The Best

The best—not for self, for reputation, for present admiration or permanent influence—but for God and souls; the best—not absolutely, with reference to the standard of mental capacity; but relatively, strength, materials, opportunity, scope, being taken into account;—this is the true aim and the true spirit of ministerial exertion. And if striven for with the feeling that—at best—his strength is weakness, and that his ability to achieve anything is of God, who has chosen "earthen vessels " to the very end that the excellency of the power may be not of man, the true servant of Christ will find that in his work prudence and zeal are reconciled.--Anon