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._