The Good Old Path
H. B. Ingrain. Jeremiah 6:16 Thus said the LORD, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein… Men are travellers. No continuing city here; no rest. Days upon earth but a shadow; none abiding. Must go on — from earth, with its cares and sorrows and privileges and joys — either to heaven or hell. I. A SOLEMN EXHORTATION. 1. We should ascertain what path we are walking in. Men do not think enough about spiritual things. Many a poor misguided traveller would enter the right path and obtain eternal life if he gave heed to the things which make for his peace. (1) This examination of the path should be made immediately. Not a moment to be lost. Next step may plunge you in some deadly pit. (2) This examination should be made faithfully. Not superficially. Our being different from those around us is not enough, for we may still be wrong. Must bring our conduct and habits of life to the standard of God's Word, and compare them with that. (3) This examination should be made prayerfully. It is useless for us to make it in our own strength or wisdom; but, influenced and guided by the Spirit of Christ, we cannot err. 2. We must not only ascertain if our way be wrong, but inquire for the right path. (1) It is here termed the old path. The way of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, good and holy of every clime and age. The everlasting Gospel has existed from eternity. (2) It is to be sought out. Eternity depends on the issue. 3. Having found the right path, we are to walk in it. Knowledge alone is not sufficient; there must be practical application of it. II. A GRACIOUS PROMISE. 1. The rest promised is of the highest kind. For the soul. The soul requires it. Burdened with sin; filled with feverish anxiety; like a ship tossed on a troubled sea. 2. This rest can be bestowed by God alone. It is the fruit of our union with Him, the result of our being His dear children. 3. In what does it consist? In our being forgiven; in our being conscious of the Divine favour; in our having the Spirit of Christ in our souls; in our dependence upon the promises. (H. B. Ingrain.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. WEB: Thus says Yahweh, "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, 'Where is the good way?' and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'