The National tribune., 1892-02-18

Judah TO captivity ar slavery, there seemed
some foundation for Iriiah's accusation. But
jeremiah stoutly denied the charge. The
Captain Of the ward refused TO believe him.
The Princes hated him because he had prOphe-
sled severe things against their Kingdom.
They were mad. They struck him. st. John,
j.: -, %; Acts, 5: p, 4Oi %: 2, 3; Cor, IL:
23-27) Then the Princes ordered that he be
incarcerated. prov, 17:ls. 26.)
6. Suggestions
!. II is right TO defend ones SELF against false
accusations " ~ A false allegation openly
made aud not publicly denied is by implication
admitted.
2. BE loyal. Never fec your country in its
hour OF peril. Patriotism is a virtue akin to
religion. We would always have dcspised Jer-
emiah had Irliah's charge been true.
3. Prisons have grand stories TO tell. II is
not always proof that man is evil because he
is q prisoner. Many n noble man has been
falsely accused and condemned. Aud many
men have been imprisoned because they were
coed.
ii. JEREMIAH IL THE COURT OF THE PEIsoS.
/. Data
Jer., 81: 10 81.
. Time and Piece,
These practically agree with paragraph
above.
3. Why ont Of DungeOnf
Zedekiah, son OF Josiah, brother 10 Jehola-
kim, uncle TO Jahoakin, was acting rs King
10y appointment Of Nebuchadnczzar who had
reduced Judah 10 n dependence. Zodekiah
had promised by oath to maintain fidelity to
tho Babylonian King q Ch., SO 10; Eze..
II; 49, Palestine lays between Babylon and
Egypt and was always more or less disturbed.
Pharaoh-hophra, King Of Egypt. was on way
north to help Judah against Nebuchadnezzar.
Zedekah ignored his pledge TO the Babylo-
nan King, and sided with Pharaoh-hophra.
Judah's King was in terrible straits OF mind.
lie wanted advice and sympathy. Ho sent for
jeremiah. lie was ashamed 20 have IL known
that he consulted with ono whom he had
treated so shabbily. Hence no had him come
TO the palace in coz, secretly" (Y. II; CT
st. John, $50; SAL; -: AZ; 10: 3s) The
object was 10 find out what jeremiah the
prophet Of Jehovah had to say as to tho situa-
ton. There was a chance for Jeremiah TO
WAIVER. lie could prophesy smooth things.
lie had just como from a horrible. offensive
dungeon lie hored not 10 be returned, but
he would not even for liberty compromise tho
truth. Io knew well that what he was TO say
would bo received hatefully. and the prophet
rs being the messenger, would have % suffer as
though lac had been verify the author OF the |
adverse prophecy. ZedeEiah is COMPOUNDED |
and silent as jeremiah pours out the red-hot |
words. Then the prophet turns on the King
as with thuuderbolts Of Teproof He let fly |
some interrogations that must have cut through |
the very heart Of Zedekiah. "What is tine |
use OF prophesying that which will not prove |
trueT What good can false prophets do ruler? |
What benefit had como from hiding the facts 2 |
All that / have done is as Gods agent to tell |
what Jehovah directed me 10 state. Why pun |
ish me so shamcfully when ! have done only /
my duty?" This was curious prelude for /
one who was about 10 ask great favor relief /
from the dungeon. Probably more from fear |
than principle Zcdekiah let up a little per- |
hitting jeremiah. gu returning 10 the prison. |
TO be confined in the court of the prison instead |
OF being again thrust doTn into the dungeon. |
lie also directed that better food provision be |
made FOR the prophet.
4. Suggestions.
!. Act openly rs Christians. Do not be !
ashamed to be seen talking with a clergyman. |
" IL
g DO not be concerned about Gods will and |
pleasure only when in trouble, neglccting |
God, Church. ministry, Bible, when you are in |
lV. H.
3. Take your own part. ". 49, Do not |
suffer wrong usage without explanation. DO !
not submit 10 cOntemptuOus or harsh treatment |
without trying 20 protect yOuselG
4. Ministers should never cover In tho pre- |
Of tho truth; never be intimidated |
when declaring Gods will; never consult per- |
sonal ease when principle is At stake. Tvs. II |
10 CT V. III
5. Have concern for your life. (Y. COZ Seek |
safety IL IL be honorable. Prefer comfort 70 |
misery. Choose the court instead OF the dun |
geon: freedom rather than prison life.
q. Trust in God as to food. Nv. 81 also |