+III.+ That +God always accepts offers of service for which there has been this preparation, and that bear these marks.+ He never rejects true volunteers. Offers hastily made and half-meant He passes by (Josh. xxiv. 18, 19; John ii. 23-25); but genuine, whole-hearted offers of service, He invariably accepts. In conclusion, let us lay up in our memories three facts in connection with service. 1. _True service is not incompatible with failure._ We are too apt to connect failure with incompetency in the servant. Many do fail through incompetency, but not all. The prophet divinely called and most royally endowed may fail, because of the moral obduracy and perverseness of those to whom he is sent (vers. 9, 10). 2. _True service is not incompatible with sorrow_ (vers. 11, 12). That man is inhuman who without profound grief can behold the perversity of sinners, and the calamities with which in consequence they are visited. 3. _True service will never be left without reward._ Multitudes may reject the prophet's message, yet there will be "a tenth" who will accept it and be saved.--_J. R. Wood._ FOOTNOTES: [1] H. E. I., 3633-3639. [2] H. E. I., 3618-3626. MESSENGERS WANTED. vi. 8. _Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, &c._ +I. God wants messengers unto sinful men.+ Tidings concerning sin and salvation, mercy and deliverance, God's grace and man's misery, must be published. Might send seraphim and the angel host. God elects to send men to their fellow-men. "Whom shall I send?" is not the inquiry of a Divine perplexity, but the stimulative question of one who calls for willing workers. +II. God especially qualifies His messengers.+ How does He in an especial manner fit men for His highest service? 1. _By an awe-inspiring sight of Himself._ 2. _By distressing convictions of personal sin._ 3. _By sanctifying all the faculties to His use._ +III. God's call should meet with a ready response.+ He desires volunteers, "Who will go for us?" The constraint of love is the omnipotent motive force. 1. _The call is heard individually._ "I heard the voice of the Lord." 2. _The call provokes self-surrender._ "Here am I." 3. _The call demands entire self-abandonment._ "Send me"--anywhere, on any errands, at any time, in any capacity. +IV. How may we ascertain that we are required to become messengers of the living God?+ 1. By the separating voice of God. 2. By the discipline of preparation. 3. By the openings of beckoning opportunities. The "joy of the Lord" will be our strength when most we feel the pressure of "the burden of the Lord."--_Matthew Braithwaithe._ A STRANGE AND SAD ERRAND. vi. 9, 10. _And He said, Go, and tell this people, &c._