Secondly.—May not the pitcher, lamp, and trumpet, be an emblem of Gospel ministers, and their office in the Church of Jesus Christ? We have this treasure in earthen vessels—the Gospel is a treasure, because it exhibits the riches of God and of Christ, in mercy, love, grace, wisdom, and power; which are unsearchable, substantial, and satisfying—the repository, cabinet, or pitcher in which this treasure is, are earthen vessels. Most Divines are of opinion that the Apostle refers to the circumstance we are considering. It is our mercy the Gospel is put into such vessels—an Angel, commissioned from the high throne of God, however lofty his language, however kind his message, yet would not be a proper person to preach to the Church of God—Ministers must be men of like passions with the Church; have the same depraved nature; be taught by the same Spirit; have the same trials in body, soul, and circumstances; or how could they sympathize with the Church? Now, that all the excellency of the power of the word might be of the Holy-Ghost, (which is the grand design of God) he has kindly put this treasure of the Gospel in earthen vessels, brittle shells, baked earth—to shew the frailty of the bodies of the best of men—“Your fathers! where are they?” and “Do the Prophets live for ever?” This is to shew the outward meanness of those instruments the Lord makes use of; but few rich, honorable, or noble, are called to the work; and frequently the most useful have been poor illiterate common mechanics. God is determined to stain the pride of human glory—to this end he has chosen the base, the foolish, the weak, to accomplish the most noble purposes—earthen vessels, that they might not be too much exalted, least, if they fall they should get the more injury. God will have all the glory of a man’s salvation, and the power is to be attributed to him alone, and not to the eloquence or oratory, learning or piety, gift, or even grace of the speaker; they, as earthen vessels, are not to be put too low, least they should be spurned and kicked. God has put an honor on them, and they are to be honored and esteemed for their work’s sake: in the pulpit they are to know none; but aim at the glory of Christ and the good of his people—to keep back nothing that is profitable—to conceal no doctrine—to be ashamed of no ordinance—to connive at no error—to have no man’s person in admiration, but aim at the exaltation of free, rich grace, in the plan of salvation. They are called earthen vessels, to shew the mighty power of God in their support, being so weak in themselves; and the protection and wonderful deliverances of them in times of trouble. Hence the Apostle, personating them, says, “We are troubled on every side;” that is, by every one, saint and sinner; yet not so distressed as to be without hope or comfort—We are perplexed and know not what to do, nor which way to take; but not in despair of the Lord