Ezekiel 13:1-16

There is somewhat very striking and awful in this scripture. One should hardly conceive it possible that any men, much less a multitude of men, should ever go forward unsent, and without authority from the Lord, to speak in his name, and more especially in times of public danger; yet we find the history of the Church furnisheth numberless instances of the kind. It hath been the custom in all ages. Reader! it is much to be feared that it is so now. The ministry is with some a genteel profession; with others, a lucrative one; and when worldly motives prevail, and men assume the office for filthy lucre's sake, they run unsent, and speak lies in the name of the Lord. Oh! that everyone about to enter the service of the Sanctuary would pause at the threshold, and recollect that the question put, are you inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you this office, is answered to God, and not to man. What awful expressions the Lord makes use of to deter: behold I am against you, saith the Lord. Oh! for grace, to have a right understanding in this weighty matter!