The child's portion

The Prophets Commission compriseth the full of their Accusation: He might have prophesied against other Nations without their offences; but that he doth it against this City, this is the provocation: He therefore asserts his particular charge, To prophesy against this House and this City: Grotius indeed lenifies the expression, and would have the words read, To this House, and to this City: Noting that the prophecy was for them, and not against them: And indeed convincing and awakening preaching would be so, if a People had wisdom and grace rightly to improve it: But suppose it against them, yet if God be against a People, and would have them to know it, should the Prophet obey man or God? Especially, if he exceeds not the bounds of his ⟨p. 168⟩commission, which Jeremiah here further asserts for the Lord sent him to speak all the words which they had heard; he had not added one of his own head: And must the Herald be impeached for proclaiming the King's Edicts?

The Prophets Commission comprizeth the full of their Accusation: He might have prophesied against other Nations without their offences; but that he doth it against this City, this is the provocation: He therefore asserts his particular charge, To prophesie against this House and this City: Grotius indeed lenifies the expression, and would have the words read, To this House, and to this City: Noting that the prophesie was for them, and not against them: And indeed convincing and awakening preaching would be so, if a People had wisdom and grace rightly to improve it: But suppose it against them, yet if God be against a People, and would have them to know it, should the Prophet obey man or God? Especially, if he exceeds not the bounds of his ⟨p. 168⟩commission, which Jeremiah here further asserts for the Lord sent him to speak all the words which they had heard; he had not added one of his own head: And must the Herald be impeached for proclaiming the King's Edicts?

2. The end of his prophecy, viz. if it might be to prevent their ruin, which he therefore delivers in way of Exhortation; Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, &c. I name that Exhortation as a branch of his defence, because he doth therein explicate what he had before delivered in the prophecy it self. Vers. 3. And also insinuates that his errand and business was not to triumph over them, but compassionately to endeavour the prevention of all the evil denounced: It is, q. d. Wherein have I offended? I have only studied your peace and safety; only advised to means of delivery and establishment, and is this a Crime? Must I dye for this? He therefore gives them a safe direction, and backs it with a persuasive encouragement.