2 Chronicles 31:21

REFLECTIONS

I pass over several otherwise interesting reflections which this chapter ministereth unto in the zeal of Hezekiah and the people to put idolatry out of the land, in order to attend to what the Holy Ghost hath here so largely dwelt upon, the liberality of the people providing for their clergy, and the faithfulness of the clergy in the moderate use of the good things of God's providence, and their zeal and services in the Lord's work among the people. In whatever character the ministers of Jesus are considered as servants and laborers, as watchmen or stewards, they are uniformly held forth as exercising a most solemn and awful office, for the faithful account of which they are responsible at the judgment-seat of God. We watch (saith one of them, well taught in divine things) for your souls, as they that must give account, that we may do it with joy, and not with grief. Called to the great work and labor of the ministry; solemnly engaged in it; intrusted by the Lord with the charge of his word, his people, his house, his ordinances, and family; the grand object should be how to promote his glory in the salvation of men; and by every means in their power to win souls unto Christ. Every faithful servant is bound to advance his Lord's interests. How much more every faithful servant of Jesus, in that the salvation of the souls of poor perishing sinners is so intimately connected with the glory of his master. Oh! Lord Jesus! do thou in compassion to the perishing state of sinners all around, call such to thy service whose hearts, like thine own, may be moved with compassion in the contemplation of a lost world. And to those whom thou hast called, or shalt call, be pleased to give the sweet communications of thy Holy Spirit. Make them more anxious to win souls to Jesus than to win kingdoms to themselves. And let the same gracious frame of mind mark all thy sent servants, which the apostle, Paul felt when he could and did appeal to his people, and say, I will not be burdensome to you, for I seek not yours, but you. 2 Corinthians 12:14.