which men are indeed moved to take this sacred office upon them.

The consistent believer, therefore, whether his office in the church be more exalted or more obscure, will certainly endeavour with ready perseverance to improve it as a talent, by all means in his power. His example, domestick concerns, converse, doctrine, publick ministry, private labours from "house to house," attention to the instruction of children, influence over his brethren in the ministry, occasional services, employment of time spared from necessary duties, or money saved from current expences, will all be adverted to, in subserviency to the end he has in view. He will delight in his work, study the scriptural rules and examples for his conduct, and pray to be made an able minister of Jesus Christ. But they, who are concerned in this subject, may easily enlarge on these hints in their private meditation.

IV. Wealth is a talent entrusted by the great Proprietor of the world to some for the good of many. It is indeed commonly so wasted in gratifying all the senses and appetites, "the lust of the "flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life," or so hoarded up in idolatrous avarice, that it is considered in Scripture as exceedingly dangerous to the souls of those who possess it.' Yet the wise man had reason to say that money answereth all

'Matt. xix. 23-26. 1 Tim. vi. 9, 10, 17—20.

things;" as it may be made extensively useful to others, and thus eventually profitable to the faithful steward himself; and "the wisdom that is from above" will teach the christian to make this use of it. The wealthy are not required in scripture to part with their estates; nor is it generally adviseable to abolish all distinction, between them and their inferiors, in their style of life. Nay, such men as are engaged in lucrative business, provided it be lawful, and they are on their guard against its snares, will generally be more useful by carrying it on as the Lord's servants, and using its profits as his stewards, than by retiring from it in the prime of life to a situation, which perhaps has not fewer snares, and certainly inferior advantages for doing good.-The consistent believer, however, will be influenced by his principles to retrench a variety of superfluous expences, and exceedingly to moderate his desires of providing for his family, that he may raise a fund for charitable and pious uses: and while he shews a readiness for every good work, by which the wants and miseries of men may be relieved, he will especially endeavour to render all his liberality subservient to the more important interests of religion. This may be attempted by disseminating divine truth in the world, as the only seed of genuine piety and holiness, dispersing useful books, assisting in the religious education of children, training up pious

1 Eccles. x. 19.

young men for the ministry, or in various ways promoting the faithful preaching of the gospel. Wealth gives a man influence also; and the affluent christian may use this influence to important purposes: and when the leisure it affords is accompanied with a suitable turn of mind, he may do more good by an edifying example, pious converse, and prudent efforts in his own sphere, (from which others are often excluded,) than by retiring from it, even though he should expend in charity what would be saved by that measure. His conduct may likewise be rendered very useful among his tenants, domesticks, and neighbours; and if he frequently disperse his charity with his own hands, accompanying it with pious exhortations, and affectionately serious discourse, it will have a vast effect in conciliating men's minds to his religious principles. But indeed the reflections already made, suffice to shew in general how this talent may be improved; and particulars on so copious a subject, in this compendious Essay, can scarcely be expected: only it may be added, that far more should be thus employed than commonly is.

They also, who are in more narrrow circumstances have yet, even in this respect, a talent to improve. Much might be saved from superfluous expences by most christians, to employ in those good "works, which are, through Christ Jesus, to "the praise and glory of God." Nay, such as

496 ON THE CHRISTIAN'S IMPROVEMENT, &c.

"labour, working with their hands," are expected to give something to those who are in want.'

This specimen may illustrate what is meant by 'the improvement of talents.' Many other particular talents might be properly mentioned: but brevity must be consulted.-Time is an universal talent, which every christian should redeem from useless ways of spending it, that he may employ it in some beneficial manner: as idleness is intolerable in a disciple of him, who "went about doing "good." Every man has influence in his own circle, however contracted, and may improve it to good purposes. For, did we duly consider our obligation to God our Saviour, the great end for which our lives are continued, and the near approach of death; a desire would be excited in our hearts to live to his glory, and to serve our generation, which would induce us to improve all our advantages to that purpose. And were every professor of the gospel "thus steadfast, unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord;" the blessed effects that would follow may in a measure be conceived, but can never be fully estimated.

⚫ Eph. iv. 28.

ESSAY XXIII.

As

66

On Prayer.

every good and every perfect gift is from "above, and cometh down from the Father of lights;" so none of those things" that accompany salvation" can be done in a proper manner and to good effect, except as we seek communications from God, by "the prayer of faith." It must therefore be essential to the design of this dious publication to treat expressly on a subject of such great use and importance.

compen

The worship, which God requires of us, may be distinguished into adoration, thanksgiving, and supplication. Contemplating the glories of his nature, as displayed in his works and revealed in his word, we express our reverential awe of his greatness and majesty, and our admiring love of his infinite excellency, by adoring praises, and by celebrating the honour and harmony of all his attributes: recollecting our personal obligations unto him as our Creator, providential Benefactor, and Saviour, we declare our grateful sense of them in thanksgiving, general and particular: whilst the desire of holiness and happiness, and the love of