[April 29th, 1855.]
The Scriptures teach that there is such a responsibility. Our Saviour said, “Unto whomsoever much is given of him shall much be required.” The parable of the ten talents teaches the same: so his denunciations of Capernaum and Bethsaida. Paul says God will render to every one according to his works, to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles. The principle is one of natural justice. It is not with its correctness, but with its practical application that we have to do.
I. Our peculiar privilege as to personal religion.
- As compared with the heathen. 2. With the ancient people of God. 3. With most other Christian nations. 4. With the great mass of men in our own country. We should, therefore, be among the best men in religion. Have we in any good measure made a proper improvement of these advantages? We shall assuredly be judged according to them. What can prevent our being rejected as slothful and unprofitable? Not our saying, “Lord, Lord, hast thou not prophesied in our streets?” Not our saying “God be merciful.” Even if saved, it will be so as by fire.
II. Our privileges as to attainment of knowledge and other qualifications for usefulness. Compare these again with those possessed by others in other lands and in our own country. Who can look back over life without the deepest humiliation and sorrow, seeing we have attained so little in our school-days, in our college terms, in the seminary, and since. No one has done his best; scarcely any one has done what his conscience can at any moment be satisfied with. Is not God greater than our conscience? Again have we not reason to fear that we shall be rejected as slothful servants?
III. As to our opportunities for doing good.
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In relieving the wants of our fellow-men.
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In alleviating their sufferings.
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In promoting their salvation. What time and effort, what anxiety and prayer, have we devoted to these objects? Remember, the rule is not the effects, but the desire and the labor. Many labor much and accomplish little. Many labor little and accomplish much. The former are the most blessed. A man may write a book which costs him little trouble, and yet it may be the means of great good. This is no thanks to him. He is rewarded according to the labor and self-denial which it cost him, and not according to the good accomplished. The value of the widow’s mite did not depend on the amount of food it would purchase for the hungry. Here again few have had our advantages. What have we done? How much have we labored, or denied ourselves for the good of others? How much reason have we to hide our heads in shame? How will many rise up in the day of judgment and condemn us?
II. What is to be done? What effect should the consideration of this subject have on us?
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It should lead us to deep humiliation and repentance before God.
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It should destroy all disposition to think ourselves better than others, especially to value ourselves on account of our advantages.
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It should lead us to seek forgiveness for the past through the blood of Christ.
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To the determination to redeem the time, to make the best use of the short, uncertain future, knowing that the day is far spent, and that the night is at hand in which no man can work.
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