Importance of Business Tact.
By J. CLARKE.
MANY seem to think that the Christian life is made up wholly of religious experience, and that worldly cares are of course wholly a hindrance to the soul's prosperity. That the Christian should be diligent in business, as well as fervent in spirit, no one will doubt; yet there may be those who do not see that this diligence requires the putting forth of all the business talents and energies; and that this may be done consistently with that fervency of spirit which the Bible requires. Many a well-planned scheme for good has failed for want of financial skill and care; and this is as requisite in religious matters as in affairs of the world. In all efforts for the good of mankind, expense must be incurred; and very often the efforts of the purest philanthropists are thwarted by the mismanagement of financial affairs. When God raised up Abraham as a representative of his cause in the world, he endowed him with great wisdom, not only pertaining to heavenly things, but made him skillful in the management of secular affairs. Jacob and Joseph and Moses, David and Solomon, Daniel and many others mentioned in the Scriptures, were remarkable for their ability in the management of worldly affairs. As an instance of the importance of exercising the judgment in the affairs of life, I will quote from the remarks of Mr. Suliot, on the life and character of Pestalozzi, a celebrated European educator. After eulogizing the character of this great man as far as his merits demanded, he thus speaks: “The brightest talents, the purest benevolence, and noblest aspirations, will fail of their purpose unless regulated by prudent and methodical habits. “After all the ignorant prejudice, selfish opposition, and various obstacles which he had to encounter, it must be confessed with sorrow that Pestalozzi had no worse enemy than himself, whose indiscriminate generosity, impatience of all order and system, entire neglect of matters of business, and indifference to the value of money, save as an instrument to secure some immediate object—tended more effectually than any external influence, to thwart his efforts, and bring his noble plans into discredit.” This principle runs through every department in life, and he who ignores the necessity of system and order in the administration of civil or church polity, must fail.