ministers and people ever act—_for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety_; and hence that very important advice, _In all thy ways acknowledge him_, _and he shall direct thy paths_. The humility of their minds is as clearly revealed; they did not desire a mansion, or even an elegant college, but only an humble cot—a little, with the fear and love of God, is far, yea, infinitely preferable to great riches. The main study of ministers should be usefulness; great riches seldom promote much spirituality in ministers or people: those who are running an heavenly race, should not load themselves with thick clay. The gospel ministry is called a warfare, and an aged father in the church, observes to his son Timothy, _No man that warreth should entangle himself in the affairs of this life_—that is, if he can avoid it. Not only the piety and humility of these good men are evident, but their industry; not to be burdensome to any, they went to work themselves, in the thicket, near the river Jordan, the resort of wild beasts; but the appointed path of duty, is, in general, the place of safety; here the Lord had directed them, and being in _his_ way, he doubtless honoured them with _his_ protecting, supporting, and approving smile.—Elisha was with them, superintending their affairs, and entreating the Lord for their success. This act, thus recorded by the divine Spirit, of the conduct of the Prophets, in cutting down the thickets of trees, and building an House, might perhaps have brought to their minds, the work to which they were called, and for which they were preparing.—Sinners are called Trees; the Gospel is compared to an Axe; Ministers are called Labourers; and if they find but little success in their work, they are directed to Jesus for strength, and to the blessed Spirit for wisdom to aim right. Perhaps Solomon alludes to this, when he says, _If the Iron be blunt_, _he must put to the more strength_; _but wisdom is profitable to direct_.—Agreeable to this is the language of our Lord to his Disciples, when fishing; he said, _Follow we_, _and I will make you fishers of men_. Thus instructed by Jesus, they could spiritualize their employment as fishers. This World is called a Sea, the Church a Ship, Men are compared to Fish, Ministers to fishermen, and the Gospel to a Net cast into the Sea; thus out dear Lord improved any circumstance, for the instruction of his dear people.