Chapter 58. Use 1: The Horrible Wickedness of Those Who Are Idle in the Ministry
the day of Jesus Christ, that I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain."
It is an appeal to encourage people to embrace the Gospel, that they may repay those who labour among them with this reward: that they may have joy in the day of Jesus Christ, being able to come to Christ and say, "Blessed Saviour, here am I, and those whom Thou hast given me." There are reasons enough for this. Therefore, I will pass on from the point, brethren, only to add this.
Chapter 58.
Use 1: The Horrible Wickedness of Those Who Are Idle in the Ministry First, you may see what a horrible wickedness it is for anyone who takes upon themselves to be ministers of the Gospel, yet remains idle. To be an idle shepherd, to be unfaithful in this calling, is a most detestable wickedness. Of all the people in the world, those men who have given themselves over to wickedness are the ones who bear the weight of the Ministry of the Gospel upon their shoulders, yet remain idle.
Oh, it is woeful that such a man was ever born, who would take upon himself such a glorious ministry as the Ministry of the Gospel, and yet be negligent in preaching, or by leading a scandalous life, cause harm to others. It would have been better if he had never been born.
As the Apostle says, "Woe to me if I do not preach." Likewise, they