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his disciples were quite astonished; but to prevent their thinking that the mere possession of riches would disqualify any one from being a member of the kingdom, he informed them, that the danger arose from placing a vain trust and confidence in riches, instead of relying on Divine Providence; and to guard the minds of his followers from the desire of wealth, he assured them, that it was as impossible for any one who placed his hopes of happiness on riches, to be at the same time a member of the kingdom of heaven, as for a camel (or, as some translate it, a cable) to go through the eye of a needle. The wonder of his disciples in. creased at hearing it was so hard for rich persons, who had the greatest opportunities of doing good, to enter into the kingdom of GOD; and knowing that there was a general desire among all ranks of people to obtain riches, they concluded that few could hope for salvation: our LORD, therefore, proceeded to inform them, that though the strength of nature alone was not suffi cient to overcome the temptations of a state of affluence, God's grace was powerful enough to render the rich superior to the dangers of situation; and he had re peatedly declared, that his FATHER would bestow his grace on all who were truly desirous of his favour, and obedient to his revealed will: so that, let a man's circumstances in life be what they would, he might obtain salvation, if he were properly disposed to receive it.

As our LORD promised the rich young ruler, that if he would sell all his worldly possessions and follow him, he would give him treasures in heaven; Peter, in the name of himself, and all the rest of the Apostles, enquired what recompence they might expect, who had left all their worldly pursuits and connexions to devote themselves to his services? There was in Peter's question

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an appearance of vain-glory; yet our LORD kindly overlooked it, knowing that true piety and faith were deeply rooted in his heart, though he was still subject to human infirmities: he, therefore, graciously replied, that his Apostles should, at the renovation of all things, when he should come in his glory, be distinguished with peculiar honour in heaven. What was particularly meant by their sitting on twelve thrones, &c. is not clearly understood, neither doth it concern the generality of Christians: but all may take comfort from our LORD's assurance, that whosoever suffers in any way for the sake of his religion, shall, in the midst of per. secution, enjoy such inward consolation, as will be greatly more than an equivalent for all their worldly losses, and in a future state be rewarded with everlasting life and happiness.

Let us now carry our thoughts back to the rich ruler, and-see what instruction we can collect from his example.

It is said that our SAVIOUR loved him”. From this circumstance we learn, that it is very wrong utterly to despise and hate any one, because he has some ill qualities. Our LORD's rejection of him teaches us, that the mere observance of moral duties will not procure us eternal life; but those who prefer worldly riches to spiritual treasures will remain in a state of condemnation, for God will not bestow his grace on them. Neither is it sufficient to seek eternal life for a season; we must be earnest and constant in the pursuit of it, and seek it in God's appointed way, according to the rules of the Gospel. It is, therefore, the interest of every one to devote their natural endowments or acquired excellencies of body and mind to the service of GoD, as far as their condition in life requires.

*See Dr. Watts's Sermon before referred to.

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As sweetness of temper and obliging behaviour render a person beloved, and will answer many valuable purposes to society, they should be cultivated by Christians: and they must not stop here, but endeavour to make themselves acceptable to God, which can only be effected by becoming the true disciples of his blessed SON.

Since riches have so many temptations, no Christian' should be solicitous to accumulate them; but if wealth is a portion allotted us by Divine Providence, we should remember from whence it comes, and the use we are required to make of it; and then, instead of being a snare and obstruction to our entrance into the kingdom of heaven, it will prove a real blessing, and be a means of procuring us a more glorious station in those blessed regions.

SECTION XCIII.

THE PARABLE OF THE LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD.

From Matt. Chap. xix, xx.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an housholder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

And

And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more, and they likewise received every man a penny.

And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house,

Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong; didst thou not agree with me for a penny?

Take that thine is, and go thy way; I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? is thine eye evil, because I am good?

So the last shall be first, and the first last for many be called, but few chosen.

ANNOTATIONS AND REFLECTIONS.

Our LORD having in the last section promised his Apostles that they should sit upon twelve thrones in heaven, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, proceeded to obviate a mistake into which he knew some would fall,

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that those who were first called to the knowledge of CHRIST should have the pre-eminence in glory; and intimated God's rejection of the Jews, to whom the Gospel was first preached, and his acceptance of the Gentiles, by declaring, that many who were first, in respect to advantages would be the last to improve them; whilst others, from whom it would be the least expected, would embrace the Gospel, and be received as members of his kingdom. To illustrate this, our LORD spake the parable of the labourers in the vineyard; the principal intent of which was to shew, that the Gentiles, though newly called, should enjoy as great privileges as the Jews, who had so long been distinguished as the peculiar people of God. If we reflect on the history of the Jews, we shall be ready to allow, that it was perfectly consistent with the justice of God to put the Gentiles on a level with them. This his infinite goodness has completely effected; for the descendants of Jewish and Gentile converts are so blended, that all distinction is lost between them, and they are now fellow-labourers in the vineyard of GOD, under the name of CHRISTIANS. It no longer remains a question who is first or last amongst them in respect to birthright, but who shall have the preference with GoD on account of their diligence in improving the means of salvation.

The work required of all who bear the name of Christians, is the cultivation of their own minds in religious attainments, in order to glorify GoD, and an attention to the good of their fellow-creatures. If those

to whom the Gospel has been made known are idle and remiss, they have not the same excuse as the heathen formerly had; but as it frequently happens that persons, through a neglected education and bad connections, remain in ignorance of their duty, till they are

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