What! Sirs, shall we despise the blood of Christ? Shall we think it was shed for them who are not worthy of our utmost care? Oh, then, let us hear these arguments of Christ, whenever we feel ourselves grow dull and careless: “Did I die for these souls and wilt not thou look after them? Were they worth My blood, and are they not worth thy labor? Did I come down from heaven to earth, ‘to seek and save that which was lost;’ and wilt thou not go to the next door, or street, or village, to seek them? How small is they labor and condescension compared to Mine! I debased Myself to this, but it is thy honour to be so employed.” Every time we look upon our congregations, let us believingly remember that they are the purchase of Christ’s blood, and therefore should be regarded by us with the deepest interest and the most tender affection.

- Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, 131-132.