At the right of Joshua we see Jeremiah, the prophet who so bitterly
lamented the afflictions of his people. He is often called the “weeping
prophet.” So Mr. Sargent has represented him in that attitude of grief
and discouragement, standing there with his eyes cast down in sorrowful
meditation. His whole life was spent in what seemed a fruitless strife
against the evils of his time, for his warnings were disregarded, and
his people were hurrying toward their destruction.
[Illustration:
_Jeremiah, Jonah, Isaiah, Habakkuk. The Frieze of the Prophets_
]
Mr. Sargent has made us feel the hopeless despair of this strong man who
tried so hard to save his people from all the misery they so willfully
brought upon themselves. He even went about the streets wearing a yoke
on his neck, to symbolize the coming servitude of the nation which
refused to heed his warnings and repent. His life was in constant
danger; he was imprisoned, thrown into a damp, unwholesome cistern, and
was often obliged to hide for months in caves among the rocks to escape
the king’s anger.
Other prophets could declare God’s protection and hold out some hope for
the good to come, but Jeremiah’s message spoke only of evil and sorrow.
It took great courage to go about on so unpopular and sad a mission,
without even a miracle to prove his words true, and always alone among
people who were unfriendly and did not believe in him.
The first one of Jeremiah’s predictions to come true was when Daniel and
the Israelites were taken captives to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar.
Again he warned them not to go into Egypt, but they not only went but
compelled him to go with them.
The last we hear of Jeremiah is in Egypt, urging his people to give up
their idols and worship God. He is indeed, as Mr. Sargent has
represented him, “the prophet of sorrow”; and yet the figure is one of
strength. Neither in his face nor in his bearing is there any sign of
indecision or turning back.