The Globe-republican., 1902-05-22

thus charged with fhe responsibility of
the work of the board.
The provision for salary and church
expenses easily be made by using the
same exacting and skillful means we use
in ordinary business pursuits.
I have been sorely grieved at the in
difference on the part of some people who
know that there is deficiency in church
finances, and who manifest no concern
whaiever- They avoid the responsibility
by saying that the pastor is paid too
much or they have paid as much as they
can afford.
The trials and difficulties of a Steward
could be easily overcome with more faith
full devotion the part of the church
members. But we ask good deal from
| those who have lost sight of their spirit
ual character. Frequent changes in
Steward membership is necessary for the
infusion of new blood and more active
life in the Stewards work Some times
believe envy and Jealousy retard the
! operation of the practical part of church
affairs.
II the christian spirit prevailed without
reserve there would be promptness in
the performance of the financial work of
the church. But we cannot expect
promptness in finances when there is
lack of faith in spiritual work.
Education in the proper methods is
essential to the success and conduct of
church finances. Some people must be
constantly reminded of the necessities
which beset church affairs. And would
be unkind if did not say that in the
church there are many faithful, generous
and whole souled members, who love the
church they love the Lord, and who in
season and out of season are performing
their work we'll.
We need not be afraid of human con-
duct in a church, and being governed by
human precedents, if we put our love in
the Lord.
There too few official members who
care for the responsibility who wish to
make their part one of power and usur-
patton.
But / must emphasize in reiteration
that we must magnify work. We
must exaII the character of the office.
We must regard it in the same spirit
which Christ regarded his life.
lie that Is faithful in that which is least
Is faithful also III much: and he that is
unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
The Stewards office may be small
affair, but follow it according to Christ's
teaching we have exalted its character.
If we exalt 1T by faithful work God will
highly eXalt us and give US name which
is above every name.
If the weekly or monthly subscriptions
TO the church fund were paid promptly,
collected by the Stewards when
the treasurer of the board in the same
manner as monies which paid to
III any ordinary organized commercial
body, there would be business method
It. A subscription to a church fund
ought TO be as binding as any moral or
business obligation. A person who has
taken a vow with God as witness has per-
formed the most exacting obligation in
either moral or civil law.
The affirmation to the disciplinary OBJ !
legation that the member will contribute
OF his earthly substance according to his
ability, to the support of the Gospel and
the various benevolent enterprises of the
church, is as sacred and binding as any
statute law.
s'When thou vowest vow unto God, |
defer not to pay it, for he hath NO pleas |
ure in fools: pay that which thou hast
vowed. Eco. "a.
1t is not necessary to suggest plans for |
for carrying out the financial work of the |
church. All these things are familiar and
is good enough, if it is carried out faith
fully.
How can I be christian without
christian character? How can I be a
Steward without official character? This
cannot be answered more simply than to
say that must be obedient to God to be
a christian. L must be obedient to my
calling to be a Steward. L must have the
love of God to be a christian and L must
have the love of my duty to be toward
"6eloVed, thou doeSt a faithful work
in whatsoever thou doest.'' ''The way
of duty is often rugged, but it is always
royal. 1t is the Kings highway. 1t is
the way to promotion and power. It is
the way to your coronation
The christian life is exemplified in du-
ty.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have
done all those things which are
BILE servants: We have done that which
was our duty to do.
I'VE turn our sad. reluctant gaze
Upon the path of duty;
Its barren, unlnviting
Are void of bloom and beauty.
Yet in that road. through dark and cold
1t seems begin it,
As we press On-lO: behold
There's Heaven in it,
From ST. Joe comes the following tale:
'sAt a recent revival meeting a brother
arose and said that he was the wickedest