Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1889-08-03
The Fullest Use of G. s.

Men are receivers, not originators.
Their physical, mental, moral and
spiritual powers are God-given. All
that they possess or enjoy comes by
his ordination or permission-are the
outcome of his providence and grace.
In confering his various gifts he
acts as a sovereign. He "gives sever
ally as he Wills" He distributes his
favors as he sees best. Some have
one kind of endowments, and some
another. Some have many talents,
and some only few.
Whatever their characters or num-
Der God bestows them for use. He
would not! have them wrapped up
in a napkin, or hidden under BUSH
ell, or wasted or perverted. He de-
mands that they shall be employed
to theil fullest extent.
How can this be done? Not by act
ing from impulse, but from principle.
We must study our relationship to
God, to society and to the Church.
We must take into consideration the
laws under which we live and the
conditions favorable to our best exer-
tions.
We must remember that we are
stewards. We live not for ourselves.
We are not our own. Life is not Sc
cured by acquisition or purchase. A
Higher Power places US in the world
and assigns us our sphere of activity.
Providence determines our lot. A
divine will fixes our relations. A
Benefactor metes out our good things.
We are hence under obligation. God
has claims upon our time, talent,
possession, station and influence.
Beauty of person, grace of movement,
power of attraction, sweetness and
winsomeness of manner, strength OF
body, vigor and intellect, sound.
ness and ripeness of judgement, fer.
tility of imagination, quickness and
force of perception, comprehensive
ness of understanding, readiness o.
tact, excellence of character, nobility
of mind, integrity of conduct, kindli'
ness Of heart, facility of acquisition
opportunities for education, culture
and refinement, social standing
official station, wealth, church mem
bership and Christian experience
each and all, call for appropriate re
turns to the Giver of all bounties anC
favors.
Some may be disposed to regar(
what they are and have as their owl
something ever which they alon
have control-something in whicl
they have say and hand; but the,
must not forget that while they ar
free agents, yet they are held &C
countable for wise and lawful dis
position of their varied gifts, priv
leges and blessings. Whatever thei
personal rights in the case they hol
what they have subject to a strict az
count some day before heavens trit
unal.
Where this principle of steward
ship regulates mind and heart thel
follows prompt and full response
Gods providential and gracious call
Conscience and elaboration enter il
to the administration of our affair
Our giving and doing cease to be
matter of whim or fancy, and are d
termined by duty, need and accou
ability. Selfish considerations lo
their dominance, and the claims
others upon our attention, means al
services rise into prominence and co
tool. Not "Our own" but Good,
and "man's," come into play as re
ulative factors in our plans and ope
atoms. These forces lit out of Il
ruts Of common living into the hig
er plane of personal rc3ponsibili
end divine relationship. Everythir
IS now held in trust. This compelS