with the fancies and conceits of men, but must de- clare simply the mind and will of God. He is sent of God for that very end. He is an ambassador from God to man, authorized to declare on what terms God will be reconciled to his rebellious subjects. And this ministry he is to discharge,
1. With assiduity —
[Day and night should he labour in his vocation, with all diligence. The priests under the law had their appointed seasons for sacrifice : but, for the ministration of the Gospel, and the advancement of the interests of the Redeemer's king- dom, no time should be deemed unseasonable. A servant of God should never lose sight of the object which he is com- missioned to promote. Whether in public or in private, whether on the Sabbath or other days, whether early or late, whether in a season of peace or of the bitterest persecution, he should be alike active, and alike intent on fulfilling the will of his Divine Master. He should " be instant in season, out of season" ]
2. With fidelity—
[In his discourse, he should adapt himself to the necessities of men, and *' change his voice towards them" as occasion may require. If there be errors in the Church, he must "reprove" them, and establish the truth in opposition to them. If there be any sins committed, he must " rebuke" them; and, if need be, with sharpness and severity too, " that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed." If there be any dis- couraged by reason of the difficulty of their way, he must exhort and comfort them ; according to that injunction of the prophet, " Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees ; and say to them that are of a fearful heart, Fear not; your God will come and save you^." He is not to fear the face of man ; but to address all, without respect of persons; and to declare to them the truth, " whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear •*."]
3. With perseverance —
[He may labour long, and see but little fruit of his labour: but, " like the husbandman, he must wait with patience for the early and the latter rain®." He must be content to give " line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little." And if, in return for all his kindness, he meet with nothing but reproach and persecution, he must still persist in using his best efforts, if by any means he may at last be made
<= Isai. XXXV. 3, 4. ^ Ezek. ii. 7. ® Jam. v. 7.