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The Faithful Steward - Or, Systematic Beneficence an Essential of Christian Character by Sereno D. Clark
page 12 of 81 (14%)
altogether; proving to a moral demonstration, that what is done
irregularly in the work of beneficence, is ill done. To this, the
agents of our benevolent societies passing through our churches, can
bear sorrowful testimony.--The same is true of the individual. Every
one knows that what falls not into his regular routine of duties, is apt
to slide from the memory. This is peculiarly true of benevolence, for
selfishness helps us to forget; and it the contribution come to our
recollection, we are not ready to give just then; some debt must be
first paid, some convenience purchased, or some other urgent call
attended to. Thus he, who has no system in the bestowment of his
bounties, is always finding excuses to turn off the edge of arguments
and the force of appeals; though perhaps with the resolution of giving
liberally at some future period. Here lies his greatest danger. The
resolution satisfies his conscience; and while resting upon it, the
opportunity to contribute passes away, and souls are lost; whereas, had
he acted on principle, the donation, though inconvenient would have been
made, and souls saved.

Such is not unfrequently the mournful termination of impulsive
benevolence. Tears may be shed over the anguish wrought; but tears
cannot remedy the evil; this must flow on in wailing and woe forever.
But it may be prevented by the timely admonitions of experience. For
that selfishness can be suppressed, and benevolence sustained, only by
the strong hand of principle and systematic effort, is the voice of
ages.

VI. _From Scripture_. All duties enjoined in the Scriptures, if
contemplated in their principles, will be found subjected to the control
of reason; and, if they lie under the control of reason, they must be
conducted methodically. All acts of worship, from the first requisition
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