The Duty of Giving

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 18

The Duty of Giving

“There is a temper called generous, which is commonly understood as munificent. liberal, overflowing; it is the ’hall-mark’ of a gentleman, but it is much more so of a Christian. Christianity is. in its essence, generous.” says the Rev, R E. Beckley, in a .sermon printed in the ‘‘Christian World I’ulpit.”

“A stingy and careful nature is incompatible with the Nature of Him who emptied Himself: who made Himself of no reputation; who took upon Him the form of a servant—in whom is neither ‘bond nor free.’

“This temper lias characterised Christians in all ages; it is the very fount and origin of all Christian work:'if alone inspires our Almsgiving. Now, when Almsgiving fails, is it not reasonable to suspect the failure of the temper which inspires generosity? Surely it is. But what has destroyed it? Am I wrong to suggest that into the very church itself—the abode of generous love—has crept an alien spirit which has dethroned the lawful one. so that so far from there being any generous response to a need, there is not felt even the obligation of a religious' exercise?

“Prayer. Fasting and Almsgiving arc a trinity of religions duties: a Law of the people of God in the olden time—shall wo lightly set thorn aside?''