Page:Profit and loss, or, The Christian merchant.pdf/15

 disqualify a man from holding a respectable place among Christians; partly, because being an affection of the heart, it cannot be known to others in all its extent and aggravation; and partly, because even where there are evidences of its existence, Christians are criminally remiss with regard to it, and treat it with such tenderness and indulgence, as if they scarcely thought it a crime.

This renders it the more necessary that the word of God should be plainly and faithfully addressed to their hearts and consciences, that they may see their guilt, and be apprised of their danger. Let such be assured, that it is in vain to attempt a reconciliation between the service of God and the service of Mammon. The service of God is quite compatible with a due regard to a man’s own comfort in the world, and that of his family.—Nay, the word of God requires a proper attention to these things, and does not forbid the possession of the fruits of honest industry: but all this must occupy a subordinate place in the regards of a true Christian. He must use this world, as not abusing it; he must have his treasure in heaven, and his affections there; and whatever he possesses of this world’s wealth, he will consider as- not his own, but a talent committed to his care, to be employed in the service of Him who gave it. But vain is the profession of the man whose heart is in the present world who loves his riches, and delights in their continual increase; who thinks little about the honour of Christ, the propagation of his gospel, or the supply of the poor; who gives nothing for these great objects, or who, if he does give a little, gives it grudgingly, as if it were parting with the blood out of his veins. Such a man may have a