From the parable of the talents we learn that Truth holds us responsible for the right use of all that is intrusted to our keeping, but for nothing more. The blessed benediction, "well done," is bestowed upon the faithful one "according to that he hath, and not according to that he hath not." Perhaps it is because mortals are so slow to learn this important lesson, that there are so many unfaithful servants, who fail to use the one talent that was given them. They think it would be an easy matter for them to be faithful if they had received five talents, or even two. They seem to be unmindful of the fact that even then nothing but constant watchfulness could number them among the faithful. Increased talents bring greater responsibilities and additional burdens. They do not enable one to accomplish great results without labor. Rather is it necessary to cling closer to Principle and practise greater self-denial in order to live in accordance with one's understanding of Truth.
No doubt the thought of self is the greatest barrier to progress. Perhaps it was this that made an unfaithful servant of the one who received but one talent. The parable tells us that the lord gave "to every man according to his several ability." In his wisdom he gave to each just what that one could use. The talents were his, and the servants were his also. He desired the greatest increase of the talents, and likewise the best possible good to each of the servants. The responsibility of five talents was not placed upon him who could use but two; neither was he, who could use but one, to be held accountable for the use of two. Looking to the "greatest good to the greatest number," the bestowal was made in the spirit of wisdom and love.
Had it not been for a sense of error, the servant who received one talent would have gone to work immediately. The faithful use of what was given him would have gained a talent more, and he, too, would have heard his lord say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy lord." The thought of self stood between him and the faithful performance of his duty. Instead of accepting the one talent as a recognition of his ability to work, and perhaps at the same time a loving rebuke to his unfitness to receive more, he complained of his condition. Self declared he had been unjustly treated. Was he not as good as either of the others? Could he not do as well, or even better, if he only had their chance? Of course he could. Being unwilling to put down self and go to work, error found him a willing listener. The thought that he had received but one talent while the others had two and five, so aroused his sense of self that error had complete control over him, and so when his lord returned he had done nothing but murmur and complain.
