THE subject proposed for discussion to-day is thus worded on the printed list: _The proportions of Christian liberality_. I have had some difficulty in determining, whether the inquiry intended to be instituted, regarded disposition or distribution—whether it should relate to our temper of mind towards those who differ from us? or the application of our property to the various claims which are made upon us? If the first be intended, then the question will be—how far may we advance in kindliness of heart, and in the exercise of charity, without yielding our convictions, sacrificing principle, and countenancing error? A difficult and delicate point to be settled—in which the dangers of concession and of separation seem to balance; where the one may sink into laxity and indifference, the other lead to intolerance and bigotry.—If the last be principally designed, as I apprehend it is, then the inquiry will be—as the numerous and multiplying appeals to religion and humanity cannot all be alike answered, how shall we best distinguish their respective merits, and in what proportions should we apply our means, which must be necessarily limited, to their respective claims? The text seems applicable to every possible view of the subject. It unites, what Christian liberality can never separate—benevolence and beneficence: the heart is to guide the hand, and Christian prudence is to superintend the whole. We are to “_do good_”—We are to “do good to _all_ men”—We are to pay particular regard to some—“_especially_ unto them who are of _the household of faith_”—We are to do it “_as we have opportunity_”—seizing circumstances, seeking occasions, estimating our means.—Are not these “_the proportions of Christian liberality_?” “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Having thus inspired authority for our guide, we shall, perhaps, best understand the subject, by discussing the terms in which it is expressed, and submitting them to the test of the text and it’s connexion. First, What are we to understand by LIBERALITY?