SERMON. 309 



them with : least by failing in the due use of them, they 

 should fall under the sentence of the unprofitable servant ; 

 and be ejected out of God's Kingdom into most inexpressible 

 miseries. By whatsoever endowments and gifts we may (by 

 a due use of them) bring honour to God, and promote his 

 Kingdom ; by neglecting so to manage the same we become 

 unprofitable; that is, do not answer the ends for which God hath 

 fitted us; nor bring him those fruits and profits which he justly 

 expects from those opportunities and means with which he hath 

 so furnished us. It is true that none, even the best of men, do 

 or can help or profit God. He reaps no gain or advantage by 

 any of our doings : and therefore how great proficients soever 

 we are in virtue, and holiness, we are still but unprofitable 

 servants : according to that of our Saviour (Luke xvii. 10) 

 " When ye have done all those things that are commanded 

 you, say, we are unprofitable servants." And doubtless our 

 Lord would not teach us to tell an untruth; and to say we are 

 'unprofitable, if we were not really so. It is therefore certain, 

 that we can not be profitable to God : but withall it is as 

 certain that he is pleased to accept us as such, when we are 

 faithful, and do our true endeavour to serve his interests, and 

 glory. When therefore we neglect these ends, and do not use 

 the talents wherewith he has entrusted us, to such purposes ; 

 we are unprofitable in y e sense of the text, and fall under the 

 condemnation of it. Such are the bounties and liberalities of 

 God, that he is continually filling all things living with his 

 blessings; especially man whom he hath made in his own 

 image ; and upon whom he poureth down the most plentiful 

 effusions of his riches and grace. So that he among them, 

 that partakes least of his favours, hath no less than a talent, a 

 very considerable sum, committed to him; and hath therefore 

 no small obligation to answer for. And the encreasing this 

 talent, which is the return God expects for every benefit 

 which he has conferred, is the using it in the best manner we 

 can, to his honour, and the good of men. And by casting the 

 unprofitable servant, him that did not so improve his talent, 

 into utter darkness, is not meant only the depriving him of 

 this present life : tho' darkness be frequently set in the H. S. 



