Southern Christian Advocate

WALKING WITH GOD.
I must walk with God. In some way or other, whatever be my character or profession, I must acquire the holy habit of connecting everything that passes in my house and affairs, with God. If sickness or health visit my family, my eyes must see and my heart must acknowledge the hand of God therein. Whether my affairs move on smoothly or ruggedly, God must be acknowledged in them. If I go out of my house or come into it, I must go out and come in as under the eye of God. If I am occupied in business all day long, I must still have the glory of God in my view. If I have any affair to transact with another, I must pray that God would be with us in that affair, lest we should blunder and injure and ruin each other.
This is the language of the real Christian—but instead of such a spirit as this among the great body of tradesmen professing themselves religious—what do we see but a driving, impetuous pursuit, not seldom—mean, low, suspicious, yea immoral practices!
Yet I once went to a friend for the express purpose of calling him out into the world. I said to him—“it is your duty to accept the loan of ten thousand pounds, and push yourself forward into an ample sphere.” But he was a rare character: and his case was rare. His employers had said, “We are ashamed you should remain so long a servant in our house, with the whole weight of affairs on you. We wish you to enter as a principal with us, and will advance you ten thousand pounds. It is the custom of the city—it is your due—we are dissatisfied to see you in your present sphere.” I assured him that it appeared to me to be his duty to accede to the proposal. But I did not prevail. He said “Sir I have often heard from you that it is no easy thing to get to heaven. I have often heard from you that it is no easy thing to master the world. I have every thing I wish. More would incumber me—increase my difficulties—and endanger me.”