Out of the land of the north] From Chaldea. This prophecy has two aspects: one refers to the return from the Babylonish captivity; the other, to the glorious days of Christianity. But the words may refer to that gathering together of the Jews, not only from Chaldea, but from the countries of their dispersion over the face of the whole earth, and uniting them in the Christian Church.

Jer. 3:1-5 In repentance, it is good to think upon the sins of which we have been guilty, and the places and companies where they have bee committed. How gently the Lord had corrected them! In receivin penitents, he is God, and not man. Whatever thou hast said or don hitherto, wilt thou not from this time apply to me? Will not this grac of God overcome thee? Now pardon is proclaimed, wilt thou not take the benefit? They will hope to find in him the tender compassions of Father towards a returning prodigal. They will come to him as the Guid of their youth: youth needs a guide. Repenting sinners may encourag themselves that God will not keep his anger to the end. All God' mercies, in every age, suggest encouragement; and what can be s desirable for the young, as to have the Lord for their Father, and the Guide of their youth? Let parents daily direct their children earnestl to seek this blessing.

Jer. 3:6-11 If we mark the crimes of those who break off from religious profession, and the consequences, we see abundant reason to shun evil ways. It is dreadful to be proved more criminal than thos who have actually perished in their sins; yet it will be small comfor in everlasting punishment, for them to know that others were viler tha they.

Jer. 3:12-20 See God's readiness to pardon sin, and the blessing reserved for gospel times. These words were proclaimed toward the north; to Israel, the ten tribes, captive in Assyria. They are directe how to return. If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive them. These promises are fully to come to pass in the bringin back the Jews in after-ages. God will graciously receive those tha return to him; and by his grace, he takes them out from among the rest The ark of the covenant was not found after the captivity. The whole of that dispensation was to be done away, which took place after the multitude of believers had been greatly increased by the conversion of the Gentiles, and of the Israelites scattered among them. A happy stat of the church is foretold. He can teach all to call him Father; but without thorough change of heart and life, no man can be a child of God, and we have no security for not departing from Him.

Jer. 3:21-25 Sin is turning aside to crooked ways. And forgetting the Lord our God is at the bottom of all sin. By sin we bring ourselve into trouble. The promise to those that return is, God will heal their backslidings, by his pardoning mercy, his quieting peace, and his renewing grace. They come devoting themselves to God. They com disclaiming all expectations of relief and succour from any but the Lord. Therefore they come depending upon him only. He is the Lord, an he only can save. It points out the great salvation from sin Jesu Christ wrought out for us. They come justifying God in their troubles and judging themselves for their sins. True penitents learn to call sin shame, even the sin they have been most pleased with. True penitent learn to call sin death and ruin, and to charge upon it all the suffer. While men harden themselves in sin, contempt and misery ar their portion: for he that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but he that confesseth and forsaketh them, shall find mercy __________________________________________________________________

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