We learn what kind of ministry is likely to do most good, namely, that which works upon the consciences of men. John the Baptist lifted up his voice like a trumpet; he preached the doctrine of repentance with power. "Repent ye: for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand" (Matt 3:2). He came hewing and cutting down mens sins, and afterwards preached Christ to them. First he poured in the vinegar of the law, then the wine of the gospel. This was that preaching which made men studiously seek after heaven. John did not so much preach to please as to profit; he chose rather to discover men's sins than to show his own eloquence. The best mirror is not that which is most gilded, but that which shows the truest face. That preaching is to be preferred which makes the truest discovery of men's sins and shows them their hearts. John the Baptist was a burning and shining light; he did burn in his doctrine and shine in his life; and therefore men pressed into heaven. Peter, who was filled with a spirit of zeal, humbled his hearers for their sins and opened to them a foundatin in Christ's blood. "They were pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37). It is the greatest mercy to have a soul searching ministry. If one had a desperate wound, he would desire to have it searched to the bottom. [Thomas Watson]
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