tent-makers; the Ethiopian eunuch in the court of Candace, and Cornelius at the head of his military band; Dorcas, with the coats and garments which clothed the poor, and Peter, who raised her to life with a word, had severally very different measures of gifts: but, perhaps, not more different than we notice continually in the visible church now, where the great Proprietor of all still doth what he will with his own.

We are to observe, however, that these talents were given TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS SEVERAL ABILITY. This is a point of great moment. There is a perfect wisdom and equity in the divine government. We have the proportion of talents given us which is suited to our intended station in the church or community, and which would suffice, if well employed, to prove us to be faithful and valuable servants. The five talents would be a burden or snare to him who has two; and the one would not adequately engage him who has five. As God has disposed of each of us and adorned us with blessings, so he enjoins us this or that species of work, exercises us in different active duties, raises us to various functions, and supplies the matter, and proposes the occasions of acting well,

We proceed to consider,

II. THE RIGHT MANAGEMENT MADE OF THEIR

TALENTS BY THE faithful serVANTS, WITH THEIR REWARD.

He that had received five talents, went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. This teaches us the right use which the humble Christian makes of all his endowments and gifts, and the increase of them which attends it.

The RIGHT USE of the divine blessings is well represented by his trading or occupying with his master's property. This is not to be understood in a way of merit, for when we have done all, we are unprofitable servants; and the very first use of the means of religion which God affords us, is to fly by humble faith to the divine Saviour of sinners, for pardon and grace. But the image of trading fitly sets forth the course of active improvement of every gift, which the true Christian pursues, his diligence and industry in his calling, and the common utility which is thereby promoted. Whatever is bestowed upon him, he considers, not as his own, but as his Lord's. He employs it therefore with the scrupulous conscientiousness of a faithful servant. He does not waste his gifts in idleness, abuse them to self-confidence and pride, or lessen and destroy them by rash and ambitious projects. He does not rest with complacency in the barren thought that he possesses them. He does not display

them with ostentation. He does not compare himself with others, or endeavour to ascertain whether his talents are more or less than those of his neighbour. He does not interfere with a province not assigned to him, or hinder the work of his fellow-servants, or require every thing to be done in his own way, or quarrel with those who differ from him in their mode of acting. But he studies to do his Lord's will; he has a delight in the work; he endeavours to extend his obedience to the whole compass of his duty; he shrinks from no trouble or danger; he estimates all he can do, as nothing for such a Master; he aims at approving himself to him, and not to the world; he laments lost opportunities; and walks wisely in the management of his concerns. He begins immediately, proceeds diligently, works contentedly, and perseveres cheerfully.

His concern is to trade with his talents. Whatever will tend to the discharge of his personal and relative duties, whatever will promote the happiness of his family and connexions, whatever will instruct the ignorant, relieve the distressed, assist the needy, guide the inquiring, comfort the sorrowful, reclaim the wandering, and confirm and encourage the sincere, all this, with a due regard to circumstances and in the fear of God, he considers his proper vocation. Whatever use he can make of any circumstances

in which he is placed, any office he holds, any influence he has gained, any knowledge he acquires, any parts or accomplishments which he possesses, any favour God has given him with others, any occasions or incidents which present themselves, he straightway turns to account, even as the merchant traffics with his commodities. Above all, he employs the means of salvation to his own personal benefit. He repents of his sins, and believes in the sacrifice of Christ for pardon and justification before God. He values the Bible, prizes the Sabbath, derives improvement from pious example, profits by divine chastisement, and learns from the mistakes and sins of others; and thus uses every advantage for spiritual instruction with fidelity and thankfulness. If he be a minister of the sanctuary, he considers all his opportunities of saving the souls of men committed to his care, and all his ability for discharging his high office, as a solemn trust deposited with him, and for which he must give

account.

The consequence of this right use of his blessings, will be the INCREASE of them. The servant with the five talents, traded with the same, and made other five talents; and likewise he that had received two, gained other two. May God assist us in considering this topic! An unbounded field of inquiry and contemplation is here presented to us. It is not only enjoined

upon us, if we would be Christians, to occupy with our gifts, but to multiply them.

The industrious servant of God will do this. The very SKILL AND MANAGEMENT which he gradually acquires in the exercise of his functions and duties, contributes in fact to the increase of them. He learns as he He learns as he goes on; he gains more experience; he overcomes diffi culties. He becomes himself more and more interested in the success of his endeavours. He is at home in his work. Especially, his growing meekness, suavity, and humility, his govern ment of his temper, his knowledge of human nature and the human heart, and his practical judgment in difficult cases, greatly enlarge his capacities of usefulness, whilst they are the natural effects of the persevering pursuit of a favourite object. Need I add, that his more matured acquaintance with the Holy Scripture, his riper knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel, its promises, its duties, its exhortations its warnings, its supports, all furnish him with matter of increasing success? He not only does more than when he first began, but he does things better, he comes more directly to the point, and mingles less of injudicious or misplaced endeavours in seeking to attain his grand object.

To this are to be added the INVENTIONS, if I may so speak, of a diligent and faithful Chris