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1. Man, through all the ages of time, has been influenced by a principle of reform. The pathway of the generations has been trodden amidst the Babel-tongued shouts of "Progress!" True progress has ever been characterised by diligent research. So we may well-nigh estimate the excellence of acquirement by intensity of endeavour to attain, and calculate worth by the economics of moral labour.

2. This searching is the child of necessity. For possession begets desire; the perfecting of one design reveals the incompleteness of another, or the converse; the failure of one scheme throws into bolder relief the success of another.

3. The searching, to be successful, must also be thorough: "with all your heart." The discoveries of insincerity are accidental. "Heart searchings" are illumined by the light of heaven.

4. Application —

(1) The ultimate and inevitable object of search, "Me."(2) The certainty of success assured, dependent only upon the one condition named, i.e. earnestness, "Ye shall find Me."(3) "Searching" is not always strenuous exertion; study the might of systematic inaction. "Canst thou by searching (alone) find out God? Wait patiently for Him." "Stand still and see the salvation of God."(4) Note the individual reference of the text: "Ye shall seek Me, and find Me," &c.

(Preacher's Analyst.)

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KJV: For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

WEB: For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Don't let your prophets who are in the midst of you, and your diviners, deceive you; neither listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed.