use this signal illustration of fidelity to stewardship as a reason why
they should do less rather than more in their working together with
him. The American Missionary Association begins its year with a debt of
$5,000 and needs $30,000 a month to carry on its regular work.


Large Gifts no Substitute for Small Ones.

A Pope of Rome in the midst of his great wealth once said, "I cannot
say as Peter did: 'Silver and gold have I none!'" To which the reply
was made: "Neither can you say, 'In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up
and walk.'" Peter and the Pope are types of two conditions of the
church of Christ. When it is dependent on Christ, it can bless the
bodies and souls of men; when it relies on its wealth, it can do
neither. A missionary society that should be so thoroughly endowed as
to feel itself to be independent of God and man for funds would soon be
thoroughly dead. Its power is in proportion to the faith it uplifts to
God, and to the constant sense of dependence with which it rests down
upon the sympathy and support of the churches. It can never flourish
except as it is refreshed by the little rills of benevolence that flow
from praying Christians; that treasury is poor, indeed, that does not
receive the widow's two mites. The American Missionary Association can
come with blessings to the neglected races of our land only as it lays
hold with one hand upon the arm of the Lord and with the other grasps
the hands of the pastors and members of the churches--as it enables
them to feel that it is their society doing God's work for them.

But does not the magnificent gift of Mr. Hand lift the Association
above such dependence on the churches? Is it not at least so well
provided for that the churches need not be so regular and liberal in