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Gospel Workers 1915
Spiritual Watchmen
Christ’s ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted
to their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In
ancient times, sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities,
where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important points
to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon
their faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals
they were required to call to one another, to make sure that all were
awake, and that no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of
warning was borne from one to another, each repeating the call till it
echoed round the city.
To every minister the Lord declares: “O son of man, I have set
thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear
the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the
wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak
[15]
to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his
iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if
thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, ...thou hast delivered
thy soul.” [
Ezekiel 33:7-9
.]
These words of the prophet declare the solemn responsibility rest-
ing upon those who are appointed as guardians of the church, stewards
of the mysteries of God. They are to stand as watchmen on the walls
of Zion, to sound the note of alarm at the approach of the enemy. If
for any reason their spiritual senses become so benumbed that they are
unable to discern danger, and through their failure to give warning the
people perish, God will require at their hands the blood of those who
are lost.
It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so
near to God, and to be so susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit,
that He can work through them to tell sinners of their peril, and point
them to the place of safety. Chosen of God, sealed with the blood
of consecration, they are to rescue men and women from impending
destruction. Faithfully are they to warn their fellow-men of the sure
result of transgression, and faithfully are they to safeguard the interest
of the church. At no time may they relax their vigilance. Theirs is a
work requiring the exercise of every faculty of the being. In trumpet
tones their voices are to be lifted, and never should they sound one