THE UNJUST STEWARD.

: New Testament Stories

See where the steward, worldly wise,

With wicked cunning in his eyes,

Shows his lord's debtors how to cheat

His master of his oil and wheat.



"A hundred measures dost thou owe

Of oil? My friend, 'tis scarcely so:

Here, take thy bill and quick indite

Fifty: that puts the matter right."



"A hundred measures is _thy_ debt

f corn? My friend, thou dost forget:

Here, take thy bill, and write fourscore;

Surely thou owest nothing more."



Thus wickedly he would provide

Houses in which he might abide,

When for his former acts unjust

He from his stewardship was thrust.



And when his master heard, he smiled,

Though of his goods he was beguiled:

Nor did he e'en forbear to praise

The crafty foresight of his ways.



The children of this world, alas!

The children of the light surpass,

In planning methods to provide

For ills from which they cannot hide.



And so our Master bids us take

The money which He gives, and make

Friends with our riches for the day

When earthly treasures flee away.



That when we leave our house below,

And into unknown regions go,

Through Jesus, we may find above

An everlasting home of love.



Do I my little store expend

For such a wise and prudent end;

Or only think of my own gain,

And not of others' want and pain?



Lord, by Thy Spirit, make me wise

Above my selfishness to rise,

And something daily give away

To find again in Thy great day!



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