Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-11-10
VOL. X.-NO. III.

We once knew n clergyman Of eminent
abilities and devoted zeal, who was execrat.
ed by every shopkeeper in the village in
which he resided. He would never buy If
he could borrow. And when compelled TO
buy, no price could be moderate enough 10
satisfy his desires. He was a byeword and
a scoihng TO nearly all of his neighbors, in
consequence Of the meanness he manifested
in every business transaction. He thus not
only greatly impaired his own influence, but
lpreludiced the whole community against the
religion he preached. He grew rich, Of
course, but with increasing riches there was
increasing paasimoDy. And though he
would occasionally contribute with conside-
rabe liberaliy, TO some object of benevo-
lence, the influence of his example upon the
community around him, was infinitely disas-
trous. Error was strengthened, and sinners
were confirmed in irreligion Whatever
good might have been conferred upon the
cause of Christ, by his pecuniary contribu-
tions, was vastly more than counterbalanced
by his influence upon his own neighbor-
hood
Probably the only reason why God asks
for money in the promotion Of his cause, is
that he may cultivate in the hearts OF his
sury of the Almighty needs no repenishng.
He might raise thousands of servants, and
send them 10 and fro through the world. to
proclaim his cause, and feed them with The
, mama Of heaven, and clothe them by his
OWE care. He nigh; send from Heaven an
army of angels to accomplish his purposes.
God does not need our coppers. He has
seen fit, in his wisdom. TO make use Of hui
man instrumentality in the conversion of
the world, and he calls upon his children
for their pecuniary aid in their voluntary la
bors, not for his good, but for their own
A man may as reasonably hope to please
God, by stealing money to contribute TO be-
nevolent objects, as to raise it for that pur-
pose by meanness. 1t is an insult TO the
character of our Maker, TO suppose that he
, can sccep, of such offerings. $50
The Christian should be a high-minded,
, generous man. He should desire to pay
fair price FOR every thing that he buys. And
while he should be diligent in business, and
prudent in his expenditures, and while he
should guard, with the utmost caution,
against extravaganza and prodigality, he
, should avoid everything that appears even
small or ungenerous. In making change.
let him not try to save the doubtful half
cent. Many Christian has, by saving half
a cent in making change, fixed an indelibe
prejudice upon an immortal mind against
religion. By pursuing this course. you may.
not be able 10 wear quite so fine coat as
you otherwise would wear. You may not
enjoy so many Injuries. But you will have
generous soul, and that is in itself an ines
Unable reward. You will have the conf
dcnce and the esteem of the community,
and that is priceless blessing. And, above
all, YOU will adorn the glorious gospel of our
God and Saviour you will disarm preju-
dice, and allure Others TO that religion which
bears such fruit. Do you wish to unite
with your neighbor in doing any work which
will be for your mutual advantage-in put
ting up fence, or digging drain, or re-
pairing the road d, Be always ready in do
ing little more than your part. Does your
neighbor, of equal property, take newspa-
peri Do not borrow it of him without
comforting favors in return, which shall be
fully equivalent. Does your neighbor wish
to borrow your newspaper? Most freely
and most cheerfulIy loan il to him, without
expecting any return. You may in this
way, perhaps, leave hundred dollars less
to your heirs but you leave to them the in
iluence Of your example, and the remem-
brance Of your virtues You will leave be-
hind you the SAVIOR Of good name. And
above all, religion will be honored in the
eyes of the community by your example,
Your happiness does not consist in the tex
ture of your coat, or the richness of your
furniture, or your shares in bank stock. II
consists in the wealth and dignity of your
soul You must look within you for the
source of pure JOY. Covetousness demeans
the soul, and destroys its capability Of hap
piness., If you can see in your soul the Sc
cret windings of this hateful serpent. crush
its head. The poor man may be bountful
and magnanimous, as well as the rich man
e nay he more frequently is so. 1t is the man
> who is comparatively rich, who is generally
{ seen TO be mean and nggardly. a.