oy in yielding up all to God, and holding ourselves as waiting servants
to do his will. This fullness of bliss you foolishly spurn from you,
and turn away to the "beggarly elements of the world." Do you feel that
the principles of stewardship contained in the Bible are too
strict--that too entire a devotement is required of you? Angels do not
think so. Redeemed saints do not think so. The more entire the
consecration, the more perfect the bliss. In heaven devotement is
perfect, and joy of course unalloyed. Blot out this spirit of
consecration, you blot out all true happiness on earth; you annihilate
heaven.

But it is not only a luxury, but _an honor_ to be the stewards of God.
What honor greater than that of continuing the work which Jesus
commenced; of being employed in the immense business of saving a ruined
race? What work more glorious than that of being the instruments of
peopling heaven? What employment more noble than to rescue immortal
souls from endless agonies, and to raise them to eternal joys; to take
their feet from the sides of the burning lake, and to plant them on the
firm pavement of heaven; to rescue victims from eternal burnings, and to
place them as gems in the diadem of God? Would not Gabriel feel himself
honored with a work so noble and glorious? Were a presidency or a
kingdom offered you, spurn it and be wise; but contemn not the glory of
being God's stewards.

Remember, too, whether these are your views or not, the work of God will
go on. The world will be converted. The glorious event is promised.
Almighty power and infinite wisdom are engaged to accomplish it: all the
resources of heaven are pledged. The God of heaven, he will prosper his
true servants, and they shall arise and build; but those who do not
relish the idea of being God's stewards, can have no portion, nor right,
nor memorial in Jerusalem. The wheels of God's providence are rolling
onward: those wheels are high and dreadful. Will you, being a professed
Christian, dare to oppose the march of God? "Ah! we do not _oppose_,"
say you. But I reply, There can be no neutrality; you must either help
onward his car of victory, or you do really stand in the way--will be
crushed by his power, and ground into the earth by the weight of his
chariot. Take then, I entreat you, this warning, which is given you in
earnestness, but in the spirit of love.

Joy, glory and immortality, to all who will cordially assent to be
co-workers with Jesus. T