s those forces have to do with the
maturing and perfecting of our character they become his plans. No
energy will be withheld. All our plans should be such. The end in
character may often be attained as well by failure of our plans as by
success. God has to choose the poor in this world's things, rich in
faith, to do his great work. And he has to make "the best laid schemes
o' mice and men gang aft a-gley" to get the desired outcome of
character. He is then working with, not against, us. He would rather
have any star for his crown of glory than tons of perishable gold.

But outside of our plans and work for ourselves what cooperation may we
expect in our plans and work for others?

Every preacher knows that for spiritual work in saving others the word
of the Lord is true, "Without me ye can do nothing." There must be an
outpouring of the Spirit or there is no Pentecost. Over against that
settled conviction is the thrice-blessed command and assurance of the
Master, "Go preach my Gospel; and lo, I am with you alway" (blessed
iteration), "unto the end of the world." That has not yet come.

But there are other enterprises men must push--mines to be dug,
railroads to be surveyed and built, slaves to be emancipated, farms to
be cultivated, mischiefs framed by a law to be averted, charities to be
exercised, schools to be founded, and generally a living to be gotten.
To what extent may we expect divine aid?

First, all these things are his purposes and plans. But since it is
necessary for our development that we do our level best, he will not do
what we can. We can plant and water, but God only can give the
increase. Even the fable maker says that a teamster, whose wagon was
stuck in the mud, seeing Jupiter Omnipotens riding by on the chariot of
the clouds, dropped on his knees and implored his help. "Get up, O
lazy one!" said Jupiter; "clear away the mud, put your shoulder to the
wheel, and whip up your horses." We may call on God to open the rock
in the dry and thirsty land where no water is, but not to lift our
teacups. It is no use to ask God for a special shower when deep
plowing is all that is needed. It is no use to ask God to build
churches, send missionaries, endow schools, and convert the world, till
we have done our best.

But when we have done our best what may we expect? All things. They
shall work together for good to those who love God enough to do their
best for him in any plane of work.