The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-01-23
THE CHRISTIAN LAW OF GIVING.

CHRISTIANITY, in its spirit and life,
its theory and practice, has always
been a system of practical benevo-
lence. This duty was made promi-
nent in the teaching of Christ and his
apostles. For nothing was the early
Christian church more remarkable
than for its practical benevolence to
the poor and needy. In the Sunday
worship OF the early church the col
lection and contribution was as much
a part of the service as the prayer and
praise. 1t was regarded by the early
Christians as a real and positive
means of grace. 1t was esteemed a
privilege as well as duty to give of
their means for the support of the
cause of Christ and for the benefit of
the suffering poor. Gods plan of
blessing and caring for man is by the
practical benevolence of man. This
plan is especially adapted to mans
nature and wants. 1t makes him ac-
tive. 1t gives him something to do.
Under this plan he has divine mis-
sion in the world. He is called of
God to a divine work. 1t calls into
active exercise the noblest faculties
of the human soul. 1t provides for
the action and development of mans
highest nature.
God foresaw it would not do to
leave so important work as this OPP
tional with man. 1t was necessary
therefore to make it mandatory. 1t
is now a duty under divine law. The
divine law as given through Moses
required the Jews to give tenth of
their income annually to the church,
besides their contributions to the
poor. Here the law prescribes not
only the duty of giving, but the
amount that each person should give
is specified. At that time, and to the
Jews, this was doubtless necessary.
There certainly can be no question
about the obligation of Christians to
give as much as did the Jews. 1t is
true that in the teachings of Christ
and the apostles no amount is speci-
fed, but when we consider how much
more largely we have been blessed, it
is hard to conceive how our obligations
could we'll be less than theirs. The
divine law laid down in the New Tes-
lament to regulate our conduct in
this regard is: "Thatwe should give
according as the Lord hath pros
pered u.s." Our obligation is meas
ured by our ability, and that is
determined by the degree of our pros
perity.
If we have been largely prospered
then our obligation to give literally
is increased. Our own reason and
conscience must determine to what
extent we are under obligations to do
more. The law requires that our Civ
ing should not be alone from impulse,
but principle. 1t should not be spas
modic, but permanent. The instruc-
ton is to lay aside weekly so much
as we intend to give. This demands
providence, forecast, the practice of
economy that we may be able to give.
This method would develop habit
of giving. 1t would be permanent
law of practical benevolence wrought
into the structure of our moral and
social life. This is needed to give
strength, unity and stability to NOR
al and Christian character 1t will
make our gifts reliable basis of cal
culation in devising plans of church
work. The benevolent enterprises of
the church would then rest upon a
permanent and reliable foundation in
the principles, habits and character
of the people.
This practice would also become