Inferences.
THis shews what great Dignity God hath conferred upon his faithful Ministers; and this Title should procure an honourable Esteem of them in the Hearts of all Persons to whom they are sent. And this is more necessary to the good Success of their Message, than is generally thought; tho 'tis evident, what Ministers speak upon this Subject is misconstrued, as if they herein rather sought themselves, than to befriend the Gospel, or advance the Honour of their Master. Men are ready to interpret it as a Fruit of their Pride, and an Affectation they have of some out∣ward Grandure, and worldly Pomp, which they design to gain by such a magnifi∣cent Title. The Apostle himself was sensible of this, and yet would not desist to magnify his Office;* and therefore saith he, Let Men so account of us, as Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God, and that they should judg nothing before the Time.
Object. But some may say, If God will use Ambassadors to treat with Sinners, why doth be not use Angels? &c.
*Answ. 1. The Apostle answers this: We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels, that the Excellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us.
2. Ministers being Men, have the Advantage many ways above Angels for this Work. (1.) They are more concerned themselves in the Message they bring, than Angels are: What greater Argument for a Man's Care, than his own Interest! (2.) They have a more deep Sense arising in their Hearts, upon the account of the Temptations they are subject to, &c. (3.) The Sufferings which Ministers meet with for the Gospel's sake, are of great advantage to their Brethren; had Angels been the Ambassadors, they could not have sealed to the Truth of their Doctrine with their Blood, they cannot die, &c. (4.) Besides, the Presence of Angels might terrify and afrighten us, their Glory is so great, &c.
II. This shews, that Ministers have a special Commission: How shall they preach, except they are sent?* They must have a lawful Call to this Office, as Ambassadors have.
III. Let poor Sinners from hence be persuaded to hearken to them, and carefully receive the Message Ministers bring from the great God, and accept of Terms of Peace, and close in with Jesus Christ.
IV. It shews the wonderful Love of God, and the great Care he hath of Men's Souls.
V. It shews what an intolerable Affront is offered to the Majesty of Heaven, by those that abuse or deride the Ministers of the Gospel; and much greater, by them that persecute and imprison them for delivering their Message. Paul was an Am∣bassador in Bonds, &c.
VI. It shews the Weight and Importance of the Preachers Message; it is not a slight or sleeveless Errand they come about:* I set before you this day Life and Death. — Hear, and your Souls shall live. He that believeth not, the Wrath of God abideth on him. Go into all the World, and preach the Gospel to every Creature. He that believeth; and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.
