The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 490

VI. OHRIBTIANS NEED TO CULTIVATE A WATOHFUL SPIRIT. The ten virgins must be all Christia.us, for they all belong to the intimate circle of friends, and they all have lamps alight at first. The fault of the foolish ones is negligence, carelessness, caused, one would sa.y, by comparative indifference. It is well to be always watchful; but if, like a.11 the ten, we sometimes sleep, at least let us see that we have provided for coming need.-W. F. A. Vere. 1~30.-The parable of the talents, This parable is naturally associated with that of the ten virgins. In both we have the time for preparation, the crisis of judg- ment, the differences of conduct, and subsequent results. But this second parable treats of higher responsibilities and graver issues. Here we have a specific trust; the duty is more than watching, it is diligent working; and the rewards and punishments are proportionately greater. We pass from the joys of the kingdom and the possibility of missing them, to the serious duties of the kingdom and the great honours and heavy penalties that follow obedience and negligence. I. THE TALENTS ENTRUSTED. 1. The significance of the talents. This parable has given a secondary meaning to the very word " talent" in the literature of Christendom -a meaning which has come to supersede its original application, so that a talent with us is not a sum of money, but a power or faculty, and a talented person is a person highly endowed with natural gifts. In the large use of the word by our Lord the talent is anything that gives scope and facility for service-intellect, wealth, position, etc. 2. The variety of the talent. Some are more richly endowed than others. Nothing is more false to nature than the doctrinaire theory of equality. There is the greatest possible inequality, not only in the distribution of property-which is often owing to man's injustice, but in the providential bestowal of personal gifts. 3. The trust of the talents. The owner takes a journey into another country, and leaves his property with his servants. God is not really absent, but his presence is not apparent, and he leaves scope and freedom for the right use of what he has entrusted to men. II. THE SERVANTS' CONDUCT. 1. The diligent servants. Two do their best with what is committed to their charge, and work equally well, each just doubling his capital. (1) God expects active service, and not merely negative innocence. (2) Our powers and faculties are not our own ; they are to be used for God. (3) These gifts grow with use, and to ourselves the natural and the chief result of diligent service is the enlargement of our own powers. (4) The best service must be proportionate to our natural gifts. 'l'he man with two talents can only make two more, not five; yet he works as well e.e his more gifted companion. 2. The slothful, servant. This man had but one talent. If he had possessed more he might have been inspired to some enthusiasm. (1) There is a temptation to neglect small gifts. (2) It is wicked to be slothful. (3) Inability is no excuse for indolence, because all have some powers for service. III. THE FINAL AOCOUNT. This must be rendered. The owner will return to his estate, though he may be long absent. God will call all his servants to account for the use they make of their powers and opportunities. 1. The reward of fidelity. (1) This is for faithfulness in service, not merely in keeping what is committed to us. (2) It takes the form of a larger trust. 2, The punishment of indolence. The idle man has his excuse, but it is a false one. The Master does not reap where he has not sown; for he gave the talents which were to be the seed of more wealth. (1) Neglected gifts are withdrawn. If we will not use our faculties, we shall lose them. (2) The indolent servant is cast into darkness and despair. He might have done well. Not positive sin alone, but neglect to do our duty in God's service, will be heavily punished.-W. F. A.. Ver. 21.-Good and faithful s6r1Jants. We cannot but be struck with the cheerful tone of these generous words. They encourage us to look to the brighter side of Christian life and work. This is not all failure. It is largely fruitful and acceptable to God. I. THEBB ABE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS OF Goo. No age in the history of the Church has beeii without such people. Even when the five-talented men a.re scarce, 4fl6 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [oH, xxv. 1-46.