The following pages have been taken from Mr. Robert Govett's expository book on the "Letter to Galatians," Chapter 6:5-10.

While we are not justified by faithfulness in our own sphere of labor, yet it is a joyful thing to have the testimony of a good conscience that we have sought to accomplish in all honesty what Christ has given to us to do. While the unprofitable servant shall be cast outside, it will be matter of joy if we can present to Christ the two talents or the five, which we have gained by trading.

"For each shall bear his own burthen." (v.5)

Now is not Paul perpetually contradicting himself?' Before, only two verses apart, his cry was, 'Bear one another's burdens;' and here he says, 'Every one shall bear his own!'

Just such are the shallow objections of unbelievers, which catch the thoughtless and unwary. I suggest them, to put my readers on their guard. In the former verse, the apostle is calling us to aid our brethren now in the various difficulties of our march to glory. Now is the time for such efforts; and' they are blessing both to the giver and to the receiver. They are the work to which Christ calls us.

But a different day altogether is at hand! Soon our opportunities for such service will be over. Soon the Lord will come and reckon with His servants about their work. The inquiry will be individual. It will now suffice for me, that Paul nobly wrought, and that I took his side.

To me the Lord has committed work to be done. To me He has given abilities. To me He granted opportunities. This is the burden I shall have to bear. How have I acquitted myself?

This will be the great question then. "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" Let us seek then to look forward to that day! How will our work be regarded by Christ?

It is not what our fellows may say, or think of us. But what will He say? Will it be "Wicked, and slothful servant!" or 'Well done, good and faithful Servant"? Weighty question! May we wisely weigh it now, and so act; that approval shall be ours in that great day! "He that troubles you shall bear the judgment whoever he be." Look to your own furrow, ploughman that you may steer straight!                                  "

While believers will not be judged for life or death, they will be judged with regard to their work. "To whomever much is given, of him shall be much required, and to whom men have committed much, of him, they will ask the more."

To give in our account is the burthen. It will be a sad day to him who does nothing for Christ, and to him still more, who is acting against Christ's commands and the interests of His Gospel. Do not then be misled by those who, in dislike of all restraint, speak of the Christian as if he were to be dealt with in the coming day in grace alone: who decry all such warnings as 'legal,' and 'bondage', unsuited to the child of God. But the child of God is also the servant of God, and the burthen to be borne, and great the rejoicing, if the Master approves his work.

"But let the taught in the word share with the teacher in all good things." ('1.6)

The little word 'but,' omitted in the Established Version, has its use. The Spirit of God foresaw the abuse that might be made of the sentiment of the former verse. 'Each is to bear his own burthen.' 'Then you, teacher of the Gospel, are to maintain yourself! Carry your own burthen! I am not going to bear it.'

This instructs us, then, that the taught in the Gospel (it is a word to believers) are to maintain the teachers. Not all know the Scriptures. Not all are able to preach the Gospel or teach even what they know. 'Here a want, there a supply,' is God's plan for the body of Christ ­the Church. Believers are to go on to know the mind of God. Great are the difficulties in the Scriptures. "Do you understand what you read?" "How can I except some one should teach me?" What is to be taught? "The word of God."

There is then according to the mind of the Lord to be an exchange. The teacher opens his spiritual treasures, and presents to the hearers the truths and knowledge of God. It is not much then to expect a share in worldly benefits in return.

Christ has appointed that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. "For the laborer is worthy of his reward." ‘Those who need a lamp give it oi1.' How much shall be given is left open now. It was more exactly defined under the law. It is left to the liberality of each to decide how much. The covetous will give little or nothing. The liberal will give liberally.

Let none enter the ministry as imagining it to be the way to honor now or wealth. If he does he will be sorely disappointed. He must look for reward in another day, and not from believers themselves.

"Be not deceived. God is not mocked: for whatsoever man sows, that shall he also reap." (v.7)

The Spirit of God foresaw that many believers would shift off this duty from themselves.

1. There is a great opening now for evading all payment or gift in the matter. No watch is kept. No demand of so much is made. Hence the covetous heart says, 'I shall give nothing. Who will be the wiser?' This is to mock God.

2. Then there are plenty of excuses. 'I am a poor man, and have a large family.' I am not poor exactly,' another can say: 'but I need what I have for myself.' A person of my means must live like others of the same rank in society.' That is to speak like the world. That principle would consume all your income; even were God to give you three times as much as you now have. 'I need what I have for myself,' is the general word.