SERMON XII.

THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MAMMON IMPOSSIBLE.

MATTHEW VI. 24.

Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.

THIS is the declaration of him, who spake as never man spake. It contains an important truth,

which should be clearly understood; for errour in faith is most intimately connected with erroneous practice. As mankind by nature have hearts of enmity against God, so they are opposed to his true character, his providential government, and righteous requisitions. Notwithstanding, the fancied goodness of men, even in an unrenewed state, cause many to be slow of heart to believe, that the Lord has a controversy with them. And though they read, yet how little do they realize, "that the friendship of the world is enmity with God; that whosoever, therefore, will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God." Great exertions are necessary to convince them of their true apostate character and condition; for they plead they are not sensible of the odious nature and criminality of the moral exercises of their hearts. Perhaps they confess, they have not done much in their lives to please God; still, they hope to be pitied for their imperfections, since they have never been guilty of any very great, outbreaking sins. With hearts supremely attached to the world, they think to render service acceptable to God.

In opposition to such views, the Saviour declares, "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he

will hold to the one, and despise the other: ye cannot serve God and Mammon."

Mammon is a Syriack word for riches, and is significant of any earthly treasure or interest. Hence, we are taught in the words of the text, the impossibility of being the servants of both God and the world. And the term world, is to be understood in its most extensive import, so as to include any earthly good or enjoyment whatever.

That we may have a clear view of this subject, a few observations will be made to point out the character of a true and faithful servant. Every one must be sensible that there is an essential difference in its very nature between any service that is mercenary and that which is loyal.

Then a true and faithful servant is one who devotes his whole time to the service of his master, and who exerts all his skill and ability to promote his master's interest, from a spirit of cheerfulness or voluntary obedience. The time of a servant is not his own, but his master's, to whom he belongs, and whose property he is. And a faithful servant will not spend his hours in idleness or vain amusements, nor forsake the service of his master, to attend the concerns of others. He who is not devoted to his master's interest, but neglects his business, is called unfaithful. On the contrary, the one who is faithful, is ever ready at the call of his master, to engage in his employment; for he considers his time and service as the proper claim of the one to whom he belongs.

A faithful servant will exert all his talents, and improve every seasonable opportunity to promote his master's interest. A servant might be daily employed about the requisitions of his master, and yet not execute them according to his knowledge and capacity. But such a one would be a mere mercenary hireling; for a true and faithful servant will prosecute the concerns of his master with his utmost skill and ability.

A loyal servant is one who is pleased with his master, and cordially engages in his service. A master could put no confidence in his servant, if he were not attached to him from upright affections of heart. He could not safely trust him with his affairs, if he did not render cheerful obedience. Doubtless all will grant how essential it is that a servant be pleased with his master, and heartily engage in his service, in order to have the character of a true and faithful servant.

Now let us notice some of the claims of God and Mammon, and from their contrast we may see the impossibility of serving both.

The Lord demands us to spend all our time and employ all our talents in his service, from a heart of supreme love to his character, and with a spirit of filial obedience. Time is the only state of probation for mortals to prepare for eternity; hence the command, "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Then the great end of our being is to serve the Lord in all our ways, and thus lay up durable riches, by securing a glorious and everlasting inheritance.

But more particularly the Lord enjoins it upon us to regard him in all the common concerns of life. "Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." All our worldly pursuits must be subservient to his will, and the interest of his moral kingdom. If we have property, or learning, or extensive influence in society, they must be devoted to his service. Even when we labour for the necessaries and conveniences of life, we must not esteem these as our treasure, but set our affections on things above, and be laying up for ourselves a treasure in heaven.

But Mammon says, Regard secular concerns with special care, and be satisfied with a portion beneath the sun. Idolize riches, if you have them, and if not, let your whole soul pant for them, or for some earthly good, as the one thing needful.

If you pursue worldly pleasures and advantages with such negligence as to let your thoughts be wandering to the heavens as your chief joy, you have no great regard for me, therefore I cannot call you my servant.

The Lord enjoins it upon us to be honest in all our dealings with mankind, and not defraud or injure them. His commands are, "Love your neighbour as yourself. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. And as ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them; for this is the law and the prophets."

Mammon says, Many defraud, and take every advantage they can; and you must do so too, or you cannot live. If others cheat and strive to overreach, you must do the same, or you will never get along in the world, so as to make any respectable appearance in the eyes of mankind. If it will promote your worldly interest best to be honest in your dealings with some men, I would have you be upright with them; but still you must always consider it to be sufficient for you to look well to your own affairs, and have a sole regard for yourself.

God enjoins it upon us as a duty and privilege, to be charitable and liberal of the good things he has given us; to assist the poor, relieve the distressed, and support the important interest of his cause. With cheering words of encouragement, he says, "The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself."

The language of Mammon is, If you are always giving, you will always be poor; so you must keep what you have, and get what you can. When you behold objects of charity and distress, shut up all bowels of compassion, for fear your gift will not be wisely bestowed. And do not promote religious concerns, till you feel yourself in safety in all your worldly.circumstances.

The Lord commands us to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. The whole day must be spent in the varied private, social, and publick duties of religion. Both man and beast, on that day, are to rest from their labours, even in the time of earing and harvest. The duty of assembling together for publick devotion, for the honour of God's holy name, and our growth in knowledge and grace, is clearly pointed out. On his holy

day, we are not to think our own thoughts; that is, not let our minds be filled with perplexing cares about temporal affairs; but so to improve it, that it serve as a day of preparation for a glorious and an eternal Sabbath of rest.

Mammon, on the other hand, says, You must not attend publick worship on the Lord's day, unless your secular concerns be all regulated. Otherwise, you must stay at home, and see to things, or else your business will hurry you before the close of the next week. If the cause of God does require your attendance in his house, yet one half of the day will be sufficient for you, who have so many calls to which you must attend, and who are already pretty well informed. You may find some

sermon which will be more instructive than the one your minister will preach; besides, you can read in the evening by your fire-side. In harvest time, especially, you must work on the Sabbath; for if you should let one fair day slip, you may sustain considerable loss. And you may trade on that day for the sake of gain, if you are only careful to keep your bargain secret. Books may then be posted, to save time, and accounts settled, if your neighbour be willing. Or, if you are so far from your residence with your horse, carriage, or team, that you cannot attend publick worship in your own vicinity, you may as well prosecute your journey. Mammon says, it will be expensive, if you have to pay for the keeping of yourself and horses; so you had better travel on, and make haste home. And