The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1872-08-24

giving.
1t is from the Gospel. and influences of
the Gospel. that means are to cone for the
supply of the needed expenses Of the
Church and the ministry. And from this
source two classes of g:vcrs for Christian
! purposes arise
]. The faithful. earnest Christians. who
desire 10 give somewhat to the Lord who
gave Himself for us who make their giving
willing sacrifice. like David. not offering
unto the Lord Of that which costs them
nothing: who know the Church 10 be II
Divine institution and having faith that
the Lord will ever give inward grace and
guidance. are aware that lie wants them TO
do their part in outward gifts and help. that
the gates Of hell shall not prevail against it.
This is the first and great supply of means
for carrying on Christian work. and as
Christians more understand how incumbent
it is upon them to give 10 the Master, and
how His blessing falls upon them in the
giving, We shall need less to beg for the
Church's wants. know there are some
think there are many-who now return to
God constantly Tor His Gospel and His
poor. not less than onc.tcnth of their H..
come. Us duty and II privilege. And it is
much to be desired that all Christians would
adopt this or like rule of Christian giving
II. There is n second class of givers for
Christian purposes. These are men of bust.
ness. who recognize in the Church IL valu.
able institution. conserving good in the
community. protecting property. eieva!ing
manners ana morals. Acknowledging these
influences and effects Of the Gospel. they
are willing 10 give for its support. So it
j. from the Gospel. also, IN a sense, that
their aid comes; and while theirs is not the
blessed Christian giving whicl, springs from
gratitude and affection 10 the Saviour ]
would le 10th to say 10 blessing attends it.
but would rather believe That their giving
Is one step forward in the way of right.
and tia. the taking OF j: may bc spccia:
help. under God'- grace. towards q further
advancement.
Now is it prcsun.ing 10" far to asscr, that
those two IRE the only classes or true gifts
for Christian purposes! II it is not. will
you bear with me If / go on to ask. and
seek to answcr-Ilow shall we look upon
Fairs. Festivals. Concerts. etc. gotten up
for the pecuniary help of the Church or its
ministers.
would be allowed to speak Of under three
heads:
First. Under this head would place Mite
Societies. and Fairs and Festivals. where
reasonable prices are asked for things pur-
chased or consumed; and Lectures, Concerts
and Tablcaux. where proper entrance fees
are fixel.
Concerning these in general, frankly
say that do not think such schemes Of in
direct giving are 80 blessed of G,l or up.
proved of men ~ arc the direct gifts of
Christians and business men mentioned
above, and rs means to the Christian end
arrived At, do not like them. But see in
them this good-;hat they may promote
social converse and practIca' CO operation;
and further, that their managers are, in
general. direct givcrs of time aud labor and
money for the Christian end ~ view; and
So, where urgent need arises for q resort to
amy Of them. | cease 10 offer to them prac.
iica! objection.
Third. Under this head l would place dane
ing, grab bags. post Offices, and voting for
popular persons a. sometimes conducted a;
Church fairs or festivals.
Upon these things rs recreat,'ns or amuse.
ments l AN not called 10 pass judgment
But fail to see in them. things so true and
pure and honest and lovely and Of goNi re
port that they deserve to he commended as
suitable aids ~ u Christian causc and l
further fail to see where. in these, enters
the motive of gratitude to the Saviour. and
of self denial for Ills sake. or the inte!lisen;
appreciation of the need IF uphoiding and
pcrrrtuating His Church. Nay, If We 20
on to rely upon these for meeting the eX
pcnscs OF Christian work, We will, - !ly
fear. miss Gods blessing On our Efforts. and
our mountain people and their children will
grow to think that Christian giving, instead
of being u matter Of sober gratefullncss
and M act If voluntary self sacrifice, means
rather self pleasing, coarse indulgence, wild
hilari,y under an easy conscience, because,
forsouth. u good end is in view.
Without wishing to inlrude into the qucs.
ton Of these ainuscments in your plrlors
and homes, Dear Christian Brethren, may
not beg of you to Din with me to try 10 keep
them away from your Church fairs and
festivals, that they may no, poison al the
| .,f La IN,
Christian giving. AID that they may no,
lead Us to contra !ict wila. the Bib: and the
Church urge about self sacrifice aud In'ifnl
devotion in such giving
Fourth. Under this head I would place
the selling of articles by any kind of Railing,
lottery or offers Of ciIaIc".
Provide things honest in the sight oi all
men," says the Apostle. Ought not the
Church 20 be foremost to obey the injanc =
ton j. II '.h,nest in the 81 .ht "s all m.n,"
IL win by lottery "r ch.ac.! Ca the PEG.
ple of the Church with prnpriety make n"!
use such winnings : canaot think n; and
l call upon the Christian pecple who, by
Gods providence, Mre placed under my care.
and upon upright business mcn. aud upon
thoughtful parents who woula put away
corrup,in, influences from their children, 10
join with me IN disconraging and iiscOnn'c'
nancing. NJ Church fairs and festivals, these
practices.
Praying Gods guidance and blessing fo'
you All, through the Holy Spirit aad Tor li't
SsyiDurs sake.
nm, Dear Brethren,
Faithfully and Alfcc,iDnatcly,
Xnne Acriunl n.ad Riahn.A