at the hands of him who neglected them. At the same time they are informed, that if their want of success is not owing to their own negligence, but to the obstinacy of the people to whom they are sent, it shall not be imputed to them ; but " they shall receive a recompence according to their own labour k," and "be glorious in God's eyes though Israel be not gathered1."]
2. His servants execute their commission in the very way that Abraham's servant did —
[They look unto God for his direction and blessing; know- ing assuredly, that, though " Paul should plant and Apollos water, God alone can give the increase." They endeavour to render the leadings of his providence subservient to their great end. They watch carefully for any signs which may appear of God's intention to render their message effectual ; and they are forward to set forth the unsearchable riches of Christ, together with his suitableness and sufficiency for his church's happiness. They declare that He is " appointed heir of all things ; " and that out of His fulness all the wants of his people shall be abundantly supplied. They exhibit in their own per- sons somewhat of that " salvation wherewith he will beautify the meek ; " and to every soul that expresses a willingness to be united to him, they are desirous to impart pledges and earnests of Iris future love. And if in any instance God blesses their endeavours, they labour to accelerate that perfect union which is the consummation of all their wishes. To any thing that would divert their attention or retard their progress, they say, " Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my waym."]
3. Their labours are crowned with similar success —
[No faithful servant labours altogether in vain". Some doubtless are far more successful than others ; but all who en- deavour earnestly to " win souls to Christ," have the happiness of seeing some who obey the call, and cheerfully " forsake all to follow him." These are to them now their richest recom- pence ; and in the last day will also be " their joy and crown of rejoicing:" for "when the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready," then shall they also be " called to the marriage supper of the Lamb," and be eter- nally blessed in his presence. " These are the true savings of God0."]
To make a suitable improvement of this history,
1. Let us have respect to God in all our temporal concerns —
k 1 Cor. iii. 8. ' Isai. xlix. 5. with ver. 41.
m ver. 56. » Jer. xxiii. 22. ° Rev. xix. 7—9.