_worldly men exhibit in the pursuit of wealth and honor_. Let us, then,
look at their conduct and learn a lesson. They are intent upon their
object. They rise early and sit up late. Constant toil and vigorous
exertion fill up the day, and on their beds at night they meditate plans
for the morrow. Their hearts are set on their object, and entirely
engrossed in it. They show a determination to attain it, if it be within
the compass of human means. Enter a Merchants' Exchange, and see with
what fixed application they study the best plans of conducting their
business. They keep their eyes and ears open, and their thoughts active.
Such, too, must be the wakefulness of an agent, or they will not employ
him. Notice also the physician who aspires to eminence. He tries the
utmost of his skill. Look in, too, upon the ambitious attorney. He
applies his mind closely to his cause that he may manage it in the best
possible way.

Now, I ask, shall not the same intense and active state of mind be
required of us, as God's agents or stewards? Can we be faithful
stewards, and not contrive, study, and devise the best ways of using the
talents that God has intrusted to us, so that they may turn to the
greatest account in his service? Is not the glory of God and the eternal
salvation of our ruined race, an object _worthy_ of as much engagedness,
as much engrossment of soul and determination of purpose, as a little
property which must soon be wrapped in flames, or the flickering breath
of empty fame? Be assured, we cannot satisfy our Maker by offering a
sluggish service, or by putting forth a little effort, and pretending
that it is the extent of our ability. We have shown what we are capable
of doing, by our engagedness in seeking wealth and honor. God has seen,
angels have seen, and we ourselves know, that our ability is not small,
when brought fully into exercise. It is now too late to indulge the
thought of deceiving either our Maker or our fellow men on this point.
We can lay claim to the character of faithful stewards, only as we
_embark all our powers_ in serving God, as worldly men do in seeking
riches, or a name.

Then, too, to be faithful, we must be as _enterprising_ in the work that
God has given us to do, as worldly men are in their affairs. By
enterprising, I mean, bold, adventurous, resolute to undertake. Worldly
men exhibit enterprise in their readiness to engage in large
projects--in digging canals, in laying railroads, an