326 The proper Improvement SE R M. gifts of providence, wherewith they are in- XII. trufted, to the purpofes of religion, and `ti~' their obtaining the glorious reward of eter- nal happinefs. He putteth the cafe of a great man, who had a fervant whom he trufted with the keeping of his accounts, and the management of his affairs ; but be- ing informed of his difhonefty and unfaith- fulnefs, he called upon him to make up his accounts, for that he was determined not to employ him any longer. The Reward fore- feeing the event of this difgrace, that he muft be reduced to extremity unlefs fome method were found for his fubfiftence ; and confidering that he was now too old, and his Ration had been too honourable, to make either hard labour or beggary tolerable to him, bethought himfelf of this contri- vance for his future fupport ; he Pent for his Lord's debtors, and made them fuch abate- ments of their debts, as fhould oblige them in gratitude, after his lofing his prefent em- ployment, to receive him into their habita- tions. When the Lord was informed of all this, he could not but applaud the policy of his fervant at the fame time that he muft condemn his injuftice. Our Saviour re- proving the floth and imprudence of his difçiples, propofeth the condut of the un- juft
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