The Life-work of Christians.
By M. W. H.
"And he did not many mighty works there because of unbelief!" May not the humble followers of Jesus, in a measure comprehend the sad recoil of feeling, which called forth these words, while endeavoring to carry out that divine commission, "As the Father has sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." John xvii, 18. Then the humblest believer has a work to do, even to the end of time, for these words closely follow; "Neither pray I for these alone; but for them also, which shall believe on me through their word;" and we see by this that Jesus makes no distinction but on the contrary affirms, so send I them, "even as the Father hath sent me." Oh, the magnitude of the responsibility which these few words involve: that each is to "serve his generation by the will of God;" that each is to "shine as lights in the world, in the midst of a perverse nation," even to carry out the work that Jesus himself began. Well might all sink down overwhelmed with the inquiry, "Who is sufficient for these things?" but for his own sustaining words, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world." And does not he make good this promise, by "manifesting himself to his own, as he doth not unto the world?" Then may the lowliest and weakest take courage, who aright seeketh to perform his allotted work. Doubtless many there are who mistake their life-work and this perhaps, were as disastrous as to sit with hands folded in indolence. Then too, how many with humble earnest efforts, fail to perform the good they desire; but this may not be proof that they have mistaken their duty; for God may have a discipline to accomplish in permitting them to fail; but in this case, there will be felt his supporting grace, which will more than compensate for the disappointment; "for he suffereth not his children to be tempted above what they are able to bear." But that our work be not mistaken, let each seek to know it, standing reverently, as it were in the presence-chamber of the Most High, saying, Whatever thou requirest of us, that will we do. Nor let duty be to any, a stern, unmusical word; but instead, let each go joyfully bounding to do his master's work, or rather his own life-labor, be it ever so arduous or humble, remembering, "that the young artisan does not bind himself, by firmer articles to do his master's work, than does the indentured Christian bind himself, to the active service of his Divine Master, who himself went about doing good." Then dare any waste the golden moments of life in bringing nothing to pass? Or should any regard it more desirable to enjoy a situation of personal advantage, than a field of usefulness? For does not the toil of action bring its own advantage, in developing the powers which might otherwise be dormant? Yea labor such as this abridges not, but increases our happiness; for "he that watereth shall himself be watered." It has been said, that in the theatre of life it is reserved only for God and angels, to be lookers on; but is this quite true; for are we not told that "angels are all ministering spirits?" And if God has ordained, that the truest enjoyment should flow from the right performance of duty, then each lost opportunity should reprove us, and each remaining one remind us of those which are gone, lest carelessly, we continue to let them slip unimproved to our own and others' benefit. Therefore with heroic independence, let convictions of right be pursued, let others do as they may, all sustaining their mutual relations, without suspicion or pretension. Then may rivalry, fault-finding or discord be done away; but be that as it may, "One self-approving hour whole years out-weighs,
Of stupid starers or of loud huzzas."-Pope.