ject of becoming rich. And the result is, in ninety-nine cases
out of a hundred, that the summons of death arrives before the promised
beneficence is paid in.

In view of such considerations, would it not be _wiser, safer, and very
much better_, in most instances at least, that the greater part of large
capitals should be made use of at once in the service of the Redeemer?

It is said of Normand Smith, that "he dared not be rich;" and that "it
became an established rule with him, to use for benevolent distribution
_all the means_ which he could take from his business, and still
prosecute it successfully;" and that he charged a brother on his dying
bed, to do good with his substance while living, and not suffer it to
accumulate to be disposed of, at the last extremity, by will. Sound
advice. A few other such men there have been in the world, and they are
the SHINING LIGHTS. Their example is brilliant all over with true
wisdom.

It is not acting always as faithful stewards, merely to accumulate
wealth to promote the cause of Christ; for there may be more need of our
_personal service_ in disseminating the Gospel, than of any pecuniary
means we can contribute. Christians are not faithful stewards, merely
when they labor for Christ, but when they do _that_ by which they may
most promote the cause of Christ. The dissemination of Gospel truth is
the great end to be aimed at, either directly or indirectly. Now, it is
evident that many must further this object by accumulating the pecuniary
means; but the danger is, that too many, far too many prefer this
course. Many conclude, with perfect safety and justness, that in
practising law or medicine, or in selling goods, in tilling a farm, or
in laboring in a shop, they are doing as much to further the object as
in any other way; but some, it is believed, come to such a conclusion
either from mistaken views or mistaken motives. The fact that so large a
proportion of God's stewards resort to the notion of operating by proxy,
and that so few choose to engage in the direct work, shows that there is
danger existing. Not only the fathers, but a vast majority of the middle
aged and the young, prefer to advance the cause of Christ by
accumulating the pecuniary means. Now, why is there such a rushing after
this department of the great work?

The Saviour calls for a great army of preachers, to carry his Gospel
everywhere, and to proclaim it to all nations, kindreds and people. In
truth,