In this chapter and the two which follow, a continued sermon or a series of sermons, preached by Jacob, is recorded by him. They can easily be understood by all who desire to know and understand the truth. They bear the mark so plainly seen in Jacob's addresses, that of being devoid of any attempt to minimize or to apologize for what he has to say. He realized that a truth, spoken in plainness, is more quickly recognized than one decked in apologies, pretexts, and excuses. Besides this, he knew that such a one carried with it a conviction of right which would endure, while all else, no matter how pleasant, would "sooner or later perish" and as a dream, pass from the mind. Therefore, the plainness of the Gospel of Christ.
There are times, when as a reproof, a truth is spoken in love and kindness. It is often more painful to him who imparts it than to those who should receive it. This seems to have been so in the case of Jacob. He expresses a deep concern for those who have been made to suffer because of the wrongdoings of others. To add grief and misery to the sufferings of those who had come to the temple to be comforted by God's holy word caused him to shrink with shame before the Lord, in whose presence he must testify to them of their guilt. He says, "And also it grieveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God." (Verse 7)
Jacob first tells those who have gathered there of his purpose in coming up to the temple that day. He points out the obligation he has under God "to magnify mine office with soberness" that in no way could their sins be accounted against him, "I came up to the temple this day that I might declare unto you the word of God." (Verse 2)