Jeremiah 18:18 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

Ecclesiastical succession versus individual ministry.

The spirit of these words is not hard to divine. "We have a succession of priests, teachers, and prophets assured to us by our traditional institutions; so there is no great loss if Jeremiah be discounted; and we need not fear the cessation of the Divine revelation,—is it not provided against by a sacred succession?"

I. THERE ARE MANY WHO BELIEVE IN THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY AS AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION AND TRUTH .

II. THIS IS ALLEGED IN EXCUSE FOR :

1. Refusing support to special religious effor t.

2. Contempt and opposition of individual ministers .

III. IN CORRECTION OF THIS ERROR MAY BE NOTED :

1. That it is not countenanced by God .

2. History has frequently shown its falsehood.

3. It is really a reliance upon the human and not the Divine .

4. God does his special work nearly always through individuals .

5. The dishonor done to the servant is done to his Master .—M.