The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-02-23
BISHOP BECKWITH
CONFIR CLASSES
Continued from Fifth Paae)

ployer has gone on long journey. I
have the purpose and desire to carry ont
MS commands, but never carry them ont
lurther than In my own mind would
you say had done my duty? Do you
! think the master would say upon his
return well done. Suppose l tell him |
INTENDED to serve him. 1 had the purpose
ana wished to obey, my brethren, do YOU
thihk IL would avail and I would be com
ihenaed Tor my good intentions? No [
must carry them all into action and make
my Intentions and purposes my busl
ness.
MY lord money should be put out t.
interest. must watch his goods against
any enemy. when doubtful avoid Them
ana act with discretion. | must be sure
that nothing | do will be contrary to his
wishes or will cast reflection on his name.
lest my lords interests suffer through
my indifference"
Feeling Plays a Part.
The bishop said feeling sometimes n1av.
ed a part What part does feeling play
III the IRE OF a steward? Suppose the
servant does not feel like doing his duty.
and renders that as an excuse? The sun
Is TOO not, or the rain fall prevented
and for one of these reasons the steward
| did not feel like meeting the dangers
or making sacrifices required for the
fulfilment of duty? Some things NAV
make duty more irksome but does duty
ever cease to be duty? Is a servant
bound to serve only when he feels like
1t? How would you value a recommended
ton that read this person is a good work.
err. and labors when he feels like it,
Would you employ him or place your in
terests in the hands of a man Nike that?
II not, why not? Simply because men
do not regard feeling as In any way
necessary NJ mi
In closing Bishop Beckwith referred to
the talents given by Christ to Christian
people and left with them. He said:
1.-THE Savior blessed a little band on a
mount. The band was composed of his
followers and before their eyes he went
out OF sight What he said to these de-
ciples he says to us, and the talents he
| left with them he left with us. What
| Christ demands and what is required of
men is to fulfill the obligations.
With Good Hearts.
I'VE should enter upon our masters
service with honest and good hearts. We
should settle in our own minds to be
faithful In the discharge of duty and
sincere efforts in service. Study his
will. His word is our counselor and guide,
and when in doubt go to Christ's SER
wants and messengers for advice. Trust
| to no feeling but make principle, not
emotion, the rule, and a settled, crystal
| lied purpose bear when in action. The
| day opens, consecrate yourself to God,
when 1t closes measure your actions by
the rule, The church needs your time,
| your talents, and above all 1t needs your
power of example. Yield these as one
who must give an account of the talents.
! Use them faithfully. So live that you
may realize that you are Gods steward,
and as one who knows and will use the
talents for Gods good, so when he comes
he will say, well DONE No one can do
a part of the work for anyone else. but
each one according to his or her ability,
must serve and finally give their account
ing for the obligations.
God grant that you and I shall use
the talents God has given us and when
we stand before him, he will say. well
done thou good and faithful servant.
Bishop Beckwith preached at st. Mary's
at night on the rite of confirmation. The
music was especially beautiful and APP
| propriate.
The bishop will visit the Episcopal
| church at Bessemer today and the church
| at Ensey tomorrow. He will visit the
| Church of the Advent again on Ash We'd
nesday.