[In the first instance, tlie proposal referred solely to a mission which God intended to send to his people. And, in this view, it may justly be a2:)plied to any call which may be given to undertake the ministry of the Gospel, either in our
own country or in foreign parts ^
But we may consider the call as given to every one of us, not to undertake the office of the ministry, but to serve God in a way of general obedience : " Who is willing to fulfil my
will, and to consecrate himself to me ?" This honour
God is ready to confer on all who are willing to accept it : and, if we be really desirous to engage in His service, he will make us lights in the world, and monitors to all around us
Such offers as these are common in the Holy Scriptures
and we may suppose it as now made to us, in the
name, and by the command, of God himself ]
To the proposal so made, let us consider, II. The answer given —
This also we may regard, in the first instance, as an acceptance of the prophetic office. And we cannot but admire the conduct of Isaiah in relation to it, when he offered himself to God zmthout hesitation and zvithout reserve. Here were no inquiries made, what the particular office was, or what would be the difficulties attending the execution of it. It was sufficient for this holy man that he should be em- ployed in doing the will of God ; and he was willing to devote to that service all his faculties and all his powers '^
But, taking the proposal as made to us in general to serve oiu' God, we may here see what a spirit we should cultivate. We should offer ourselves to God to serve him,
1. Instantly —
[There should be no delay ; no looking for a more conve- nient season. We should not be questioning, whether we shall be able to do all that is required of us ; but should
* Here somewhat of a parallel may be drawn between that par- ticular occasion and any other which presents itself for more especial consideration.
^ Here, if the subject of Missions be treated of, it would be proper to shew, that every Candidate for the office of such a Ministry ought to possess the very disposition which was here evinced.