Jerusalem is here considered under the notion of a Nazarite, by profession devoted to the service of God: but that profession was empty; it was not accompanied with any suitable practice. God tells them here to cut off their hair; to make no vain pretensions to holiness or religion; to throw off the mask, and attempt no longer to impose upon themselves and others by their hypocritical pretensions. On the same ground he orders them, ver. 21, to devote to common use the animals destined for sacrifice; and to make no more vain shows of religion while their hearts were not right with him. Dr. Blayney thinks the address is to the prophet, who was a Nazarite by virtue of his office, and who was called to cut off his hair as a token of mourning for the desolations which were coming upon his people. That cutting off the hair was a sign of distress and mourning may be seen, Ezra ix. 3; Isaiah xv. 2; chap. xli. 5, &c. But I think the other the more natural construction.

On high places] That the lamentation may be heard to the greater distance.

The generation of his wrath.] Persons exposed to punishment: used here as children of wrath, Eph. ii. 3.

Jer. 7:1-16 No observances, professions, or supposed revelations, wil profit, if men do not amend their ways and their doings. None can claim an interest in free salvation, who allow themselves in the practice of known sin, or live in the neglect of known duty. They thought that the temple they profaned would be their protection. But all who continue i sin because grace has abounded, or that grace may abound, make Chris the minister of sin; and the cross of Christ, rightly understood, form the most effectual remedy to such poisonous sentiments. The Son of God gave himself for our transgressions, to show the excellence of the Divine law, and the evil of sin. Never let us think we may d wickedness without suffering for it.

Jer. 7:17-20 The Jews took pride in showing zeal for their idols. Le us learn to be earnest in the service of our God, even from this ba example. Let us think it an honour to be employed in any work for God Let us be as diligent ourselves, and as careful to teach our children the truths of God, as many are to teach the mysteries of iniquity. The direct tendency of this sin is malice against God, but it will hur themselves. And they shall find there is no escaping. God's wrath i fire unquenchable.

Jer. 7:21-28 God shows that obedience was required of them. That whic God commanded was, Hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord thy God The promise is very encouraging. Let God's will be your rule, and his favour shall be your happiness. God was displeased with disobedience We understand the gospel as little as the Jews understood the law, i we think that even the sacrifice of Christ lessens our obligation to obey.

Jer. 7:29-34 In token both of sorrow and of slavery, Jerusalem must be degraded, and separated from God, as she had been separated to him. The heart is the place in which God has chosen to put his name; but if sin has the innermost and uppermost place there, we pollute the temple of the Lord. The destruction of Jerusalem appears here very terrible. The slain shall be many; they having made it the place of their sin. Evi pursues sinners, even after death. Those who will not, by the grace of God, be cured of vain mirth, shall, by the justice of God, be deprive of all mirth. How many ruin their health and property withou complaining, when engaged in Satan's service! May we learn to relis holy joys, and to sit loose to all others though lawful __________________________________________________________________

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