way, and traded with the same and gained other five." (Matt. xxv. 16.) "And in like manner, he that had received the two, gained other two." The industry of both was equal, though their talents were unequal, and therefore, in the same proportion, their rewards were equal. " God does not consider the greatness of the gain," says St. Jerome, " but good will and exertion." Although, therefore, you may imagine that you have received few talents in comparison to others, you may notwithstanding be equal to them in reward, if you equal them in the improvement of your stock.
III. The motive of reward ought to induce us to labor with great diligence and assiduity: "Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." And what is this joy? That which " the eye hath not seen, nor ear heard." (1 Cor. ii. 9.) A joy without limit or measure, never to end or be abated.' Be therefore faithful over the little which God has intrusted to your care and conduct; employ everything which He has given you, to His glory, and thus you will deserve to be "placed over many things," and "to enter into the joy of the Lord."
TUESDAY.
The Talents— II.
I. " But he that had received the one "talent" going his way, digged in the earth and hid his lord's money." (Matt. xxv. 18.) Thus many imagine that they cannot appear equal to others in virtue, knowledge or skill, and, falling into despair, surrender themselves at discretion to
