Jeremiah 18:18-19 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

The preacher's foes; or, false tongues and deaf ears.

I. THESE OPPOSE MORE OR LESS EVERY TRUE MINISTRY . The persecutors of Stephen "stopped their ears and ran upon him."

II. THEY ARE AN INDIRECT TESTIMONY TO THE TRUTH AND FAITHFULNESS OF THE MESSAGE DELIVERED .

III. THEY MAY RETARD , BUT THEY CANNOT STIFLE , THE DIVINE MESSAGE . The slander can be lived down. The voice of just men done to death will speak when they are dead. Magna est veritas et prevalebit .

IV. THERE IS A SILENT WITNESS WHO SHALL TAKE ACCOUNT OF ALL .

1. It is of less consequence to us that men approve and attend than that God should do so . The preacher addresses not only a visible, but an invisible, audience. Of every word that proceeds from his servants' lips God takes note.

2. He will protect his servant until his work has been accomplished .

3. The slanders and indifference of those to whom the Word is spoken will be punished . ( Matthew 12:36 , Matthew 12:37 .)—M.