Jeremiah and the other prophets were not playboys in the pulpit. It seems the prophets of old lived apart from the rest of society and only appeared when sent by God to deliver a message. Their messages warned the people of their sin and iniquity. Then, as today, people resent having their hypocrisy exposed. Hence, the prophets and apostles were not only rejected but persecuted and martyred.  God holds His people accountable for the rejection of His ministers. Jesus warned, "From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, it shall be required of this generation." (Luke 11:51)