Ministers

Necessity is not only laid upon them to preach, but to
keep close to their commission in preaching the gospel, 1 Thess. 2:
3, 4, "Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in
guile, but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the
gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who trieth
our hearts:" the word is not to be corrupted to please men, 2 Cor.
2: 17. their business is not to make them their disciples, but
Christ's; not to seek theirs, but them, 2 Cor. 12: 14. to keep close
to their instructions, both in the matter, manner, and end of their
ministry. So did Christ himself, the treasure of wisdom and
knowledge; yet, being sent by God, he saith, John 7: 16. "My
doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me." And so he expects and
requires that his ambassadors keep close to the commissions he has
given them, and be (according to their measure) faithful to their
trust, as he was to his. Paul is to deliver to the people, that
which he also received from the Lord, 1 Cor. 11. And Timothy must
keep that which was committed to him, 2 Tim. 1: 14.

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