
THERE was an infinite variety in the contributions made to the Tabernacle, from  the precious jewels of the rulers to the acacia wood of the poor, and the goats'  hair of the women. The completed structure was a monument of the united gifts,  handicrafts, and gems of the entire people. But in all there was the unity of  the spirit, and plan, and devotion.
In the Church and the world there is  a work for each of us to do. - It may be a very humble part in the great factory  - like minding the lift, or stoking the furnace, or fetching materials for the  more skilled operatives; but there is a berth for each willing worker, if only  the will and way of God are diligently sought and followed.
This work is  suited to our special powers. - He who prepares the work for the worker,  prepares the worker for the work. Whenever God gives us a task to fulfill, it is  because He sees in us faculties for its successful and happy accomplishment, in  cooperation with Himself. It is a mistake then to turn back daunted by  difficulty and opposition. As Caleb and Joshua said of the possessors of Canaan,  "We be well able to overcome them."
We must bring our resources and  powers to God. - Willing hearts were summoned to bring their offerings to the  Lord. The maker of a musical instrument knows best how to develop its waiting  music, and He who created and endowed us can make the most of us. Let us not  work for Him; but yield ourselves to His hand, and our members as instruments of  righteousness for His service. We may differ from all others in the special  character of our work; but it matters not, so long as God effects through us His  purpose in our creation.