From these we might have learned all the mysteries of god- liness. We should therefore have studied them with all humi- lity and diligence. Have we not experienced many convictions of coiiscience, and gracious operations of God's Spirit ? These are inestimable, and may be made subservient to our eternal welfare. Have we not received many calls and warnings from God in his Providence ? These, if duly attended to, might have been occasions of much good to our souls : and all these things are mercies, of which we must hereafter give an account.]
II. What improvement have we made of his favours? —
[The injunction given to all, is, " Occupy, that is, Trade, till I come ;" and all these things are given us to be improved for Godd. What use then have we made of the pound com- mitted to us ? Have we employed our reason in search of Divine truth ? Have we spent our Sabbaths in meditation and prayer? Have we profited by the ordinances as we might have done ? Have we taken the Scriptures as a guide to our feet and lantern to our path? Have we obeyed the dictates of conscience, and the motions of God's Spirit? Have we laid to heart the various dispensations of Providence which we observed in our own concerns, and in the world around us ? Have we, in short, laboured to improve our time, our money, our influ- ence for him who has entrusted them to our care? Have we laboured earnestly to fulfil that apostolic injunction6 — ?]
III. What excuse have we for neglecting to improve them ? —
[The slothful servant cast the blame upon his lord : nor are there wanting amongst ourselves those who resemble him. We say, God requires more than he will enable us to perform : but can this be affirmed with even a shadow of truth ? Do not his promises extend to all our wants? May not every one adopt the words of the Apostle Paulf — ? Even if this assertion were true, it would not justify our supineness. The more " austere" our Lord were, the more we should fear to provoke him : we should endeavour at least to approve ourselves to him as we could. If we could not do all, it is no reason that we should do nothing. If we could not improve his money by trading, we should " put it into the bank." Our excuses then will only turn to our confusion. God will justly say to us, " Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee."]
IV. What recompence have we reason to expect? —
[Our Lord will reward every man according to his works. Are we ready then to give up our account to him? Can we
d 1 Cor. xii. 7. e 1 Pet. iv. 10. * Phil. iv. 13.