Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may you also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. I. THE GREAT DIFFICULTY OF REFORMING VICIOUS HABITS, OR OF CHANGING A BAD COURSE, TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DEEPLY ENGAGED IN IT AND LONG ACCUSTOMED TO IT. This will fully appear — 1. If we consider the nature of all habits, whether good, or bad, or indifferent. A rooted habit becomes a governing principle, and bears almost an equal sway in us with that which is natural. It is a kind of a new nature superinduced, and even as hard to be expelled, as some things which are primitively and originally natural. 2. This difficulty ariseth more especially from the particular nature of evil and vicious habits. These, because they are suitable to our corrupt nature, and conspire with the inclinations of it, are likely to be of a much quicker growth and improvement, and in a shorter space, and with less care and endeavour, to arrive at maturity and strength, than the habits of grace and goodness. 3. The difficulty of this change ariseth likewise from the natural and judicial consequences of a great progress and long continuance in an evil course. II. THE CASE OF THESE PERSONS, THOUGH IT BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, IS NOT QUITE DESPERATE; BUT AFTER ALL, THERE IS SOME GROUND OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT LEFT, THAT THEY MAY YET BE RECLAIMED AND BROUGHT TO GOODNESS. 1. There is left, even in the worst of men, a natural sense of the evil and unreasonableness of sin; which can hardly be ever totally extinguished in human nature. 2. Very bad men, when they have any thoughts of becoming better, are apt to conceive some good hopes of God's grace and mercy. 3. Who knows what men thoroughly roused and startled may resolve, and do? And a mighty resolution will break through difficulties which seem insuperable. 4. The grace and assistance of God when sincerely sought, is never to be despaired of. (J. Tillotson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. |
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