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St. Paul doth enjoin servants, that they should "in all things obey their masters," with conscientious regard to God, as therein performing service to God, and expecting recompense from him and of princes he saith, that they, in dispensation of justice, enacting laws, imposing taxes, and all political administrations, are "the ministers of God,. attending constantly upon this very thing" and if these extremes, the highest and lowest of all vocations, are services of God; if the highest upon that score be tied to so much diligence, then surely all middle places upon the same account of conscience toward God do exact no less.

If he that hath one talent, and he that hath ten, must both improve them for God's interest; then he that hath two, or three, or more, is obliged to the same duty proportionably.

Every one should consider the world as the family of that great Paterfamilias,

("of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,") and himself as an officer or servant therein, by God's will and designation constituted in that employment into which Providence hath cast him; to confer, in his order and way, somewhat toward a provision for the maintenance of himself, and of his fellow-servants. Of a superior officer our Lord saith, "Who is that faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them their meat in due season ?" So the greatest men are as stewards, treasurers, comptrollers, or purveyors; the rest are inferior servants, in their proper rank and capacity.

And he that with diligence performeth his respective duty (be it high and honourable, or mean and contemptible in outward appearance) will please God, as keeping good order, and as being useful to his service: so that, upon the reckoning, God will say to him, "Well done,

good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." But he that doth otherwise (behaving himself carelessly or sluggishly in his business) will offend God, as committing disorder, and as being unprofitable.

He committeth disorder, according to that of St. Paul; "We hear there are some, which walk among you disorderly, not working at all." His sentence and doom will be, according to our Lord, "O thou wicked and slothful servantCast the unprofitable servant into utter darkness;" which words are spoken in relation to one, who being a slattern, or sluggard in his calling, did not improve the special talent entrusted with him for God's service.

In fine, if we are conscientiously industrious in our vocation, we shall assuredly find the blessing of God thereon; and that he thereby will convey good

success, comfort, competent wealth, a fair reputation, all desirable good unto us; for as all these things are promised to industry, so the promise especially doth belong to that industry which a man doth exercise in an orderly course of action in his own way; or rather in God's way, wherein divine Providence hath set him.

An irregular or impertinent laboriousness, out of a man's calling or sphere; a being diligent in other men's affairs, invading their office, (as if a priest will be trading, a layman preaching,) may not claim the benefit of those promises, or the blessings of industry; but a husbandman, who, with conscientious regard to God, and confidence in him, is painful in tilling his ground, may expect a good crop; a merchant, who (upon the same principle, with the like disposition,) earnestly followeth his trade, may hope for safe voyages and good markets; a prince carefully minding his affairs may

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look for peace and prosperity to his country; a scholar studying hard may be well assured of getting knowledge, and finding truth; all who with honest diligence constantly do pursue their business, may confidently and cheerfully hope to reap advantages suitable to it from the favourable blessing of God. So that we have all reason to observe the Apostle's precept, "Not to be slothful

in business."

I should apply this doctrine to our own case, urging its practice by considerations peculiar to our vocation; but having already passed the bounds of time, I reserve the doing it to another opportunity.

"Now the God of peace sanctify you wholly, and make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight," through our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom for ever be all glory and praise. Amen.