Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 August 1911 — OLD TESTAMENT TIMES BROOKLYN TABERNACLE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OLD TESTAMENT TIMES BROOKLYN TABERNACLE

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PROPHESY SMOOTH THINGS | Jeremiah 26—Aug. 6 “TU Urn * u me UfU end me BeHmstm: whom thali I fearT’—Ptalm T3:L OUR last study related to the times of King Josiab and his reformation- At about that time the Prophet Jeremiah began to speak in the name of the Lord. Josiab was succeeded by bis son. who proved himself another bad son of a good father: and we remark here that between the ages of twelve and eighteen would appear to be the time when the majority of hoys reach some mental decision respecting the future which has much to do with their after Uvea. 80 far as we remember, the majority of notably great men have confessed to reaching a decision of character during this period. Likewise it is said that the majority of criminals take their start in evil-doing at this early age. We urge again upon parents ana guardians the importance of this period in human life and the wisdom of giving proper care and counsel that the blossoming manhood and womanhood may be directed in proper channels and be a blessing to themselves and others. Prophecy Against Jerusalem Under the evil rule of King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, under the Lord's guid-

ance. foretold the coming destruction of the city and temple. The effect of such a prophecy should have led the people to self-examin-ation, prayer and fasting, and a full return to loyalty to God. °But, according to Jeremiah’s account, it was a time of

great moral delinquency. He pictures a terrible condition of the people—a prevalence of dishonesty, of slander, of murder, adultery, false swearing and open licentiousness. The priests led the people in an angry attack upon the Prophet He was arrested, charged with speaking evil of his city and declaring its forthcoming destruction. How foolish! Could merely the Prophet's declaration bring the thing to pass? And If he were the Lord’s Prophet could their assault upon him turn aside God’s purpose? It Is noteworthy that It was the priests and the false prophets who. on this occasion, called fa* the death of a true Prophet And alas! this has not infrequently been the case Nearly all the persecutions of Jesus and His i Apostles and followers throughout the Age have come from professed servants of God. What heart searching this shonld bring to everyone of us lest, peradventure, we should be similarly overtaken in a fault and be. found fighting against God. and should bring upon ourselves severe condemnation.

Let Us Not Fight Against God As Jeremiah told them of the time of trouble nearing, so some today are declaring that the greatest time of trouble ever known in the world’s history is probably bnt a few years off—that it 8 wilt mean the most terrible anarchy, the only relief from which will be the establishment .of .Messiah’s Kingdom in power and great glory. There are some today so foolish as to think that the trouble could be put off or avoided altogether by silencing those who call attention to the Word of the Lord (Daniel xii, 1). Let us not be found fighting against God. He is mighty and will prevail, and all of His purposes. He assures us. will surely be accomplished. Jeremiah impressed the princes of his people. He reaffirmed every

word he had uttered. and declared himself ready to die if need be; but he urged reformation. The princes, more Just than the priests and false prophets, acquitted Jeremiah although his. words condemned them. So

It has been at various times in the history of the truth; if it had not been for the moderation of the civil power, many a reformer would have been put to death.

Every child of God, however, faithful to his consecration, is a servant of righteousness and should be a foe to sin in its every form. Such must be prepared for the finger of scorn and the Up of sarcasm and Such may take to themselves the words of our text and rejoice, saying, “The Lord is my Light and my S&lvatkm: whom shall I fear?” These trials would evidence that God found them worthy of shaping and polishing for His service, whereas others without such persecutions would have every reason to doubt that they were In preparation for the Kingdom. Such should rejoice and be very glad. They should realize that there will be different grades of honor and dignity in the Kingdom and that the more they suffer for righteousness’ sake, the higher and greater will be their reward when all these are past

The prophet's denuncietion.

Jeremiah arrested.