different in this life, yet in these essen- SERM. tials they are on a level, that they are XII. equally placed in a state of probation, in which they are accountable for the application of their several talents, whether many or few. In another world the rich and the poor will indifferently meet together; all distinctions of this life will be for ever set aside: but the account of their works will follow them beyond the grave; and according as they have improved or wasted that portion of talents which has been assigned for their charge, they shall be distinguished in their sentence to happiness or to misery. On this contemplation of the business and the end of man the good and the evil things of this life become of small comparative regard in themselves; and every man who studies his most important interest, instead of anxiously sighing for the abundance of the rich, or fearfully shrinking from the indigence of the poor, must employ his. chief solicitude to escape the torments, and to secure the comforts, of the world to come.

THUS the parable supplies an instructive lesson both to Rich

AA4

and

SERM. and Poor.-To the Rich it affords a XII. most solemn admonition that they make

a good and proper use of their abundance. The picture which is here displayed of a man highly fortunate in life, yet consigned to torment after death, is an exemplary warning to all in similar conditions, that they be diligent to avoid his conduct, as they are anxious to escape his doom. It was the earnest admonition of our Lord, advantageous indeed to all, but most appropriate to those who had large possessions, or a superior portion of a temporal inheritance; Take heed and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. The spirit of which is to guard us all from setting our affections too intently, not on the possessions only, but also on the occupations and amusements of this life. And the reason is, that the great end of man is not to amass or to enjoy his abundance here on earth, but to provide for his spiritual welfare in another world.

To impress this admonition with the more effect, it behoves them seriously

f Luke xii, 15.

to

to regard that principle of divine justice SERM.. so frequently repeated in the gospel, XII. that where much has been given, much also will be required. It is by no means sufficient for their acceptance at the tribunal of divine grace, that they have not acquired their abundance by dishonest or sinister means, and that they do not apply it to unrighteous purposes and ends. As they have larger means of doing good in their generation, there is a greater demand upon them for an active and expansive service. Nor must they lull their conscience into security, and suppose themselves absolved from claims of beneficial service, because they do not meet with opportunities of doing pious and charitable actions. They must come forward and exert themselves in seeking and discovering objects, on whom they may confer a portion of those benefits, which Providence has given them the means of distributing. Nor can there be a want of objects in the world, while the world continues what it is, while there is evil to be corrected and good to be improved. If they thus conform themselves to the will and the character of God by being rich in good works, ready to distribute

and

SERM. and willing to communicate, they lay XII. up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life §.

And while the parable supplies a caution to the Rich, that they make a proper use of their abundance, it also yields an admonition to the Poor, that they make a religious improvement even of their want. It is not for them to say, because they are embarrassed in fortune · and distressed for the necessaries of life, that therefore God requires no service at their hands; much less would it become them to repine at his Providence and to say, Why hast thou made us so? While higher and more active claims are incumbent upon the rich, it is the more passive and humbler charge of the poor to conform their minds to the lowliness of their condition, to apply themselves with diligence to the duties of that station in which they are placed, to keep a due command over their passions, more especially those of envy and discontent, to be careful over their household, that they may be provided with their daily bread for the sustenance

1 Tim. vi. 18, 19.

not

not only of the body but also of the SERM, soul, to be honest and peaceable and xII. affectionately intreated towards their neighbours, and dutiful, pious, and resigned to God.

Being thus conformed in their dispositions and demeanour to the will of God, they shall have a peace on earth which the world cannot give. And should Providence for any wise and righteous ends, whether of correction or of trial, permit impediments to rise in the way of their honest industry, and not allow their diligence to prosper; even though they should be reduced to the same extremities of distress with Lazarus; yet while they have this peace of God within their breasts, they shall be happier than their proud and wealthy Neighbour, who possesses and enjoys the whole desire of his heart, but unhappily for himself, though he does not know his indigence, is in spiritual want, and is not rich toward God. In the multitude of the sorrows which they have in the body the comforts of divine grace will refresh and exhilarate their souls. And when they rest from their labours and sorrows in death, those blessed Angels, who watched round their dwellings, who

sup