Systematic beneficence is capable of a twofold division. There is a
general or universal system, binding indiscriminately and equally on all
of every rank and condition; and a particular system adapted alone to
the circumstances of each individual. The latter stands related to the
former, as the edifice to the foundation on which it rests. This
distinction must be kept clearly before mind, if we would have definite
views of our obligations relative to this important subject. In the
ensuing discussion, I shall confine myself mainly to the general system;
believing that if God's people are correct in sentiment, rooted and
grounded in moral and christian principles, they will be substantially
correct in practise. And as the particular or individual system grows,
by a moral necessity, out of the other when fully embraced, being, in
fact, involved in the practical part of it, I propose to give but
occasional hints concerning it.
Practically considered, a system of beneficence consists in two things:
the amount of property bestowed, and the frequency of stated gifts to
the Lord.
Before detailing in full, therefore, the general system of beneficence,
these two questions must be thoroughly discussed--1. What is the
proportional amount of property or income to be given in charitable
contributions? 2. How frequently should stated contributions be made?
The first of these is a point the most difficult for the depraved heart
to reach. Self-interest clamors most loudly for the smallest sum
possible. Her whole strength must here be encountered. But
selfishness, properly so called, has nothing to do with the question.
The rule determining the amount must be fixed upon, not only entirely
without her aid, but in direct opposition to her insidious suggestions.
It must also be a rule growing out of those principles which take hold
of, and bind the conscience; and therefore clearly taught in the Bible.
This is a consideration which may not be overlooked. If we endeavor to
deduce a rule from principles not found nor recognized in the
Scriptures, the influence will be disastrous; we shall rather
strengthen, than weaken, the covetous tendencies of the heart.
It has appeared to some of vast importance to fix upon a definite amount
of income as each one's yearly contribution. A tenth has been named as
the proportion divinely approved, in imitation of Jacob's vow to give a
tenth to God of all that he should receive at his hand; and because the
Jews were required to pay a tithe of their yearly increase for the
support of the Levites. Arguments have been adduced to show that this
ratio in charity is obligatory on all; at the same time, it has been
acknowledged not to be enjoined in the New Testament. We think,
however, the ground untenable; and all efforts to designate this or any
other fixed proportion as universally binding, both inexpedient and
unscriptural.
In the first place, it would not be equal. An alleged requisition, not
pressing equally upon all in its ordinary operations, cannot rise out of
the necessary relations of the spiritual universe, and therefore is not
essential to a moral government. It can be made obligatory on the
conscience only by a positive precept from the Great Lawgiver himself.
But no ratio of income, universally applicable can be assigned, pressing
equally upon all. While one's income may be large, his debts may
likewise be large. Another's health may be feeble, his family numerous,
and his expenses great; while his neighbor's constitution may be
vigorous, his family small, and his necessary expenditures few. Thus
circumstances may render it a greater sacrifice for some to give a
twentieth, a fiftieth, or even an hundredth of their income, than for
others to bestow one half, or indeed, the whole of it, and thousands
besides.
One's entire possessions must be taken into the calculation. Take a
simple case. Two men start in business together; both plan and toil for
ten years. One has an expensive family, parents to maintain, children
to support and educate; he has been withal unfortunate, and has laid up
scarcely a thousand dollars. The other has no family, has prospered and
accumulated ten thousand. The eleventh year Providence smiles upon both
alike; the income of each is a thousand dollars. Now, would it be equal
to require of both respectively a hundred in charity?
Nor can any ratio of standing property and income combined be
designated, ensuring equality. Though this might approximate towards
equalizing the burden, still the same or similar causes would prevent a
uniform pressure. Besides, calls on our benevolence are not always
equally loud or imperious; and therefore, with the same means, more is
demanded on some occasions than others.
Undoubtedly there is a certain amount of property, which, taking into
view the whole circle of one's relations, he ought to contribute in
charity. It is by no means contended that one cannot fix upon a
definite amount for himself. This he may and should do. All that we
aver is, that no general rule can be made, assigning that amount,
because no general rule can meet the ten thousand circumstances that
modify individual cases; and, therefore, obligations to comply with it
would not be universally felt. Besides, no one thinks of specifying
certain proportions of labor and attention which all are equally bound
to bestow on others; and yet, these are sometimes far more beneficial to
the suffering than gifts of money. To assign a certain number of
external acts employed in charitably distributing property, while we fix
upon no definite amount of labor to be expended in beneficence, is
making a difference without a reason; this being seen, the conscience
will not be holden, unless some scripture precept can be found demanding
the discrimination.
But could a ratio be found pressing equally upon all, it would not be
desirable. Man, while under the influence of the natural heart, if he
tries to please his Maker at all, endeavors to do it by external acts
merely; when driven from this ground, he seeks to please him by acting
out some principle of natural sympathy, conscience, or reason; when
shown the fallacy of this, he endeavors still to discharge his duties in
some way without the _entire consecration_ of the soul. Now, does not
the advocacy of a general ratio obviously fall in with this depraved
inclination, tend to flatter this pride of heart, and to encourage this
aversion to entire self-immolation? Indeed, founded on this principle,
the work of benevolence is extremely liable to degenerate into sheer
superstition. The payment of the stipulated sum is soon thought to
render one worthy of Divine acceptance; and thus, instead of gushing
from the heart, charity becomes a mere mercenary business, scarcely
rising to the dignity of a virtue. This the experience of the religious
world proves, as is evidenced by the views and conduct of the Jews
respecting tithes in the time of Christ; and at the present period, by
the payment of periodical contributions in the Romish church.
Besides, as a general rule must apply to all classes and conditions
indiscriminately, the bestowment of the designated sum would satisfy the
consciences, not only of the poor, but also of the rich, who ought,
unquestionably, to contribute oftentimes far more than one tenth of
their annual increase, or any other proportion which the most generous
philanthropy might appoint; thus both rendering them deaf to
extraordinary calls, and, when the truth, so agonizing to the carnal
heart, that our all belongs to God, is pressed with vital intensity on
the mind, affording a secure retreat to the tortured conscience.
Such an arrangement also would often fail to meet the yearnings of the
Christian heart. The sympathy of the true Christian is as deep and
far-reaching as human suffering. Neither one, nor two, nor three tenths,
would be regarded as sufficient on particular emergencies. Such was the
case with the Macedonians of whom Paul says, "That in a great trial of
affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty abounded
unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, yea, and
beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us with
much entreaty, that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the
fellowship of the ministering to the saints." The Christian king of the
Friendly Islands felt the same burstings of a Christian heart. The
missionary says of him: "He had not often gold or silver to give. But
one time he had obtained ten pounds from the ship for food he had sold.
How much do you think he gave to the missionary society? One pound?
Five pounds? This would have been a great deal. But he did more; he
gave the whole!"
It would not meet the requisitions of the command, "Thou shalt love they
neighbor as thyself." Would an Irish lord, amidst the scenes recently
experienced in his unhappy country, surrounded by hundreds and thousands
of miserable beings, starving, sick, and dying, be justified in view of
this law, by contributing to their relief a bare tenth of his income?
Every noble heart will answer in the negative. These times of agony
demanded far greater sacrifices.
Thus all efforts to fix upon a definite ratio of income or property of
universal obligation, will give constant ground for questions of
casuistry inevitably tending rather to screen the conscience, than to
stimulate to generous activity.
_But what does the Gospel teach us on the subject_? The religion of the
Gospel begins in the heart. "Son, give me the heart," is its
fundamental precept. In the Gospel scheme, every individual stands by
himself, on his own responsibility; he is bound by a personal tie to his
Maker. The conduct it prescribes is entirely spiritual. It requires a
burning heart, shedding its light and heat on all around. According to
its code, every act must gush from holy love. It does not prescribe
just the amount of action to be put forth, in any one direction; but the
heart and conscience of each, guided by wisdom from above, are to direct
him. It is thus with Angels and the redeemed about the throne. A holy
heart, bathed in the truth of heaven, is all the general rule they need
to enable them to discharge their duties, and to adapt themselves to the
various circumstances in which they may be placed to eternity. Such is
their moral state, that the least intimation of Jehovah's will sends
them speeding on wings of fire to do his pleasure. The Gospel places
man on earth in the same relation to him, and intends that he shall act
on the same general principles. It teaches us that all we have belongs
to God, and that all we do must be done to his glory. A soul, permeated
by this heavenly spirit, would find a knowledge of the destitution and
woes of others, and an ability to relieve them, a sufficient stimulant
and guide. Angel-like, it would send forth spontaneously the
felicitating streams which the Gospel appoints.
This is the source and spirit of all Gospel benevolence. Says Paul,
"Every man according as he purposeth" (desireth or chooseth) "in his
heart, so let him give." There is to be no constraint. The working of
individual good-will is to be the measure of individual bounty; for "God
loveth a cheerful giver."*[This principle does not apply to the support
of a pastor. _Paul_ does not put charity and the support of the pastor
on the same ground. Compare 2 Cor. Viii. and ix. With 1 Cor. ix. Other
elements come in, modifying the result in the latter case. 1. The idea
of wages. 2. The idea of copartnership. Each member of the church, on
principles of common honesty, is bound to bear his share of the common
expenses.] But though no given proportion of property is definitely
enjoined, there are certain general principles laid down, by which we may
make approximations towards a proportionate amount, and never be at a
loss respecting individual gifts in specific instances when the heart is
right. The following are such.
The great truth that God has a supreme and inalienable right in us and
in all that we possess. "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the Lord of Hosts." "For every beast of the field is mine, and
the cattle upon a thousand hills." "Behold, all souls are mine; as the
soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine."--The
injunction to dedicate ourselves to God. "I beseech you, brethren, by
the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."--The
requirement to love God and his cause and interest more devotedly than
the dearest worldly possession. "If any man come to me, and hate not
his father, and mother, and wife and children, and brethren, and
sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."
"Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath cannot be my
disciple."--The command to love our neighbor as ourselves; that we are
to supply his necessities, and relieve his sufferings, so far as lies in
our power, with the same willingness that we do our own.--The intimation
that our gifts should be such as to call into exercise our faith and
self-denial. The poor widow cast into the treasury of the Lord "all
that she had, even all her living;" with which generous sacrifice Christ
was well pleased; and Paul commends the Macedonian Christians, because
they gave not only according to their power, but beyond their power.--
The promises to the benevolent. "The liberal soul shall be made fat."
"He that watereth shall be watered himself." "It is more blessed to
give than to receive."--The duty of imitating Christ, who "suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in his steps;" that we
should "walk even as he also walked."
Also, the very large amount of their income, (which has been estimated
at not less than one fifth) required of the Jews to be given for the
support of religion, and in charity, was intended to convey to us
similar instruction. For though the law of tithes or double tithes is
not binding upon us, the great sacrifices which they were required to
make, are designed to have a _moral influence_ on succeeding
generations. It is not the idle record of a bygone race, or of a
dispensation that has vanished away; it utters a voice to us; it is the
living exemplification of a principle which we are bound to adopt. If
even the poor among the Jews could give so much, the poor can still give
bountifully in proportion to their means,--and, were they disposed, how
profusely might the rich lavish their munificence. With the fact before
us of the great sacrifices the Jews were commanded to make for the
support of religion in their own narrow bounds; when we consider the
breadth of the field we are called to cultivate,--the spiritual
necessities of the perishing millions of our race, the opportunities to
reach them, the worth of the undying soul, the revenue of glory its
salvation will yield the Saviour, what sacrifices ought the poor, at the
present day, to make in their penury, and the rich in their abundance,
to promote the glory of Christ in the salvation of souls; and how
terrible the doom of those who refuse.
These principles, requisitions, promises, and examples, show us that our
sacrifices should be _great_, and the amount of our contributions
_large_, when either the worldly or spiritual necessities of others
demand our aid; while they leave the treasuries of benevolence to be
filled by the spontaneous flow of each individual soul.
The desire, therefore, to fasten on the consciences of men the
obligation to contribute periodically a certain portion of their income
or property, as universally binding, is not to be gratified by arguments
drawn either from reason or revelation. We may resort to no artificial
means. We may trust in no machinery which does not work and glow with
the living fires of the heart. Love, conscience, and reason, must be
the originating and guiding forces. We must fall back upon, and confide
in, these vital principles of holy conduct. First the heart, and then
the act, is the Gospel scheme, and we may not reverse the process. To
attempt it, and to say, "What we seek in a system of beneficence, is not
a benevolent heart, but benevolent _actions_;" is to come in open
collision with the spirit of the Gospel. It is apparently a lurking
disposition to induce men to discharge the duties of beneficence,
without laying their hearts on the altar of God, and keeping them
perpetually burning there; whereas Christ requires the _heart_, and the
heart _always_; and then that conduct which inevitably bursts from a
consecrated soul. As Paul says of the Macedonian Christians, "_They
first gave their own selves to the Lord_;" and then their wealth, to be
used as he should direct.
Indeed, the process necessarily gone through in determining, from
general principles, the particular amount it becomes our duty
individually to bestow in charity, Christ evidently intended should be a
means of _moral discipline_, which we cannot safely dispense with. Its
influence, though not generally realized, is far-reaching, almost
magical. It strengthens the intellect, elevates to a noble independence
and disinterestedness of feeling, gives stability to character and
energy to purpose, leading on to thoroughness of self-inspection,
earnestness of investigation as to the personal claims of God, and
childlike simplicity in submitting to their authority. Just glance at
its workings in the present instance. As Christ has told us, in order
to know his doctrine we must do his will, so in order to ascertain the
exact sum we are to contribute in benevolence, we must cherish a heart
in sympathy with his own. Holy love must perpetually glow in our
bosoms; otherwise, we shall sometimes fail in the correctness of our
conclusions. Thus the first impulse of benevolent feelings puts us in
the way to increase them; for every desire to give must be attended with
a scrutinizing estimate of our motives, and a constant struggle with
selfishness, lest the latter gain the ascendency, and mar the beauty of
the deed. The legitimate result of the process, therefore, is a deep
and watchful piety; while the works of beneficence, thus determined,
never degenerate into superstition or self-righteousness; and its
obligations will seize at once and unrelaxingly the conscience of all.
The conclusion, therefore, at which we arrive touching the amount of our
charities is this: it should be such as our means, a distinct knowledge
of the wants of others, and a heart of overflowing love, shall
prescribe; leaving each one to his own solemn convictions of duty,
amenable to the bar of God.
But it may be objected, if beneficence is thus left without the
specification of some stated amount, selfish, or but partially
sanctified men, will not give as liberally as they ought. Perhaps they
will not. But all we can so is to press on their attention the commands
of Jehovah, and the claims of a dying world--claims, as strong and
affecting as those which brought the Saviour from the throne to the
cross; and telling them what the Apostle, enforcing also sparingly; "and
he who soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully," leave them to
settle the matter of their covetousness with their Final Judge. We may
pray and weep over them; but we may use no efforts to move a single
individual from that moral basis--his own conscience--on which God has
placed him. Here he must stand; and here we must be willing he should
stand; while he himself is under infinite obligation to lay bare his
bosom to the energizing influences of truth, and cheerfully yield to its
sway.
2. _How frequently should stated contributions be made_?
System implies order, regularity. Systematic beneficence implies
regularity of contributions, or of stated periods for appropriating
property to the Lord. In regard to the frequency of these statedly
recurring periods, there are different opinions. Owing to the variety,
extent, and complexity of men's avocations, some find it convenient to
make consecrations accurately proportionate to prosperity, much more
frequently than others. Hence some advocate the weekly period, some the
monthly, while others plead for still longer intervals. Indeed, to fix
upon a definite rule of universal application determining the frequency
of periodical contributions, will be found nearly as difficult as to
ascertain the precise ratio of property to be bestowed. There are,
however, certain leading principles, which, if contemplated with
rectitude of heart, will enable us to please God by the wisdom of our
benefactions, no less in this respect than the last.
1st. As a stepping-stone to a series of more important considerations,
showing that these periods of consecrations should very frequently
recur, I remark _that most may set apart some portion of income without
inconvenience as often at least as capital or labor makes returns_.
These are the occasions when Providence pours his treasures into our
bosoms; when alone we can determine precisely how the Lord has prospered
us, and consequently how much we are able to bestow. Hence if no
designations of income to charity have been previously made, or if they
have not been sufficiently large, these opportunities of coming to some
definite decision with reference to the proportion of the bounties of
Providence we shall devote to purposes of beneficence, may not be passed
over; and the consecration, not to say the disbursement, should be made
_immediately_, while the idea that our possession are from God is fresh
in our minds, and before selfishness shall seize them as her own.
Procrastination is often but giving heed to her treacherous voice, and
ere we are aware, she carries us captive. As we receive our increase
from the hand of God, like faithful stewards, we should set apart the
portion belonging to others without delay. To indulge ourselves by
holding them up before us, and doating upon them as our own, will but
inflame our covetousness; and we shall be tempted to rob the needy of
their portion. This is not hypothesis; facts prove that money is
contributed far more cheerfully when in a loose state than after it
becomes fixed property. This rule, directing frequency of
consecrations, conforming itself to individual circumstances, is
oppressive to none.
But the capital of some makes returns only once a year; of others, only
once in a series of years. To such this rule can be by no means
applicable; for the wants and sufferings of those whom God has made it
our duty to relieve, often demand far more frequent distributions;
while, in a variety of instances, it calls into exercise our benevolence
too rarely to suppress the selfish tendencies of the heart,--a point,
which, in rearing a system of beneficence, may never be overlooked.
Other principles must therefore be noticed.
2d. _Our contributions should be so frequent as will tend to repress
the selfish, and keep alive the benevolent affections_. We should give
so frequently as to impress and nurture the conviction that we were made
not only for ourselves, but for others; and that the noblest use of
property is its distribution to the needy. This conviction it is
difficult to engender, and harder to keep alive, but it is best produced
and quickened to energy by frequently engaging in the duties of charity.
Benevolence, to become strong, must be cultivated; and it is so much of
an exotic in the human breast, that it needs the most earnest and
assiduous care; while selfishness, such is its strength and tenacity of
life, can be deadened and kept in abeyance only by repeated and vigorous
assaults. As a general rule, that system, as to frequency, should be
chosen, which comes most strongly in collision, and wrestles most
powerfully with the selfishness of the heart. Some, I know, would deal
gently with this obnoxious principle; rather humor than goad it; and on
this ground urge the importance of frequent, and, of course, small
contributions, which will scarcely be felt; maintaining that on the
whole a larger amount will be collected. But I would not urge frequency
of donations on this account. I would advocate benevolence only on
those principles which will give it life and vigor for eternity. The
Bible says nothing about humoring the selfishness of the heart, of
adopting plans of beneficence that will be scarcely felt. Its language
is, "Crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts." It directs us to
_die_ unto sin or self. It makes no compromise with covetousness. It
bids us not rock it to sleep, but slay it. Let every one then stand up
in the lofty sternness of his spirit, and adopt that system as to
frequency in giving, which, other things being equal, is most crucifying
to the carnal heart.
But a system of almost continued contributions will not be peculiarly
crossing to our avaricious desires, if trifling sums are given, or those
greatly disproportionate to property. In this case, selfishness,
instead of being disturbed, may be rather cajoled into a species of
benevolence; though a species as sickly and unsubstantial as the vine
that grows amid the damps of a vault, never aspiring to heaven as the
place of its nativity. But when the sums are so large as to demand
personal sacrifice, the self-appropriating principle feels it keenly.
The uninterrupted repetition of such gifts is a continued draught on its
life-blood. Its remains even in the Christian's breast are galled and
lacerated by the repeated attacks, and sometimes writhe as in "the dying
strife." Especially is this the case with one who has amassed his
property by almost daily additions;--by sums, perhaps, smaller in amount
than those which the calls of humanity now claim almost as frequently at
his hand. He sees his wealth going nearly the same way in which he
acquired it, and he feels that its very pillars are giving way. Thus
frequency in contributions, if sufficiently large, is usually most
crossing to selfishness, and most destructive to avarice; and as a
system of beneficence is instituted mainly to combat these evil
principles, we should allow but short intervals between our deeds of
charity.
3d. _We should give so frequently as to form a habit of giving_.
Jeremiah says, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his
spots? then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil." This
shows the susceptibility of our natures to the formation of habits; and
their controlling power over us. The injunction of Solomon, "Train up a
child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart
from it," is founded on the same mental tendency. Habit, indeed,
governs half the world; it is like a self-moving machine, when once
started, continuing, of its own accord, in the same direction and with
the same velocity. Let one accustom himself to harden his heart in view
of genuine objects of sympathy, and it will be exceedingly difficult to
unlock his bosom to the loudest calls of benevolence. On the contrary,
he, who accustoms himself to spend his money as fast as he acquires it,
will never be likely to hoard for future supplies. A habit of giving
would follow the same law, and greatly assist us in the duties of
charity. But infrequency of beneficence, giving only once in six months
or a year, or at irregular intervals, will never form an efficient habit
of giving. It must be a regular and oft-repeated act; for it is a
frequency of the same acts in succession alone, which creates habit.
Our benevolence, therefore, should go forth in reiterated acts, like the
monthly, flowering and shedding its fragrance as regularly as its
seasons recur. The spirit of benevolence must thus be wrought into the
very texture of our being; so that we shall move forward, scattering our
alms about us as naturally as we perform the common duties of life.
This thought is of immense importance to the young, and to those engaged
in the pursuits of wealth. For the latter, especially, from the very
nature of their employments, and their necessary trains of thought, are
inevitably acquiring habits of accumulation; and, unless counteracting
habits of benevolence are also acquired, their desires of gain will
assume the tyrant, and the Divine curse, threatened against the
covetous, will rest upon them forever. They are hanging over an abyss,
and their only safety, under God, is in winding around their hearts the
iron cords of habit in beneficence, and, therefore, in giving
frequently.
4th. The Scriptures favor the idea of frequency in giving. Christ says,
"Give to him that asketh of thee." The duty of charity is here clearly
founded on our calls and ability. But in this world, where we have the
poor always with us, calls on our benevolence cannot be otherwise than
frequent. Again Christ says, "Freely ye have received, freely give."
We frequently receive, we should therefore frequently give. Paul
directs the Corinthian Christians, "Upon the first day of the week, let
every one of you lay by him in store as God has prospered him." This
suggestion of the Apostle may probably be adopted a general rule by a
majority of Christians at the present day; and every one should make it
a matter of solemn consideration and earnest prayer whether it is not
his individual duty; for all must conform to it in spirit. But without
maintaining that every one, under whatever circumstances, is required to
lay by something weekly for charitable purposes, the principle here
taught us most unequivocally binds us to great frequency of stated
contributions. From this decision of the Holy Spirit, according, as it
does, with the teachings of reason, there can be no appeal.
5th. _The experience of practical men, as to the best means of acquiring
property, evinces the same principle_. The experience of the world on
this point has been embodied in maxims such as these: "Take care of
your cents, and dollars will take care of themselves;" "Save your
ninepences," &c. Men of wealth have often remarked that they acquired
their property by frequently storing away small sums as they could spare
them. I knew a man lay up several dollars by making it a rule to put
into a bag kept for the purpose, every fifty cent piece that came into
his possession. We have here the development of a principle in
accumulating a fund to meet the contingencies of life. We may apply it
to benevolence, and take men of business and opulence on their own
ground. If this principle will fill one's own treasuries, it will fill
the treasuries of the Lord. Let it then be regarded. I would sound it
in the ears of the million who are delving the earth for gold, and
startle them from their delusive dreams. I would that it might echo and
re-echo till its solemn utterances should make every votary of Mammon
tremble. Hear, ye rich men; give ear, ye who are pursuing the bubbles
of wealth! is it christian, is it right, to adopt principles of prudence
and self-denial in filling your own coffers, while you refuse to act
upon the same principles in replenishing the streams of mercy? No.
Conscience and God answer, No. The perishing heathen, the dying pillow,
the judgment-seat, the wailings of hell, all answer, No.
Then let every one, whether indigent or affluent, frequently lay by in
store sums for charity as God shall prosper him, though they are but
small; and let him do it with the same whole-heartedness, earnestness,
and perseverance, as he would to increase his own wealth; and rarely
will he be unable to relieve the cries of misery. He will have no
occasion to offer the excuse, "I have no change." He will have dollars
in store. The history of benevolence proves this. I have know a
sabbath-school class, by each member's giving 10, 15, or 25 cents a
month, contribute an amount during the year, which previously they would
have thought impossible to raise. This is only one instance among a
thousand. Let the principle be acted upon; a trial is easy. Scriptures
and reason cannot both be wrong.
But how shall these frequent contributions be made by those whose
capital yields returns only at long intervals? According to the
proverb, "Where there's a will, there's a way"--it can be either
actually or virtually done.
1st. By saving expenses. Water, running into a vessel no faster at a
given orifice than it flows out at another, will retain a constant
level; and if with the same influx we would have it issue at a higher
orifice, we have only to stop or lessen the lower one. Thus, if we
would have our possessions rise to the _giving point_, we have only to
stop the leakage--check expenses. This hint may be of service to the
poor, and not inappropriate to the rich. Many expend their ready money
as rapidly as they receive it; making their calculations to do so; and
thus, during the interval between one return of capital and another,
plead their inability to meet the frequent calls of benevolence. But is
this a valid excuse? Could they not be met by sacrificing some social
pleasure, some luxury in drink, in food, in dress, in furniture, in
display? or by foregoing some convenience, the expense of which is
equivalent to the pledged sum? Vast multitudes are deprived of these
luxuries, and even of what we deem necessaries, during their whole
lives; and cannot we forego the gratification of them occasionally,
that we may thereby relieve the suffering, or save the deathless soul?
True, this will require self-denial; but has not God demanded of us
self-denial? Dare any one offer this as an excuse?
2. Every on engaged in regular business knows, or ought to know, what,
taking one year with another, have been the annual proceeds of his labor
or investment. Now, on the supposition that the Lord will prosper him
as heretofore, he can form some reasonable estimate of the amount,
(extraordinaries excepted) which he ought to contribute to charitable
purposes weekly or monthly during the period his capital is making
another revolution. This amount may be appropriated in actual donations
by most business men, as they usually have more or less loose money on
hand. By those who cannot do this, it may be charged in a book kept for
the purpose at the close of each week or specified period for
appropriation--"one, five, ten, or fifty dollars due to charity,"--and
on the return of their capital, pay this debt as conscientiously as they
pay any other. Then, if on the reception of their entire product, they
find they have not given as much as the claims of the destitute demand,
they can easily make up the deficit. This scheme will of course call
into exercise our faith; for it is acting on the belief that the Wise
Disposer of events will be as merciful to us in the future, as he has
been in the past. But ought not his past goodness to strengthen our
confidence in his willingness to continue that goodness? Christ
requires us to live by faith on him, and ought we not to _give_ by faith
on him? To refuse to exercise this faith in the circumstances, partakes
of ingratitude. Besides, to decline making any, or but such
appropriations as are exceedingly disproportionate to our property,
until we have actually received the return of our investments, is to act
on the principle, that we will not give to others until we are _certain_
how much God will bestow upon us; in other words, that we will not trust
him,--whose loving-kindness, as the brightest star of our destiny, has
shone upon us in darkness and storm,--for a single blessing which is not
actually in our hands. Must not such conduct be exceedingly provoking
to Unwearied Love?
Or this process of previous consecrations may be varied thus. The
proportion consecrated may be a certain ratio of income fixed on a
sliding scale, on the principle that the greater the profits, the
greater the proportion which me be spared. For instance, on the first
day of each week, or month, or quarter, or year, one may consecrate a
certain proportion of his profits of that week, month, quarter, or year
to the Lord, say five, eight, or ten per cent., in case they rise to a
specified amount; and if they rise to a certain sum beyond this, he may
fix upon a still greater proportion, say twelve or fifteen per cent.; if
they rise to an amount still higher, the proportion appropriated may be
still larger, say eighteen or twenty per cent., so that his benefactions
to the destitute shall be in some degree commensurate to the goodness of
the Lord to him.
In these last suggestions, a vital principle in systematic beneficence
is developed, which challenges our special attention. _It is, the duty
of making provision for the dissemination of charity previous to the
reception of our income_. This is a point of immense importance, and
may by no means be overlooked; though it is a point which Christians
have too much lost sight of. They have been awake neither to the
enjoyment nor obligations growing out of it. It is time that its solemn
utterances should pierce the heart, and arouse the conscience of every
follower of the Lamb, and startle him from his slumbers. They should
reverberate through every dwelling in Zion. It is a principle of
universal application. All, whether rich or poor, should make it an
abiding rule of conduct. There is no difficulty in the way. While, of
course, the rich should fix upon a higher proportion of income than the
indigent, each one can decide upon some percentage adapted to his
peculiar circumstances, and at stated periods lay up in store as the
Lord prospers him. Every one, as St. Paul clearly taught the
Corinthians, should have "a savings-bank" for charity.
The results of this principle would indeed be most happy, on whatever
ground the previous arrangements should be made. In the first place, it
would greatly increase the sum total of our contributions to the Lord.
It would be acting on an acknowledged maxim in the acquisition of
wealth. We know if we have a debt of ten dollars, an hundred dollars,
or any sum within our possible ability to pay, the money will be by some
means obtained; whereas, otherwise it will be extremely liable to be
consumed in the ordinary flow of expenses. Thriving men, sometimes on
this principle, keep constantly a little debt by the purchase of
valuable property, knowing that it will stimulate their industry and
frugality to meet the anticipated payment. Here men are not afraid to
trust the past goodness of the Lord; why will they not be equally wise
and confiding in the godlike work of benevolence?
It would also deepen our sense of personal devotement to Christ; leading
us constantly to feel that our minds employed in planning, and our hands
engaged in labor, are the Lord's, and must be used in his service. It
would likewise promote the ease and cheerfulness with which our
appropriations would be made, and materially enhance our enjoyment, in a
work which, though self-denying, brings us into intimate fellowship and
cooperation with our blessed Lord. Even when engaged in our most
ordinary avocations, it would induce the impression that we are laboring
for Christ as well as for ourselves; and thus procuring the means of
extending the glorious gospel, whose precious promises are our daily
support and joy, and which opens to our view, beyond the skies, the
crown and the harp, with which we hope to bow before the throne, when
our bodies are crumbling in the grave. What greater happiness can
the Christian experience on earth than the continued consciousness of
co-working with his Saviour in diffusing through the world these richest
enjoyments of our being, and kindling anthems whose enrapturing notes
shall never falter?
Thus, if we would make antecedent provisions for charity; if we would
exercise suitable self-denial, forethought, and confidence in God; if we
would _contrive_ as earnestly to save something for munificence, as we
do to hoard, our sources of charity would be replenished; we should
seldom be unable to make, at frequently recurring periods, either actual
or pledged appropriations, and be happy in our work.
_An Inference_.--If that degree of frequency should be adopted which is
best calculated to curb the selfish inclinations, then the more deeply
we are engaged in worldly pursuits,--the stronger and more riotous the
avaricious desires become, the oftener should the appointed period of
our benefactions recur; and not only so, but the greater the necessity
that our gifts be commensurate with our means; for otherwise, although
we may give frequently, and perhaps congratulate ourselves on our
generous liberality, the curse of God may be hanging over us for our
parsimony.