Genuine Philanthropy
Homilist
Jeremiah 9:1-2
Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears…


I. GENUINE PHILANTHROPY MELTING WITH EARNESTNESS.

1. Heart intensely earnest concerning the temporal condition of men. Chaldean army among them, etc. Weeps as patriot.

2. Heart intensely earnest concerning the moral condition of men. Their carnalities, idolatries, and crimes affect his pious spirit more than physical sufferings and political disasters. Think of the soul —

(1) In relation to its capacity of suffering and happiness.

(2) In relation to the influences for good or evil it is capable of exerting.

(3) In relation to its power of being a delight or a grief to the heart of infinite Love.

II. GENUINE PHILANTHROPY SIGHING FOR ISOLATION.

1. The sigh of a spiritually vexed soul.

2. The sigh of disappointed love. Nothing is more saddening to generous souls than the discovery of indifference, ingratitude, and growing vice in the very men they seek to bless.Conclusion —

1. The vicariousness of genuine philanthropy. It inspires the possessor with the spirit that will prompt him to sacrifice his very being for the good of others.

2. The abuse of genuine philanthropy. The greatest sin in the universe is sin against love.

3. The imperfection of genuine philanthropy. Like the best of everything human, love is not perfect here. Disheartened, Jeremiah sought isolation.

(Homilist.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

WEB: Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a spring of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!




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