DISCOURSE: 1753
THE DUTY OF MINISTERS
Acts 5:20. Go stand, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life [Note: A little sketch given extemporaneously to a young friend.].
CONSIDER the commission,
I. As given to the Apostles.
1. Suffer not yourselves to be intimidated—
[Execute the high commission you have received.
Assure yourselves of protection from on high.
Know that none can prevail against you any farther than God shall see fit — — — or than He can overrule for his glory, and for your good — — —]
2. Suffer not them to be robbed—
[The Gospel is the word of life and salvation (ver.29–32.)
It is the only means of life — — — and the effectual means to all who receive it — — —
Suffer not envious and wicked men to rob them of it.
Regard not your own bodily life, if you may but advance the life of their souls—]
II.
As given to us at this hour.
We have the same word of life to preach to you—
[You hear it under far more favourable circumstances. None forbid us to preach it, or you to hear it — — —
You are come for the very purpose that you may hear it—]
Lo, then I now preach it to you—
[Christ has died that you may live.
Believe on him and you shall live.
This I declare to all, without hesitation and without exception.
Avail yourselves of the opportunity afforded you.
Contemplate the sad alternative if you reject our word.
If our word be not a savour of life unto life, it will be a savour to your death and condemnation — — —]