[We are apt to idolize those from whose ministry we have derived benefit to our souls. From their labours we expect a blessing which we scarcely hope to derive from any other quarter ; and a secret dissatisfaction arises in our minds, if, at any time, his place be occupied by a less-favoured mini- ster. We forget that neither the word, nor the power with which it has been accompanied, were his ; and we are ready to ascribe to him the honour which is due to God alone. But if we duly considered that ministers are only the channels of communication between the Fountain and us, and that the waters by which we have been refreshed have proceeded from God alone, we should look through them to God, and limit both our expectations and our gratitude to Him, from whom alone any spiritual good can flow. I say not that we are to feel no gratitude towards them : for " we are to esteem them very highly in love for their works' sake." Nor do I say that some measure of partiality may not fitly be shewn towards those to whom, under God, we owe our own souls : for " though we have ten thousand instructors, yet have we but one Father," to whom, therefore, we owe a filial regard: but such a measure of attachment to one, as leads us to undervalue others, is a mere carnal feeling, which ought to be suppressed. St. Paul repeatedly appealed to the Corinthians themselves respecting this : whilst ye indulge such partialities, " are ye not carnal? yea, are ye not carnal, and do ye not tvalk as carnal men?''' I may say, therefore, that a just estimate of the labours of ministers will prevent an undue rivalry amongst them in our affections.]
2. To augment our dependence of God —
[The husbandman, when his fields are sown, looks to God for a blessing on his labours. In like manner will our eyes be directed to God alone for a spiritual harvest, if we be thoroughly convinced that he is the only source from whence it can spring. We shall not look to the creature, but to God, in and through the creature : and to the same gracious Giver of all good shall we render thanks for all the good we have received; ever mindful that it has proceeded from his Holy Spirit, " who divideth to every man severally as he will." We shall be afraid of provoking God to jealousy, by ascribing to man any part of that glory which belongs to him : and we shall live in the very frame of those who are around the throne of God; who, ever mindful of the benefits they have received from him, are singing, " salvation to God and to the Lamb for ever and ever." As in heaven, so on earth, the creature will be '* no- thing i' but God will be " all in all^."]
8 " Neither he that planteth, nor he that watereth, is any thing."