286 THE 'ABSOLUTE DOMINION only thyself he will net, own. They shall require thy soul that have conquered and ruled it. Though it was his by the right Of creation and redemption, yet, seeing it was not his by a free dedi- 'cation, he will not own it as to everlasting salvation, but say, "De- part fromme ; I know you not, ye workers of iniquity ;" Matt. vii. 23. 0 with what hearts, then, will self-seeking gentlemen part with their honors and estates, and the earthly-minded with their beloved possessions!' when he that resigned -all to God, and de- voted himself and all to.his service, shall find his consumed estate to be increased, his neglected honor abundantly repaired, and in this -life he shall receive an hundred fold, and in, the world to come eternal life ; Matt. x. 30. John iv. 56. 1 Tins. vi. 12. 19. 13. Lastly ; consider, when judgment comes, inquiry will be made whether you have lived as your own, or as his that bought you. Then he will require his own with improvement ;. Luke xix. 25. The 'great business of that day will be, not so much to search after particular sins, or duties, which were contrary to the scope of heart and life, but to know whether you lived to God, or to your flesh; whether your time, and care, and wealth, were expended for Christ in his members and interest, or for your carnal selves ; Matt. xxv. Inasmuch as you did it not to these, you did it not to him. You that Christ bath given authority to, shall then be accountable whether you improvedit-to his advantage. You that he hath given honor to, must then give account whether you improved it to his honor. In the fear of God, sirs,' .cast up your accounts in time, and bethink you what adswer will then . stand good. It will be a doleful hearing to a guilty soul, when Christ shall say, ', I gave 'thee thirty or fortyyears' time ; thy flesh had so much in eating anddrinking, and sleeping, and laboring, in idleness and vain talking, and recreations, and other vanities ; but where was my part ? How much was laid out for the promotion of my glory ? I lent you so, much of the wealth of the world; so much was spent on your backs, and so much- on your bellies ; so much on costly toys or superfluities ; so much in revengeful suits and contentions; and so much wasleft behind for your posterity; but where was my part? How much was laid out to further the gospel& and to relieve the souls or the bodies of your-brethren? I gave thee a family, and committed them. to thy care to govern them for me, and fit them for my, service ; but how didst thou per- form it ?' 0, brethren, bethink you in time what answer to make to such interrogatories: your Judge hath told you that your doom must then pass according as you have improved your talents for hies; and that he, that hideth his talent, though he give God his own, " shall be cast into utter darkness, where is weeping and gnashing ofteeth ;" Matt. xxv. 30. How easily willChrist, then,
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