' Bp. Lowth. That is,
the custom of wearing rings in the nose.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1–11.

If men do not "stay themselves on God," he will at length remove from them all other supports: and, as the body soon languishes and dies, from which "the staff of bread, and the stay of water," are utterly withheld; so the soul, V. 18-26. The prophet here proceeds to which has not learned to trust in God, must enumerate the various ornaments, in which fail into entire misery, when separated from his country-women prided themselves, but of its worldly pleasures and possessions. It is which they would shortly be deprived. (The vain for nations to rely on able statesmen and word rendered "bravery," implies, splendor or chieftains; on valiant soldiers, prudent counmagnificence.) It is not necessary to attempt sellors, or eloquent orators: for, when the the explanation of the terms, and indeed little Lord pleases, "he taketh away their breath, satisfactory can be advanced, on many articles and they die," in the very crisis when their of this very singular inventory; and nothing aid is wanted; or, if they live, their wisdom, interesting, without an inadequate degree of courage, or success, may vanish at once, and labor, merely in a matter of curiosity. The fash- disappoint every expectation formed from ions of those ages doubtless varied much from them. And what benefit can individuals or those of our times; but human nature was the communities expect from true prophets, or same. (Note, Ez. 16:9-14.) The Lord was faithful teachers, whose admonitions they so displeased with the pride and ostentation of neglect? or from those false prophets, "who the females, that he joined it with the impiety speak peace when there is no peace?" (Note, and oppression of the princes, as a reason for Ez. 13:10—16.)--The Lord has various ways his judgments on the land: and he declared of punishing obstinate transgressors: he gives that he would so punish them, that a loath-up offending nations to foolish and feeble govsome smell, through disease and squalid neg-ernors, and to distracted counsels; he leaves lect, should be substituted in the place of men to their selfish passions, to oppress and their costly perfumes; rent and tattered gar- punish each other; and he corrects the aged ments, instead of their beautiful girdles; sack- and honorable, who despise him, by means of cloth instead of their fine linen; and a skin the insolence of their juniors and inferiors.scorched, and even blistered, by the burning In times of heavy calamity, when little can be sun, instead of that beauty of which they were expected in exalted stations, except trouble so vain: for the forces of the Jews being utter- and expense, men generally decline them, ly vanquished, Jerusalem would be levelled even though there be a prospect of doing good. with the ground; which event is represented For most are aware, that rulers should be under the idea of a desolate female seated "healers," and should aim to compose distracupon the earth.-Jerusalem is here described, tions, and promote the public good: yet few 'as a woman bereaved of her children, and la-seek and use authority for these purposes; or 'menting over them in this melancholy pos'ture. And thus she was represented in a 'medal coined by Vespasian's order, after the 'destruction of that city by the Romans.' Lowth.--The prophet, indeed, more immediately foretels the destruction of Jerusalem by the VOL. IV.

3

choose to sacrifice personal interest to genuine benevolence. However, though one nation, city, or company of professed Christians, after another, be ruined; we have a Ruler, who is also our Brother, who has unsearchable riches, and almighty power, and immeas

[17

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ance.

c

urable love: he is indeed "a Healer," and has
undertaken our ruined cause, and given him-
self a ransom for our souls: in his hand we
are safe, and his true church, and every be-
liever, will certainly obtain complete deliver-
But profession and external advanta-
ges will only aggravate the crimes of those,
who sin as in God's more immediate presence,
and "provoke the eyes of his glory" by their
wicked words and actions. And men should
remember, that their impudence and inso-
lence in wickedness, and their daring looks,
while "they declare their sin as Sodom," will
testify against them, and prove that "they have
rewarded evil to themselves;" when the Lord
shall denounce and execute vengeance upon
them. But blessed be God, there is abundant
encouragement to the righteous to trust him,
and for sinners to repent and return to him.
However his providential dispensations may
vary, he will invariably bless his people, who
shall reap the fruit of their faith and piety: and
he will punish his impenitent enemies accord-
ing to their works.
V. 12-26.

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and of becoming temptations to others, which are the sources of this vanity. The profuse expense also of money, and of still more precious time, to the neglect of piety, charity, and even justice; to the ruin of families, and the subversion of all distinction of rank in society, meet his most decided disapprobation. The occasion, which these vanities afford for temptations to still further crimes, in order to support the expense of them; the violation of bis holy day resulting from them; and the abominable practice of coming to places of worship, as to a theatre, on which to exhibit their vain decorations; whilst those, who should be worshipping, or hearing the word of God, are employed in admiring, envying, or making remarks on their finery: all these, and innumerable more evils arise from this contagious folly, which is far too generally tolerated in our congregations; but which will eventually eat out the life of godliness, where not opposed and protested against, as inconsistent with the word of God. Without all doubt, the more care people take to have their souls "beautified with salvation," and to do good to their Our righteous Lord has always wise and poor brethren; the less time and money will holy reasons for his severest judgments, as it they waste in this manner. If indeed Chriswill be made manifest in due time:-Rulers, tians are bound to "redeem their time," "imnobles, and teachers also, are not unfrequently prove their talents," refuse conformity to the ringleaders in ungodliness, and the great pro-world, and "to do all things to the glory of moters of wickedness in church and state; and God;" surely some regard should be paid to when authority falls into hands of men desti- the scriptural examples and exhortations on tute of piety and justice, and the instructers this subject; and "women professing godliof the people are "blind guides," who oppose ness" should be an entire contrast to these and "pervert the right ways of the Lord," it wanton daughters of Zion, in their deportment may be expected that he will stand up to exe- and apparel! If any despise, or be offended cute vengeance. But he knows how to dis- by, admonitions of this kind; perhaps the Lord tinguish between the righteous and the wick- may in this world visit them with such disease, ed, the tempted and the tempters, and the dif- poverty, and calamity, as may convince them ferent degrees of guilt in men's conduct: he of their sin and folly. Death, however, will will judge impartially, as well as punish se- soon strip the poor body of all its ornaments, verely; and he will call men to a strict account and bereave it of all its comeliness: then, infor all their wealth and power, and the use deed, there will be a stink instead of a perwhich they made of them. (Notes, Matt. fume; and all that taste and elegance, which 25:14-30. Notes and P. O. Luke 16:1-13.) have been for a moment admired, will be Many, indeed, who eat up the vineyard of the changed for the cold grave, for putrefaction, poor, and embellish their splendid palaces and the consuming worm. And what will with the gains of extortion and oppression, such ornaments and distinctions avail at the elude human justice. But what do professed resurrection, and the day of judgment; when Christians mean, by beating and persecuting every one, without respect of rank or sex, the people of God, and "grinding the faces of must give an account of the things done in the poor?" Do they indeed intend to bring on the body, whether good or evil? May every themselves the fierce wrath of the Lord, who reader henceforth renounce such childish vanis the Patron and Advocate of the afflicted ities, as well as more gross iniquities, and seek and oppressed? (Note, Prov. 14:31.)-Nor let that beauty and that adorning, which will enit be thought that the Lord disregards the dure, brighten, and purify for ever; which, at conduct of those females, who are chiefly re- the hour of death, will render the soul meet markable for their vanity and dissipation. He for the company of holy angels; and will en watches over, and registers, all their thoughts! sure to the body a glorious resurrection, in the and words, and every wanton look; and all image and likeness of our exalted Redeemer, their affected and ostentatious delicacy, the to be with him for ever in his heavenly kingexpression of their pride and self-admiration. dom. Especially he notes with abhorrence such wantonness and haughtiness, in "the daughters of Zion," in women professing the gospel. He does not deem these indifferent or trivial matters, as many speak of them: but he, as it were, keeps an inventory of all their ornaments; and, by his prophets and servants, protests against that fondness for external shew, and that dere of being admired and flattered,

NOTES.

CHAP. IV. V. 1. This verse should not have been separated from the preceding chapter, as it evidently relates to the same subject. When Jerusalem was besieged by the Chaldeans, and after it was taken, (for those times seem to be intended,) the young men were generally destroyed; (3:25.) but the young wo

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