Accountability in Christian preaching emphasizes the responsibility believers have to steward their God-given gifts, time, and opportunities faithfully, knowing they will give an account to God (Romans 14:12). Illustrations often use the imagery of stewards or servants who must answer for their management of entrusted resources, highlighting the seriousness of faithful service (Luke 16:2).
Idleness was criminally punished in Athens, showing society's disdain for laziness.
Idleness was a criminal offence at Athens; and should be so regarded everywhere, since "drones suck not eagles' blood, but rob bee-hives." Plutarch, in his life of Lycurgus, tells us of a classic "loafer" who was one day fined for this offence, and who was greatly condoled by a brother-idler as having been condemned for keeping up his dignity. E. L. Magoon.
We have only one life journey and cannot return to fix past mistakes after death.
An upright farmer, giving a reason for his liberal measure, said, "God has permitted me but one journey through the world; and, when I am gone, I cannot return to rectify mistakes."
Public sentiment restrains wrongdoing and condemns those who have done wrong.
Public sentiment is like a battery, which protects the city that is behind it, but sweeps with destruction all the plain that is before it. It powerfully restrains men from doing wrong; but, when they have done wrong, it sets itself as powerfully against them. The height of Dover Cliffs would prevent a man from jumping into the sea; but once amid the thunder of the waves, and what chance would there be for him to climb the steep? Beecher.
Proper stewardship requires economy and avoiding unnecessary expenses in managing resources.
The late Rev. Robert Hall of Bristol was much grieved with the want of economy in managing the finances of some of our public institutions. "When you consider, sir," said he, "the sources from which these monies
# 18. AM
Wasting others' time is a serious offense as their time is not their own property.
A committee of eight ladies, in the neighborhood of London, was appointed to meet on a certain day at twelve o'clock. Seven of them were punctual; but the eighth came hurrying in, with many apologies for being a quarter of an hour behind time. The time had passed away without her being aware of it; she had no idea of its being so late, etc. A Quaker lady present, said, "Friend, I am not so clear that we should admit thine apology. It were matter of regret that thou shouldst have wasted thine own quarter of an hour; but here are seven besides thyself, whose time thou hast also consumed, amounting in the whole to two hours, and seven-eighths of it was not thine own property."
Disobedience to parents often initiates a path leading to ruin and crime.
It was stated, at a meeting of the American Prison Discipline Society, as the result of the examinations made by that institution into the history and career of the various criminals confined in the prisons of the United States, that in almost all cases their course of ruin began in disobedience to parents. This was followed by intemperance, and that made way for all other crimes.
### 297. OMNIPRESENCE AN
Being a good citizen does not excuse causing others to sin and suffer harm.
The Rev. John Chambers, of Philadelphia, in a speech before the American Union, said:—
"A dealer in liquor was tried for some crime, convicted, and sentenced by Judge Parsons. The next day a lawyer waited upon the judge and told him he could show a defect in the proceedings wherefore the man should be released. 'O,' said the judge, 'that matter's settled.' 'But,' said the lawyer, 'he is a worthy man.' 'A worthy man!' said the judge, 'and make drunkards?' 'But,' said the lawyer, 'he is a good citizen.' 'A good citizen,' said the judge, 'and fill up our jails and almshouses and cause men to commit murder and arson, and every iniquity? That question's settled, sir, and the man must abide by the law.' The name of that judge was PARSONS, and may God send us more such parsons as these!"
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