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yet they prophesied smooth things that could only deceive. In Jer. 23: 32 these false
prophets are charged with causing the people to err by their lies and by their lightness or
instability (see Gen. 49: 4), lies because the words proceed from an evil heart, and
contrary to the Word; and unstable, because double minded, endeavouring to serve two
masters, not having the single eye.
There are many "perils of peace". The one we warn against here is the peril of the
false prophet. Before we endorse the teaching of the times, let us test it by the sure word
of prophecy. Does it point onward to Christ? Is HE magnified, alone exalted, or is man
placing himself upon a yet higher pedestal? Is a millennium coming without Christ? Is it
possible for man to
"Ring out the thousand years of war,
Ring in the thousand years of peace"?
Concerning all these dreams and prophecies of a Christless programme, politics or
philosophy, may be quoted the language of Ezek. 21: 27:--
"I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until HE COME whose
right it is: and I will give it to Him."
Brethren, in time of peace as in time of war, "Beware of false prophets". "To the law
and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no
light in them."
Prayer
(PSALM 61: 1-4).
p. 31
What is Prayer?--A cry. "Hear my cry, O God." The unfeigned (Psa. 17: 1) cry of
distress (Psa. 88: 1).
Where may I pray?--"From the end of the earth will I cry." The Jew particularly
connected the temple at Jerusalem with worship and prayer, yet even he could cry from
the end of the earth. Isa. 49: 6, and 45: 22 is the all-sufficient reason.
When may I pray?--"When my heart is overwhelmed."
When heart and flesh fail (Psa. 73: 26).
When the soul faints; when there is none to help;
When we draw near to the gates of death;
When we are at wit's end (Psa. 107: 5, 12, 18, 27).
He is able to save to the uttermost.