John Hames delivers a sermon on the parable of the talents, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing the God-given talents and inspirations bestowed upon Christians. He highlights the contrast between the diligence of individuals in worldly professions and the sluggishness in embracing their divine callings. Hames urges believers to be swift in identifying and developing their spiritual gifts, drawing parallels to the dedication seen in secular pursuits. He calls for a revival of the old-time power of faith and action among modern Christians, reminding them of the potential within them to manifest extraordinary spiritual strength and impact.

"Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew Thee that Thou art a hard man, reaping where Thou hast not sown, and gathering where Thou hast not strewed" (Matt 25:24). There are two lamentable features found among the Christians of these days. One is, they are entirely too slow in recognizing their God-given inspirations; and secondly, too slothful in performing their divine appointments. In nearly every other profession in life the young man is quick to sense his calling and to immediately qualify himself for the performance of that profession, and when he has reached the age of twenty-five he is ready to launch his bark upon the sea of prospect with every sail unfurled to the breeze of worldly success. These men are so deeply interested in their particular profession that it becomes a part of them, therefore, they abandon all other pursuits and follow that one profession with delight. They believe that he who would succeed should be a man of one work. But when it comes to gospel workers they are entirely too slow in catching on. There are numbers of religious people engaged in secular labor today that are in possession of gospel talent of the highest order and inspirations akin to those that heaved in the breast of St. Paul, but they are too slow in finding it out. We often hear people pray and talk about the old-time power which "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens." The modern Christians fail to realize that they have in their midst the very same seed that produced that mighty power in former days but they are too slothful to cultivate it. May God help us and stir us up for Jesus' sake!