Mace(i)
1 Jesus said likewise to his disciples, a certain rich man had an information against his steward, for making havock of his estate.
2 upon making him appear, he said to him, what information is this, I hear against thee? give an account of your administration, for you must not be my steward any longer.
3 upon which the steward said in himself, what shall I do, now my master strips me of my employment? dig I cannot: and 'tis shameful to beg: I see it now,
4 I must do something that will secure me a reception in other families, when I have lost my place in this.
5 so he sent for every one of his master's debtors in private, he ask'd the first, how much do you owe my master?
6 a hundred measures of oil, said he. take your bill, said the steward, sit down there, and write out one immediately for fifty.
7 then he said to another, how much do you owe? a hundred measures of wheat, said he. take your bill, says the steward, and write out one for fourscore.
8 and this unfaithful steward was commended by his master for being so provident. for they who look to this world, manage their affairs with more prudence, than those who have a prospect of a better.
9 I advise you in like manner to lay out your fallacious treasure in acts of charity, that when you die, they may secure to you everlasting habitations.
10 He that is faithful in a small trust, will be faithful in a greater: and he that is unfaithful in a little, will be unfaithful in much.
11 if therefore your fidelity has not appear'd in the use of these transitory enjoyments, how can you be trusted with what is more lasting?
12 if you have imbezel'd what another gave you in trust, how can he give you an estate in perpetuity?
13 a servant cannot serve two masters: for either he will neglect the one, and attend the other; or he will be attached to the first, and misbehave to the last. you cannot serve God and mammon.