Dishonest Steward
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means whereby he could be corrected. When he has been reproved,
the manner or the person has not suited him, and the way for reform
has been closed up. The Lord has not accepted his labors for some
length of time. He has labored much more for his own interest than
for the interest of the cause.
When he first goes to a place, his prayers and exhortations have
effect, and brethren receive the idea that he is a perfect Christian.
He is favored because he is considered a minister. But as they be-
come acquainted, how they are disappointed to witness his selfishness,
fretfulness, harshness, and oddities. Almost every day some pecu-
liar notion is seen. His mind is almost constantly occupied in fixing
up something for his own advantage. Then he will dispose of it to
someone to good advantage to himself, and fix again. His fixing and
planning have had a withering, blighting influence upon the cause of
God. His course is calculated to tear to pieces, and it has wounded
almost everywhere. What an example to the flock! He has been very
selfish in his deal, and has taken advantage of those with whom he has
dealt. God’s frown is upon him. A good tree is known by its fruits.
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