The watchman on the tower has a responsibility to warn the people of impending danger. Ezekiel taught that the watchman was responsible if he did not fulfill his responsibility, if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand…if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way…his blood will I require at thine hand (Ezek 33:6-8). Jacob echoed these words, we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments (Jacob 1:19).
Jacob is always concerned that he cry repentance to the people so that he is not held accountable for their sins. In the next several verses, he explains that he would not be calling them to repentance if they were pure, Would I harrow up your souls if your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the truth if ye were freed from sin (v. 47)? He did not enjoy this duty, but he couldn’t shrink from it without being responsible, it grieveth my soul and causeth me to shrink with shame before the presence of my Maker, that I must testify unto you concerning the wickedness of your hearts (Jacob 2:6). Those bishops, stake presidents, and higher authorities must follow the example of Jacob in their respective stewardships.