And the sweet cane from a far country] The calamus aromaticus, which, when dried and pulverized, yields a very fine aromatic smell; see on Isa. xliii. 24. This was employed in making the holy anointing oil. See Exod. xxx. 23.

Jer. 6:1-8 Whatever methods are used, it is vain to contend with God' judgments. The more we indulge in the pleasures of this life, the mor we unfit ourselves for the troubles of this life. The Chaldean arm shall break in upon the land of Judah, and in a little time devour all The day is coming, when those careless and secure in sinful ways wil be visited. It is folly to trifle when we have eternal salvation to work out, and the enemies of that salvation to fight against. But the were thus eager, not that they might fulfil God's counsels, but tha they might fill their own treasures; yet God thereby served his ow purposes. The corrupt heart of man, in its natural state, casts ou evil thoughts, just as a fountain casts out her waters. It is alway flowing, yet always full. The God of mercy is loth to depart even from a provoking people, and is earnest with them, that by repentance an reformation, they may prevent things from coming to extremity.

Jer. 6:9-17 When the Lord arises to take vengeance, no sinners of an age or rank, or of either sex escape. They were set upon the world, an wholly carried away by the love of it. If we judge of this sin by God' word, we find multitudes in every station and rank given up to it Those are to be reckoned our worst and most dangerous enemies, wh flatter us in a sinful way. Oh that men would be wise for their souls Ask for the old paths; the way of godliness and righteousness ha always been the way God has owned and blessed. Ask for the old path set forth by the written word of God. When you have found the good way go on in it, you will find abundant recompence at your journey's end But if men will not obey the voice of God and flee to his appointe Refuge, it will plainly appear at the day of judgment, that they ar ruined because they reject God's word.

Jer. 6:18-30 God rejects their outward services, as worthless to aton for their sins. Sacrifice and incense were to direct them to Mediator; but when offered to purchase a license to go on in sin, the provoke God. The sins of God's professing people make them an easy pre to their enemies. They dare not show themselves. Saints may rejoice in hope of God's mercies, though they see them only in the promise sinners must mourn for fear of God's judgments, though they see the only in the threatenings. They are the worst of revolters, and are all corrupters. Sinners soon become tempters. They are compared to or supposed to have good metal in it, but which proves all dross. Nothin will prevail to part between them and their sins. Reprobate silve shall they be called, useless and worthless. When warnings corrections, rebukes, and all means of grace, leave men unrenewed, the will be left, as rejected of God, to everlasting misery. Let us pray then, that we may be refined by the Lord, as silver is refined __________________________________________________________________

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