e our enjoyment, in a
work which, though self-denying, brings us into intimate fellowship and
cooperation with our blessed Lord. Even when engaged in our most
ordinary avocations, it would induce the impression that we are laboring
for Christ as well as for ourselves; and thus procuring the means of
extending the glorious gospel, whose precious promises are our daily
support and joy, and which opens to our view, beyond the skies, the
crown and the harp, with which we hope to bow before the throne, when
our bodies are crumbling in the grave. What greater happiness can
the Christian experience on earth than the continued consciousness of
co-working with his Saviour in diffusing through the world these richest
enjoyments of our being, and kindling anthems whose enrapturing notes
shall never falter?

Thus, if we would make antecedent provisions for charity; if we would
exercise suitable self-denial, forethought, and confidence in God; if we
would _contrive_ as earnestly to save something for munificence, as we
do to hoard, our sources of charity would be replenished; we should
seldom be unable to make, at frequently recurring periods, either actual
or pledged appropriations, and be happy in our work.

_An Inference_.--If that degree of frequency should be adopted which is
best calculated to curb the selfish inclinations, then the more deeply
we are engaged in worldly pursuits,--the stronger and more riotous the
avaricious desires become, the oftener should the appointed period of
our benefactions recur; and not only so, but the greater the necessity
that our gifts be commensurate with our means; for otherwise, although
we may give frequently, and perhaps congratulate ourselves on our
generous liberality, the curse of God may be hanging over us for our
parsimony.

PART III.

We are now prepared to present in detail that general system of
beneficence, demanded alike by Scripture and reason, and best fitted to
secure permanent and ever-growing results.

While universal, it must be a system in its nature adapted to each
individual, and binding on the individual conscience; one founded on,
and embracing, the entire man,--his reason, his heart and will,
including views and principles, feelings and affections, with their
inculcation, general purposes and resolutions, with corresponding
action. The tree must be symmetrical from its roots to its topmost
bough. Beneficence may not stand alone; it must spring out of a
c