ts where one magnificent
Exchange after another is reared, stretching out its capacious arms,
and towering towards heaven, how difficult it is to sustain a few humble
boarding-houses for wandering seamen. Worldly enterprise is bold and
active, and presses onward with railroad speed. Shall, then, Christian
enterprise be dull and sluggish, deal in cents and mills, and move along
at a very slow pace? The thought is too humiliating to be endured.

Suppose angels to be placed in our stead, would they, think you, be
outdone by the seekers of wealth in deeds of enterprise? No: their cars
would be the first in motion, and their ships the first on the wing.
They would be the first to announce new islands, and the first to
project improvements, and _for what?_ that the Gospel might have free
course and be glorified. Enterprise and action would then be exhibited,
worthy of our gaze and admiration. "O! if the ransom of those who fell
from heaven like stars to eternal night, could only be paid, and the
inquiry of the Lord were heard among the unfallen, 'Whom shall we send,
and who will go for us?' hold they back? No: they fly like lightning to
every province of hell; the echo of salvation rolls in the outskirts as
in the centre; a light shines in the darkest dungeon; the heaviest
chains are knocked off, and they rest not till all is done that angels
can do, to restore them to their former vacated seats in the realms of
the blest."

But if angels would act thus, we too, as the stewards of God, ought to
be the first in enterprise. God's work is infinitely more important than
wealth or honor. And how shall we, in the judgment, be found faithful,
if the seekers of wealth or the aspirants for renown are suffered to
outstrip us on every side.

It is not faithfulness for any one to consume _on himself or his
children_ more of God's property than he really needs. Suppose you hold
in your hand an amount of property. It is not yours you remember, for
you are merely a steward. God requires that it be used to produce the
greatest possible good. The greatest possible good, is the promotion of
holiness in yourself and in others. Luxury, pride and vanity can lay no
claim. Speculative knowledge, taste, and refinement must receive a due
share of attention, but be kept in their place. Our real wants, of
course, must be supplied. But what are our real wants--our _wants_, not
our _desires_--our _real_ wants, not those that are artificial and
imagina