In Scripture language, our nature is frequently spoken of as an hireling. "Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?" (Job 7:1) By the law, the Lord made a gracious provision for the hireling, commanding that his wages should not abide all night, until the morning. (Leviticus 19:13) Under the gospel, the term of hireling is and also as a mark of worthlessness. Thus faithful servants of the Lord, in the ministry of his word and ordinances, are described as labourers sent into the vineyard by the Almighty Householder, and who, after the labour of the day, are called home to receive their hire; beginning from the last to the first. So that solemnly engaged in Christ's service, and hired to the work, they are supposed to labour in the word and doctrine with a single eye to the Lord's glory. They are, as instruments in the Lord's hand to break up the fallow ground of the hearts of their people, and to water the garden of Jesus. (Matthew 20:1-16) Whereas the mere hirelings, who enter the service of the Lord Jesus, not for love to the Lord, nor affection to his people, are represented as engaged only for filthy lucre's sake. These seek the fleece, not to serve the flock. They look for gain, every one to his own quarter; for so the prophet describes them. (Isaiah 56:11) Our Lord, in his unequalled manner, hath strikingly defined their character. (John 10:12-13)