The faithful steward : $b or, systematic beneficence an essential of Christian character — John Shaqi
The faithful steward : $b or, systematic beneficence an essential of Christian characterClark, Sereno D. (Sereno Dickenson)
Religion
The faithful steward : $b or, systematic beneficence an essential of Christian character
Clark, Sereno D. (Sereno Dickenson)
Christian stewardship; Finance, Personal -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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