But as the whole human race are sinners, deserving only of punishment, is not God at liberty to choose from among them, whom he pleaseth to sanctify and save, and pass by, and leave whom he pleaseth, to punish in their sins?

We have no claim on divine justice.  All mankind might have been left to perish.  But they are not thus left of God, He hath found a ransom; and offers salvation to all.  No differences will be eventually made among men without reasons.  And the reasons will be in them—­For there is no respect of persons with God.

But suppose two persons to be equally guilty and deserving of condemnation, may not God make one of them a vessel of mercy, and the other a vessel of wrath?  Would the latter have occasion to complain?  Or could injustice be charged on God?

We should not dare to charge him with injustice, did we know such a case to happen—­neither do we presume to determine what God hath aright to do.  But we are sure that no such case ever will happen—­that God will not make an eventual difference in those who are alike, for there is no respect of persons with God.

Some may find mercy who may appear to us less guilty than some others who may perish in their sins.  But it belongs not to us to estimate comparative guilt.  It requires omniscience.  “The judge of all the earth will do right.”

INFERENCES

Mankind are here on trial.  Different talents are committed to them.  God acts as a sovereign in apportioning betrustments, and will observe exact impartiality in adjusting retributions.

The idea of talents implies ability to improve them.  Gospel applications speak such to be our state—­they are adopted to no other state.

The fatalist, and those who conceive every human volition and action to be the effect of divine agency, have no rational motive, to do, or suffer for religion.  “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

However we may amuse ourselves with idle speculations, this life is approbation season.—­Our use or abuse of the talents we possess will determine us to happiness, or misery, honor or infamy.

“All have sinned, and are guilty before God—­In his sight shall no man living be justified”—­our sole desert is punishment.  But God hath had mercy on us—­provided a Savior, and offers us salvation.  The offer is universal—­“Whosoever will let him come.”

That there is no respect of persons with God, is alike the dictate of reason and revelation, We have only to act with integrity before God, relying, on his grace in Christ, and his grace will be sufficient for us.

The man who had the one talent, neglected it, under pretence that he served a hard master, who required things unreasonable and impossible —­he was condemned; but only for neglecting the talent which he possessed.

It is required of a man according to that which he hath—­this he can render—­the neglect will be fatal.  We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that we may receive the deeds done in the body, according to that which we have done, whether good or bad.  For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.