Secondly, In the parable, this man, the owner, is represented as 'travelling into a far country,' and undertakes there to receive a king- dom, and disposing of all his interests till his return. This noteth Christ's ascension into heaven ; and the point will be —
Doct. 2. That Christ at his departure appointed every man his work, and at his ascension gave gifts unto men, to be employed for his glory till he come again.
There are two things offered in the parable and in the point : —
1. His appointing every man his work; as the man disposed of all his matters till his return. Christ hath given order how every man, according to his ability and calling, should employ himself till he come again. We read, Acts i. 3, how Christ before his ascension in- structed his disciples in 'all things pertaining to the kingdom of heaven ; ' that is, in all the duties of rulers and ruled, teachers and taught ; the ordinances, laws, and institutions of his kingdom, the duties and privileges of the subjects thereof; what immunities they enjoy, what obedience they must perform. This was his last charge before his departure. Now we are to keep his charge as we will answer it to him at his coming : 1 Tim. vi. 13, 14, ' I charge thee in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, that thou keep this com- mandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.' It was needful that Christ should go from us for a while ; for he would not govern the world by sense, but by faith.
430 SERMONS UPON MATTHEW XXV. [SER. XI.
Now he will make trial of our faithfulness and diligence during his absence ; and therefore, having appointed us our work, he withdraweth. He will come again to take notice not only of the malice of his enemies against his people and interest, but also of the coldness and negligence of his own servants and domestics: 2 Thes. i. 8, 'He shall come in flam- ing fire, rendering vengeance upon them that know not God, and obey- not the gospel ;' nay, if not flatly disobedient, yet if evil slothful servants. 2. His giving gifts. Gifts were given at Christ's ascension ; when he took his journey, then he bestowed his goods to his servants. As Elijah let fall his mantle, when he was translated, so did Christ bestow his gifts and the graces of his Spirit : Eph. iv. 8, ' He ascended up on high, and gave gifts to men.' There is a threefold reason of this: —
[1.] The bestowing of the Spirit was necessary to supply the want of his bodily presence : John xvi. 7, ' Nevertheless. I tell you the truth ; it is expedient for you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Com- forter will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.' While Christ was with them, the Spirit was not given ; but when his bodily presence was removed, then cometh the Comforter : God will not withhold what is useful. If he take away outward com- forts, he will give us the Spirit.
[2.] It was fit he should enter upon his kingdom before his mem- bers participate so largely of his fulness, John vii. 38. Before his incarnation grace was given upon trust, therefore more sparingly ; afterwards coming in the flesh, the disciples were dull in comparison of what they were when the price was paid. He was entered into pos- session of his dignity, had taken actual possession of his kingdom ; then he poureth out the gifts and graces of the Spirit, that the glori- ous estate of his church and subjects might not go before, but come after the glorious estate of their king and head.
[3.] To show that in his exaltation he is still mindful of his ser- vants. As soon as warm in the mediatorial throne, he sendeth down gifts and graces : Acts ii. 33, ' Being at the right hand of the Father exalted, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear.' Pre- sently he beginneth to show for what reason he is gone to heaven, powerfully to apply the work of redemption.
Use 1. Hath Christ appointed to men their work ? It should quicken us to keep the charge of the Lord: Gen. 1. 16, 'Thy father did command before he died.' If we have any respect to the memory of our Lord departed from us, any expectation of his coming again, so let us be faithful in the work appointed us to do. He instructed his apostles in all the duties and privileges of the kingdom of God, and they have instructed us, and you must answer it to Christ at his coming ; therefore be diligent in glorifying God in your places.
Use 2. As he gave gifts. Look upon Christ as exalted at the right hand of God to dispense the gifts and graces of the Spirit, for the bringing about the salvation of all that come to God by him. It is said, 2 Kings ii. 9, 10, that if Elisha should see his master ascending, he should have his spirit doubled upon him. It is true here ; if by faith we look to Christ ascended, his Spirit in some measure will come upon us ; we have free liberty and access to him, to enjoy him for ever.