But, on the other hand, what bitter reflections, and what awful fears, must this retrofpect create in the mind of the unprofitable fervant, unprofitable both to himself and others, whose talent has produced no improvement, has added nothing either to his own virtue, or their happiness? The parable will inform him of his fate, if his LORD find him thus unfruitful.

And here it must be indeed acknowledged, that this is in a greater or lefs degree the condition of us all. For who among us can fay that we have no fin? that we have not left undone things that we ought to have done? Which of us has improved every gift of heaven to its utmoft extent? or if we have been faithful in fome talents, have we not mifemployed or been neglectful of others? The best, when our LORD comes to reckon with us, will have much to be forgiven; and in that great day of account, we must make our last appeal, not to the merit of our fervice, but to the mercy of our Judge.

But let it be observed, that if, according to the parable, utter darkness is to be the portion of him who lays by his talent unimproved, yet has preferved it unimpaired; what must be the feverer doom of those who profufely fquander it in acts of difhonour and difobedience to GOD? Our Saviour has in the parable defcribed only à crime of omission, in neglecting the talent. But how many proceed ftill farther in guilt; and pervert thofe gifts which the goodness of GOD has conferred on them, into occafions of offending him? How often may we see fuperior talents and abilities engaged in the intereft of vice, and unhappily employed in disobeying and dishonouring him that gave them? And if the unfruitful fervant, who was indolent only, or carelefs, was condemned to utter darkness, what direful sentence may we expect will be pronounced upon the aggravated crime of those who have been active, industrious, and diligent in vice?

To fuch finners one confolation indeed yet remains, that to the penitent the gate

of

of mercy is never fhut; that however multiplied or aggravated their fins may have been, yet if they are forfaken, and repented of, they will not be the occafions of their condemnation. They may indeed, and most certainly will, diminish their future portion of happiness, if they are not careful, by fuperior diligence, to redeem the time they have loft; to recover their ground, and prefs forward with renewed fpeed towards the prize.

Let us then confider what encouragement we have to a continued perfeverance and progrefs in the duties of religion. Let us remember that GOD is able to repay to the uttermoft those who ferve him; and that our reward will be proportioned to our obedience. Let our labours in his fervice be ever fo long, they can never be in vain; but the fooner we begin, and the more diligently we labour, the more certainly we fhall obtain a reward, and the more glorious it will be when attained. Let us then press forwards towards perfection,

G 3

fection, knowing that our portion will be glory, and honour, and immortality.

And happy, happy fure, we must think the lot of human nature, if the religious attention and industry of a few years can purchase for us the prize of immortal life; a prize as far above our conception as it is beyond our defert. Happy fervants, whom their LORD will thus bountifully reward! Bleffed stewards! if the improvement of the talents intrufted to our care can entitle us to that gracious fentence: Well done, good and faithful fervants: because ye have been faithful in few things, I will make you rulers over many things; enter ye into the joy of your Lord.

SER

SERMON VII.

The Prayer of AGUR confidered and explained.

PROV. XXX. 8, 9.

Give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food convenient for me: left I be full, and deny thee, and fay, Who is the Lord? or left I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

HOUGH it is our duty, and ought

TH

to be our first care, as Chriftians, and heirs of immortality, to make provifion for a future life, and to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven; yet reason and nature tell us, whilft we are in the world, that the world must be our concern,

G4