Jeremiah 23:16-22 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

Trying the spirits.

In Jeremiah 23:18 read, "For who hath stood in the counsel of Jehovah? Let him see and hear his word: who hath marked his word? Let him proclaim it."

I. HEARERS ARE TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN FALSE PROPHETS AND TRUE . A very serious permission. But not for an occasion only: to be exercised whenever the witnesses conflict. The essential principle of Protestantism. The prophet is one who speaks in God's Name and reveals his will. The question, therefore, is of interest for all time; is exceedingly important, but not morally difficult.

1. The effect of false prophecy is disastrous .

2. Earnest and prayerful discrimination is the best safeguard against religious indifference .

II. A DISTINGUISHING TEST IS FURNISHED . It is a moral one. By their relation to the Law of Moses were the different prophets to be judged of.

1. The marks of the false prophet . His influence is an unrighteous one. He encourages evildoers, either by directly unrighteous teaching or through the indirect influence which he exercises.

2. The marks of the true prophet . He is as unmistakably in favor of morality and religion. He is distinguished: