even our lives dear unto us, so that we may but fulfil our
ministry," and be " pure from the blood of all men"
The saving of souls is the work committed to us ; and we must prosecute that work, " whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear" ]
Learn from hence,
1 . The importance of the ministry —
[God has ceased to impart his mind to men in a way of immediate revelation. His written word is that by which he now instructs the world : and he has set apart an order of men, whose duty it is to make known his revealed will. They are " not to teach for doctrines the commandments of men," but simply to declare what God himself has spoken. In the exe- cution of their office they are God's ambassadors, yea, if we may so speak, his representatives: they speak to men "in Christ's stead;" and the word they deliver, is "not theirs, but God's." Whilst then, on the one hand, we magnify our office, we ought, on the other hand, to say, " Who is sufficient for these things?"]
2. The duty of those who are ministered unto —
[When a minister is proclaiming, " Thus saith the Lord God," the people should " tremble at the word ;" and, whilst he " declares the whole counsel of God," it becomes them to " receive it with meekness" and simplicity. They should not be offended at his fidelity, but be thankful for it. They would not commend a watchman, who should leave a family to be burnt in their beds, rather than alarm them with the cry of fire ; or a sentinel, who should suffer a camp to be surprised by their enemy, because he would not alarm them by giving notice of their approach : much less then should they approve of those who " prophesy smooth things," and " speak peace unto them, when there is no peace." " Those who have God's word, must speak God's word faithfully ;" and those who hear it, should obey it cheerfully, and without reserve.]