December 17

"Son, go work to-day in my vineyard."—Matthew 21:28.

THESE words form part of one of the parables of our Lord delivered to the chief priests and elders in the temple, which is recorded from the 28th to the 32d verse. We may here observe

THE SCENE OF LABOR. "My vineyard." By the sin of Adam, says Henry, we are turned out to work upon the common; but, by the grace of our Lord Jesus, we are called to work again in the vineyard. There is a vineyard in which every man should work. That vineyard is your own heart; you must begin here, labor to improve your gifts and graces, cultivate those tempers and dispositions which are in accordance with, and which will shed a lustre on the Gospel you profess. Then there is the family, the religious society with which you are connected, the neighborhood in which you live, and the world at large.

THE DIVINE COMMAND. "Son, go work." You are not to visit the vineyard as an idle spectator, but as an active laborer. It includes

A diligent attention to your own personal salvation. How inconsistent to appear zealous for the conversion of others around us, while we are yet in our sins! It is a sad reflection, "They made me keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept."

An active exertion for the spiritual interests of others. "Go work;" instruct the ignorant, warn the careless, direct the inquirer; and let all be done with prayer, diligence, perseverance, and in hope of success.

THE PERIOD OF EXERTION. "To-day." This is the language of the Gospel; the command is urgent, and the obedience must be prompt, because the work is important, the scene is extensive, the time is short, life is uncertain, our responsibility is great, the Judge is even at the door, and present facilities may soon be withdrawn; the lamp of life may shortly be extinguished, or the candlestick of the Gospel removed out of its place. Time is one thing, opportunity is another; the cage of time may remain, while the bird of opportunity has flown.