The Unfaithful Steward

“We shall be called to an accotmt, what we have done with our time, and talents, and interests, and opportunities: At his coming our Lord will reqtiire his own with usury. (Luke xix. 23.) Ah, unfaithful ones, what will you say, wheft you ca7inot shift and lie? Will this be an answer: I spejit viy time in serving 7ny own lusts? This will not avail you. If a factor, (or steward,) that is sent to a mart or fair, should stay guzzling in an 17in, or ale-house, and there spend all his money, which was to be employed in traffic, could he excuse himself by pleading that he was busy with his cups? Oh, what a dreadful account will poor souls make, that have spettt their time either doing 7iothijtg, or 7iothi7ig to ptapose, or that which is worse than 7iothi7ig, eve7i si7i which willtitido them for ever

Come, my heart, call thyself to account. What hast thou been at? Hast thou served thy Lord, or hast thou wasted his goods and his time? The Lord will require this of thee before long, therefore require it of thyself. How would it fare with thee if the judgment-day commenced to-morrow, and on leaving thy bed in the morning thou shouldst find the dread assize already commenced? Say, my soul, if thou wert at this instant called away, how stand accounts between thee and thy Lord?