the Sabbath, and all kinds of profaneness, must be discoun- tenanced to the utmost : and all the maxims and habits of the world, as far as they are contrary to the commands of God, must be held up to decided reprehension. The Gospel too, which above all things most exalts the honour of God, must be patronized, inculcated, enforced. The utmost possible exer- tion should be made to diffuse the knowledge of a crucified Saviour, " in whom all the fulness of the Godhead dwells," and " in whose face all the glory of the Godhead shines." In a word, the legitimate use of power is, so to exercise it " that God in all things may be glorified through Christ Jesus d."]
2. To promote the best interests of men —
[Were this world our only state of existence, it would be sufficient so to use our authority as most to subserve the pre- sent happiness of mankind. But men are immortal beings ; and their chief concern in this life is to prepare for a better. In this work then we should aid them to the utmost of our power. To this should all our instructions and exhortations tend. We should, as far as we are able, make known to them " the way of the Lord," and especially the way in which they may find acceptance with Him in the last day. With this view we should enable, and indeed require, them to attend upon the ordinances of religion. We should inquire from time -to time into their proficiency in divine knowledge, and their progress in the heavenly road. This is not the duty of Ministers only, but of all, according to their ability, and to the measure of influence which they possess. Parents should pay this attention to their children ; and Masters to their servants, and apprentices. They should not be content to see those whom God has committed to their care prospering in a worldly view, but should be anxious for the good of their souls, praying for them, and praying with them, and using every effort for their eternal welfare. St. Paul speaks of his " power as given to him for edification e :" and the same may be said of all influ- ence whatever : it is a talent committed to us for the benefit of others : and we are not to hide it in a napkin, but to improve it for the good of all around us. Of course, the nearer any are to us, the stronger claim they have upon us for our exer- tions in their behalf: and hence our domestic duties are of primary obligation. But we are not to say in reference to any man, " Am I my brother's keeper ?" but to do him good in every way that we can, and to the utmost extent of our ability. As our blessed Lord did all imaginable good to the bodies of men, yet did not neglect their souls, so in relation to
d 1 Pet. iv. 11. e o Cor. x. 8.
29.] Abraham's care of his family. 147
these more important duties we must say, " These ought we to do, and not to leave the other undone."]
That we may be stirred up to exert our influence in this way, let us consider,
II. The benefit of using it aright —
This is great,
1. To those who exercise it —
[So Abraham found it : he was approved of his God, and had the most astonishing testimonies of Divine approbation given to him. ' I know him,' says God ; ' and he shall know that I know him. Go, ye my angels, and make known to him my purposes respecting Sodom and Gomorrha. He has a zeal for my honour, and a love for his fellow-creatures : go, give him an opportunity of exercising both. He has Rela- tions too in Sodom : go and deliver them. This holy man shall never want a testimony of my love : I will fulfil to him in their utmost extent all the promises of my covenant V