about the body; but now the body, through the bounty of Providence, is amply provided for. From henceforth therefore banish all anxiety about carnal things, and occupy thyself about thy spiritual and eternal interests. Thou shalt now be the one object of my care and attention ; and the body shall be altogether devoted to thy service. God hath provided for thee a far richer portion than this world can give. Now therefore set thyself to serve him with all thy faculties and powers: bless him that he has not " required thee of me" unprepared ; and the more time thou hast lost, exert thyself the more to redeem the moments that may still be allotted thee.' Such an address would have been a just requital of the divine goodness ; nor would it ever have brought upon him the judg- ments experienced. But such reflections were far enough from his mind. The bounties of Providence served but to confirm his sensual habits : and the donor was eclipsed by the very gifts which he bestowed. Surely then the Divine displeasure was not more than adequate to his demerits?]
The improvement which our Lord made of this parable leads us to inquire,
II. Whether there be not amongst ourselves also similar objects of his displeasure ?
A man anxious about the world and regardless of his soul is a very common character in every place —
[To make provision for ourselves and families is by no means sinful": such prudent care will very well consist with fervent piety0: but our concern about earthly things should not preclude an attention to the soul. Our first duty is to " lay up treasure in heaven." By embracing Christ and his promises, we may be " rich in faith ;" and by exerting ourselves in his service, we may be " rich in good works." Thus, how- ever poor with respect to this world, we may be " rich towards God." But how few amongst us make this their chief employ- ment! How languid is our desire after " Christ's unsearchable riches," when compared with our anxiety about the unrighteous mammon ! How cheerful, constant, and indefatigable is our labour for the body, while that for the soul is at best feeble, occasional, and reluctant !]
Every such person resembles the Rich Fool in the parable,
1. In his folly —
[He shews that he disregards his soul in comparison of his body, and that the concerns of time appear to him more
n 1 Tim. v. 8. ° Rom. xii. 11.