love. They must speak to men nearly in the same strain as they would if they had received a commission to preach to those who are already suffering the penalty due to their sins. They should not flatter men with any conceits about their own goodness, or the ability which they possess to deliver them- selves ; but should offer them mercy through the atonement made for them upon the cross, and call them to accept it as the free gift of God for Christ's sake ]
Supposing us to have undertaken this office, let us notice,
II. The indispensable necessity of discharging it with fidelity — " Woe is unto us if we preach not this Gospel" faithfully. For if, from any consideration whatever, we forbear to do so, what account shall we give,
1. To God, who has committed this office to us ? [If we have neglected it, through the fear of man, or the
love of this present evil world, or through mere indolence, what shall we say, when summoned to give an account of our stewardship? Should we have loved any thing in comparison of Him ? or feared any besides Him ? or counted any thing too much to do for Him ? How vain will all our excuses appear in that day !]
2. To the souls whom, by our unfaithfulness, we have betrayed ?
[Men may now say to us, " Prophesy unto us smooth things; prophesy deceits;" and they may be pleased with our compliance. But when they meet us in judgment, how bitter will be their reproaches, and how loud their complaints against
us ! The very persons whose favour we courted when
on earth, will be among the first to cry out for vengeance on our souls.]
3. To the Saviour, whose dying love we should have made known ?
[What shall we say, when the Saviour shall remind us of all that he has done for the salvation of our souls ? Is it thus that we should have requited him? Did he come from heaven for us, and die upon the cross for us, and confer on us the honour of being his ambassadors to a ruined world ; and have we felt no more regard for him, and his interests in the world ? How shall we call on the rocks and mountains to cover us from his merited indignation !]
4. To ourselves, who have trifled thus with our own salvation ?