SERMON. 313 



But 3 dly the next talent whereby we may profit, and in- 

 gratiate ourselves with our Aim: Lord, and Master, are the 

 endowments of the mind, viz. Reason, with all its branches, 

 and faculties ; as Memory, Understanding, and Judgment. 

 And these are more noble Instruments than the former, of 

 serving God, and doing good ; as those by which we may 

 attain to the knowledge of the adorable perfections and will 

 of the most High, in all needful instances ; and be affected 

 with the wonders and efficacy thereof in ourselves, and com- 

 municate them to others: and may thereby learn many useful 

 arts and sciences ; and thereby improve and help ourselves 

 and neighbours. And therefore sure[ly,] to bury so beneficial 

 a talent in Sloth, Intemperance, or Luxury; or to stifle it with 

 the cares of this World, is most grievous Ingratitude, and un- 

 profitableness, and must be exceedingly displeasing to the 

 Giver. Such is the bounty, and generosity of God, the best 

 and supreme of Masters, that tho' his family be numberless, 

 and comprehending the whole race of mankind ; yet is there 

 no one servant, or dependant of his, (let the place or office, 

 which he is employed in, be ever so mean and low) but hath 

 at least one, or two, or more talents committed to him to 

 trade and profit withall. And the most universal one is that 

 of Reason, which God, as a common badge, bestowes on all 

 his domestics in general, and without distinction, even the 

 most inferior retainers to Him. This, notwithstanding its 

 commonness, is so rich a gift, and carries with it such an air 

 of divinity, and similitude of the All-perfect Donor, that there 

 is nothing in nature of price enough to compare with it. It 

 is this which distinguishes angels and men from beasts ; and 

 the eternal and surviving part of the Creation from the 

 temporary and perishing : that which, like a celestial flame, 

 sparkles, and shines, and spreads out its lustre every way ; 

 and extends itself to all parts of the Universe; and attracts to 

 it not only present, but also past, and future objects, those in 

 Heaven above, and in the earth beneath, and even under it. 

 This is the principle of all Knowledge, both of things in the 

 world, and those above it: that light which God has set up in 

 the breast of every partaker of Humane Nature, whereby (as 



