Secondly. As concerning the instances. Jonah did not compel the Ninevites to hear that message which he brought unto them.
Besides, the matter of compulsion to a constant worship of the word in church estate, which is the question, comes not near Jonah’s case.
Nor did Christ Jesus, or any of his ambassadors, so practise; but if persons refused to hear, the command of the Lord Jesus to his messengers was only to depart from them, shaking off the dust of their feet with a denunciation of God’s wrath against them, Matt. x.; Acts xiv.
Eglon’s rising up to Ehud’s message, examined.
Concerning Eglon’s rising up: first, Ehud compelled not that king either to hear or reverence, and all that can be imitable in Eglon is a voluntary and willing reverence, which persons ought to express to what they are persuaded comes from God.
But how do both these instances mightily convince and condemn themselves, who not only profess to turn away from, but also persecute or hurt, all such as shall dare to profess a ministry or church estate differing from their own, though for personal godliness and excellency of gifts reverenced by themselves.
A twofold ministry of Christ, converting and feeding.
Thirdly. To the point of compulsion: it hath pleased the Lord Jesus to appoint a twofold ministry of his word.
First. For unbelievers and their conversion, according to Matt. xxviii. 19, Mark xvi. 15, 16, and the constant practice of the apostles in the first preaching of the gospel.