Inhaltsangabe
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. THE CHRISTIAN LAW OF SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE. The position, then, which we propose to occupy, is, that the Apostle Paul, writing to the Church at Corinth, under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, teaches the Christian Law of Systematic Beneficence. We will quote again this important passage. "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." This system, commanded by St. Paul, was modeled upon a well-known custom of the Jewish Church in its later days. One of their plans of making provision for the poor was to make a collection on the Sabbath day. A purse was provided in every synagogue to receive these weekly contributions, which was called "The purse of the Alms." The modifications of the apostle consisted in changing the time of contribution from the Sabbath day to the Lord's day, and determining the amount of the contribution to be in proportion as God had prospered the giver. The first modification was necessary for the perpetuation of the system; the second, essential to its highest purpose; for the system was not only designed to meet the obligations of the Church in a pecuniary point of view, but also to discipline the religious affections, leading to higher attainments in the divine life. It is advisable to note in this place, that the system is in the highest degree mandatory. It is a command, not an exhortation. If we are able to show the great advantages of such a system, both to the Church and yourself, you may be induced to adopt it; but it cannot have that influence on your heart and life that is desirable, without you see in ...
Die Inhaltsangabe kann sich auf eine andere Ausgabe dieses Titels beziehen.
