[The greater part of the world are left by him in gross darkness. To tlie Jews he vouchsafed the light of his revealed will. The light that just dawned on them, has visited us in its meridian splendour. But some in this Christian land are scarcely more instructed in the knowledge of Christ, than if they had no concern with him : others again have had their eyes opened to behold his glory. Great was the diversity of gifts bestowed on the Christians of old'^; and there is the same distinction made in the Church at this day^. Hence we are called " stewards of the manifold grace of God^."]
These he bestows according to his own sovereign will —
[The rich man in the parable gave to " each according to his several ability^." Thus while he acted sovereignly, he acted also wisely, and iji this point of view only can that circum- stance be applied. It is not true that God bestows the richest talents on the most able men ^ : besides, the very abilities we possess are derived from him alone ; and, if man's ability were the measure of God's gifts, man would have room to boast'. God acts in all things according to his sovereign will"^. Ne- vertheless his will is guided by consummate wisdom^: and every person, whatever his lot be, must confess with the Apostle ™ — . These considerations are indeed humiliating to our proud hearts ; but they are inexpressibly comforting to those whose talents are small, and whose afflictions are many. Let such persons weigh them well, and make use of them for the suppressing of envy and discontent".]
We may well be satisfied with his conduct in this respect ; for,
II. He will reward every man, not so much accord- ing to the talents he possesses, as according to his fidelity in improving them — A man, endued wdth great gifts, will not be the more approved on that account —
d 1 Cor. xii. 5—12. e Eph. iv. 7. ^ 1 Pet. iv. 10.
g ver. 15. ^ 1 Cor. i. 26, 27. ' 1 Cor. iv. 7.
k Dan. iv. 35. i Eph. i. 11. " The counsel of his will."
n^ Eph. i. 8.
" This is a little digression from the subject ; or rather an appH- cation of it : but it is peculiarly proper in this place, in order to shew that the sovereignty of God is not a speculative point merely, but a practical, and most comforting doctrine. We are all placed, like the different members of the body, each in the fittest place : and were our situations altered otherwise than God has ordained, the change would be to the detriment both of the individual member, and of the whole body. See 1 Cor. xu. 11, 12, 18.