(1.) The benefit promised; that is, to be made fishers of men; which I
Though no doubt there is a direction here to all the ministers of the gospel, that have left their other employments, and betaken themselves to the preaching of the word, viz., that if they would do good to souls, and gain them by their ministry, then they are to imitate Christ, in their carriage and preaching, to make him their pattern, to write after his copy, as a fit mean for gaining of souls.
2. There is a promise annexed to the duty. Wherein we may consider, (1.) The benefit promised; that is, to be made fishers of men; which I take to be not only an investing of them with authority, and a calling of them to the office, but also a promise of the success they should have, that fishing of men should be their employment, and they should not be employed in vain, but following Christ, they should indeed catch men by the gospel. (2.) The fountain-cause of this, I will make you; none other can make you fishers of men but me.
You may observe, 1. Then, O my soul, that it is the Lord Jesus Christ that makes men fishers of men.
Here I shall shew,
I. How Christ makes men fishers of men.
II. Why unconverted men are compared to fish in the water.
III. That ministers are fishers by office.
I. How does Christ make men fishers of men?
In answer to this question, consider spiritual fishing two ways. 1. As to the office and work itself; and 2. As to the success of it.
Firsts He makes them fishers as to their office, by his call, which is twofold, outward and inward, by setting them apart to the office of the ministry; and it is your business, O my soul, to know whether you have it or not. But of this more afterwards.