given as they go along. A businesslike proprietor requires an account
will make our faces to shine before the eyes of our fellows, if we
commune with Him. Our example must encourage others to wait
upon the Lord. As our business is to tell them the mind of God, let us
study that mind very carefully. I trust I do not address a single man
who has fallen into the slovenly habit of going to his work without
first communing with his Master; for such an unhappy person, being
out of touch with his Lord, will exercise an injurious influence over
the rest of the household, making them idle, or indifferent, or
dissatisfied, or dispirited. If the steward does not care for his
master's interests; or if he is willful, and would gladly alter or reverse
his lord's orders, if he dared; or if he in any way tampers with the
estate, as did the unjust steward in the parable, then the servants
under him will learn disloyalty. I might indicate how much of this is
done in certain churches, but I refrain. The Master will come
speedily, and woe to the steward whose account will prove him to
have been unfaithful!
4. Again, stewards are constantly giving account. Their account is
given as they go along. A businesslike proprietor requires an account
of outgoings and incomings, from day to day. There is great truth in
the old proverb that "short reckonings make long friends." If we
make short reckonings with God, we shall be long friends with Him. I
wonder if any of you keep account of your faults and shortcomings.
Perhaps the time will be better spent in constant efforts to serve your
Master, and increase His estate. We ought each one to ask himself,