Pliny says, Floret prima omnium amygdala mense Januario; Martio vero pomum maturat. It blossoms in January, when other trees are locked up in their winter's repose; and it bears fruit in March, just at the commencement of spring, when other trees only begin to bud. It was here the symbol of that promptitude with which God was about to fulfill his promises and threatening. As a rod, says Dahler, is an instrument of punishment, the rod of the almond may be intended here as the symbol of that punishment which the prophet was about to announce.

Jer. 1:1-10 Jeremiah's early call to the work and office of a prophe is stated. He was to be a prophet, not to the Jews only, but to the neighbouring nations. He is still a prophet to the whole world, and it would be well if they would attend to these warnings. The Lord wh formed us, knows for what particular services and purposes he intende us. But unless he sanctify us by his new-creating Spirit, we shal neither be fit for his holy service on earth, nor his holy happiness in heaven. It becomes us to have low thoughts of ourselves. Those who ar young, should consider that they are so, and not venture beyond their powers. But though a sense of our own weakness and insufficiency shoul make us go humbly about our work, it should not make us draw back when God calls us. Those who have messages to deliver from God, must no fear the face of man. The Lord, by a sign, gave Jeremiah such a gift a was necessary. God's message should be delivered in his own words Whatever wordly wise men or politicians may think, the safety of kingdoms is decided according to the purpose and word of God.

Jer. 1:11-19 God gave Jeremiah a view of the destruction of Judah an Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. The almond-tree, which is more forward in the spring than any other, represented the speedy approach of judgments. God also showed whence the intended ruin should arise Jeremiah saw a seething-pot boiling, representing Jerusalem and Juda in great commotion. The mouth or face of the furnace or hearth, wa toward the north; from whence the fire and fuel were to come. The northern powers shall unite. The cause of these judgments was the sin of Judah. The whole counsel of God must be declared. The fear of God is the best remedy against the fear of man. Better to have all men ou enemies than God our enemy; those who are sure they have God with them need not, ought not to fear, whoever is against them. Let us pray tha we may be willing to give up personal interests, and that nothing ma move us from our duty __________________________________________________________________

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