he is far more guilty than* the inhabitant of some dark parish, who never hears any teaching but a sort of semi- heathen morality. — ^It should come home to every child and servant in religious families. All such are far more blameworthy,, in God's sight, than those who live in houses where there is no honour paid to the word of God and prayer. Let these things never be forgotten. Our judg- ment at the last day will be according to our light and opportunities.
What are we doing ourselves with our religious know- ledge ? Are we using, it wisely, and turning it to good accoimtP Or are we content with the barren sajdng, " We know it,— -we know it," and secretly flattering our- selves that the knowledge of our Lord's will makes us better than others, while that wiU is not done P Let us beware of mistakes. The day will come, when know- ledge unimproved will be found the most perilous of possessions. Thousands will awake to find that they are in a lower place than the most ignorant and idolatrous heathen. Their knowledge not used, and their light not followed, will only add to their condemnation.
Notes. Luke XXL 41—48.
42. — [And the Lord said.} Let it be noted that our Lord Jesus Christ did not give any direct reply to the question which teter asked. Major remarks, " The meaning of our Saviour's reply appears to be this : The precepts that 1 have given apply* to e^ery individual, but with greater force to you who are in the attuaition of stewards, to whom much has been entrusted, and from whom consequently much will be required."
The whole passage, down to the 48th verse, appears to be parabolic and figurative ; and we must be careful not to strain any particular expression in it, further than is warranted by the general scope of the context.