Let us grapple to our souls, then, the lesson of this parable. The lasting reward of effort of any kind is not the material gain derived therefrom, but the effect upon one's character--ability developed to do bigger and nobler things; the confidence inspired to carry larger trusts. So, two of the servants of the lord developed in efficiency and ability to do. The other feared. He feared failure--he dared not attempt--he dreaded to venture. His ability, such as it was, became paralyzed. As a result he inspired no confidence--nay, he lost the confidence his lord had reposed in him. Moreover, through his failure to make use of his little opportunity, the slothful servant lost confidence in himself, and thereby squandered his native power to achieve, however small it may have been. God requires of all of us that we shall serve Him diligently. And service of Godly kind means that we give ourselves wholly to the Lord, all that we have and all that we are. Time, and means, and life, are His, {188} and every word, every thought, every act, should be prompted by loyalty to God and His kingdom. Then are we profitable servants; and then are we multiplying the talents God has entrusted to our care. "Thou shalt not idle away thy time," said Jesus in our own dispensation, "neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known." THE REFERENCES Matt. 25:14-30. Doc. and Cov. 60:13. THE QUESTIONS 1. What is meant by a "chance?" 2. How much smaller opportunity had the servant with one talent than the servant with five? 3. What does the story of the water-boy illustrate? 4. How does the parable of the talents apply to the school life of boys and girls? 5. How does the parable apply to one's spiritual life? 6. What is man's duty to God? {189} {190} PICTURE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, Hofmann {191} XXV THINK RIGHT [Sidenote: The great commandment.] Once when a lawyer asked Him temptingly which is the great commandment in the law, Jesus answered unhesitatingly, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Divinely inspired, Jesus returned a very wise answer. The tempter was unable to catch Him. And now we all understand that answer is in very truth the sum of the law and the prophets. For if a man truly loves God, and also loves his neighbor as himself, there is no offense he will--or can--commit. All sin consists of evil done to oneself, or to one's neighbor, or to one's God. True love such as Jesus defined makes sin impossible. [Sidenote: The beatitudes.]