trust. We are entrusted with a certain amount of talent, and strength,

Heaven, or else it is sheer imposture. If you are not earnest in

carrying out your Lord's instructions, He will give His vineyard to

another; for He will not put up with those who turn His service into

trifling.

4. When we misuse our Master's property, we are false to our

trust. We are entrusted with a certain amount of talent, and strength,

and influence, and we have to use this trust-money with a single

purpose. Our purpose is to promote the Master's honor and glory.

We are to seek God's glory, and nothing else. By all means, let every

man use his best influence on the right side in politics; but no

minister has liberty to use his position in the church to promote

party ends. I do not censure workers for temperance; but even this

admirable movement must not push out the gospel: I trust it never

does. I hold that no minister has a right to use his ability or office to

cater for the mere amusement of the multitude. The Master has sent

us to win souls: all is within the compass of our commission which

tends towards that end; but that is chiefly our work which drives

directly and distinctly at that end. The danger lies, at this time, in

setting up theatricals, semi-theatricals, concerts, and so forth. Until I

see that the Lord Jesus Christ has set up a theater, or planned a

miracle-play, I shall not think of emulating the stage or competing

with the music-hall. If I mind my own business, by preaching the

gospel, I shall have enough to do. One object is enough for most