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
Let benevolence be ever operative, like the sun ever shining. Wait not
for the modest poor, or heedlessly perishing, to ask for aid; but go
forth in search of objects appropriate for philanthropy to relieve, to
enlighten, to cheer. Obey the voice from heaven: "Open thy hand wide
unto thy brother;" "Sow beside all waters;" scattering a little here and
a little there, and thus, to the extent of ability, aid in bringing back
"the state of Eden's bloom," and planting trees of righteousness all
over the world.
Let deeds of charity be consistent one with another, and harmonize
with a general deportment, elevated to the true Gospel standard of
self-consecration; so that they may exert an influence, not only in
relieving the wants of the needy and forlorn, but as examples of
heartfelt beneficence, inciting others to the glorious work. Let Christ,
therefore, be the pattern of all charitable efforts. Let the love that
moved him to endure a life of privation and a death of agony, take full
possession of the soul, prompting to the same unwearied and self-denying
activity in doing good. With a constancy and vigor based on this
life-giving principle, let each one endeavor to make his influence felt
throughout the world; becoming, in his sphere, like one of those fixed
stars that sparkle in the midnight sky--a blazing sun to those that are
near, a gem of sweetest ray to those afar.
Such is the system, and, as we believe, substantially the only universal
system of beneficence, with which God will be well pleased. It grows
out of our relations to him as intellectual and moral beings. Its
life-spring is in the heart. It is purely spiritual or moral in its
character. It rejects all machinery, and can be permanently helped
forward by no scheme of merely external actions. It occupies the whole
soul; with its roots winding round every intellectual and virtuous
principle, it shoots up its stately trunk, sending forth its far-reaching
branches, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account