)

Protestants, though professing to be guided by the Holy Scripture,
entirely disregard the admonition of St. James. Luther acted with more
consistency. Finding that the injunction of the Apostle was too plain to
be explained away by subtlety of words, he boldly rejected the entire
Epistle, which he contemptuously styled "a letter of straw."(489)

It is sad to think that our separated brethren discard this consoling
instrument of grace, though pressed upon them by an Apostle of Jesus
Christ; for, surely, a spiritual medicine which diminishes the terrors of
death, comforts the dying Christian, fortifies the soul in its final
struggle, and purifies it for its passage from time to eternity, should be
gratefully and eagerly made use of, especially when prescribed by an
inspired Physician.

Chapter XXIX.

THE PRIESTHOOD.

The Apostles were clothed with the powers of Jesus Christ. The Priest, as
the successor of the Apostles, is clothed with their power. This fact
reveals to us the eminent dignity of the priestly character.

The exalted dignity of the Priest is derived not from the personal merits
for which he may be conspicuous, but from the sublime functions which he
is charged to perform. To the carnal eye the Priest looks like other men,
but to the eye of faith he is exalted above the angels, because he
exercises powers not given even to angels.

The Priest is the _ambassador of God_, appointed to vindicate His honor
and to proclaim His glory. "We are ambassadors for Christ," says the
Apostle; "God, as it were, exhorting by us."(490) If it is esteemed a
great privilege for a citizen of the United States to represent our
country in any of the courts of Europe, how much greater is the
prerogative to represent the court of heaven among the nations of the
earth! "As the Father hath sent Me," says our Lord to His Apostles, "I
also send you."(491) "Going, therefore, teach ye all nations, ... teaching
them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you. And, behold,
I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world."(492) The
jurisdiction of earthly representatives is limited, but the authority of
the ministers of God extends over the whole earth. "Go ye into the whole
world and preach the Gospel," says Christ, "to every creature."(493)

Not only does Jesus empower His ministers to preach in His name, but he
commands their hearers to listen and obey. "Whosoev