Parable of the Talents.
By L. J. Richmond
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents; and likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one, went and digged in the earth, and hid his Lord's money. After a long time the Lord of those servants cometh and reckoneth with them."—Matt. xxv, 14-19. We see by reading the remainder of the parable, that the course of those that received the five and two talents met the approbation of their Lord, and he said unto them, Well done, thou good and faithful servant, &c. But not so with the third who had buried his talent in the earth: in vain did he seek to justify himself; the talent was taken from him and he was cast into outer darkness. We will now pass to notice in what respect the kingdom of heaven is likened or compared to the above parable, and ascertain the relation God's people sustain to the same. In so doing, we would refer first to Mark xiii, 34. After speaking of the signs of Christ's second coming, he says: For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work; and commanded the porter to watch. We understand the Son of man here to mean the Lord our Saviour, who left the realms of glory and came into this dark world to suffer and die that by his own blood he might purchase us who were without hope, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Eph. ii, 12. Let us then ever bear in mind, that we are not our own; for we are bought with a price, therefore we should not be servants of men but of God. After Jesus fulfilled his mission here, he went away to receive for himself a kingdom, leaving the promise that he would come again. He also gave signs by which we might know when he was near, even at the door; and he gave to each of his servants one or more talents according to their ability, with the command, Occupy till I come. He has placed us in his vineyard and we must not be idlers there. All have a work to do, and those who came in at the eleventh hour, will be equally rewarded with those who have borne the burden and heat of the day. We see that the signs which our Lord and master has given of his near approach, are nearly all in the past, and we expect soon that Jesus is coming to reward every man according as his work shall be; therefore it is of the greatest importance that we examine well our own hearts, and see whether we have been improving upon the talent which God has given us or whether we have been hiding it in the earth. I fear many are seeking to excuse themselves from laboring for the Lord, because they have but one talent, and can do but little, therefore, they remain silent, and leave the labor and the reward for others. Let such remember that God requires of us no more than we are able in his strength to perform. He does not require those who have but one talent to take the place and labors of those who have five. Let us then be willing to move in the humble sphere which God has assigned us, and whatsoever our hands find to do, do it with our might, and if at any time we feel disinclined to labor for God, let us ask ourselves the question, Are we willing that God should take from us the talent which we have? If not, then be faithful and remember that you have but a short time to work for God. The day is far spent. Our Lord and master will soon call us to an account how we have spent our talent which he has given us. O let none think to keep back part of the price and meet the approbation of God; for he will not accept of a divided heart. He has said that except we leave all and follow him, we cannot be his disciples: and again, ye cannot serve God and mammon. Dear reader, pause for a moment and ask yourself the question, Am I doing all I can in the vineyard of the Lord? Is my time and talent occupied in his service? Is my all upon the altar? Am I ready to give up my account to God the Judge of all and hear the blessed applaud, Well done, thou good and faithful servant enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Ashfield, Jan., 1855. L. J. RICHMOND.