this a valid excuse? Could they not be met by sacrificing some social
pleasure, some luxury in drink, in food, in dress, in furniture, in
display? or by foregoing some convenience, the expense of which is
equivalent to the pledged sum? Vast multitudes are deprived of these
luxuries, and even of what we deem necessaries, during their whole
lives; and cannot we forego the gratification of them occasionally,
that we may thereby relieve the suffering, or save the deathless soul?
True, this will require self-denial; but has not God demanded of us
self-denial? Dare any one offer this as an excuse?

2. Every on engaged in regular business knows, or ought to know, what,
taking one year with another, have been the annual proceeds of his labor
or investment. Now, on the supposition that the Lord will prosper him
as heretofore, he can form some reasonable estimate of the amount,
(extraordinaries excepted) which he ought to contribute to charitable
purposes weekly or monthly during the period his capital is making
another revolution. This amount may be appropriated in actual donations
by most business men, as they usually have more or less loose money on
hand. By those who cannot do this, it may be charged in a book kept for
the purpose at the close of each week or specified period for
appropriation--"one, five, ten, or fifty dollars due to charity,"--and
on the return of their capital, pay this debt as conscientiously as they
pay any other. Then, if on the reception of their entire product, they
find they have not given as much as the claims of the destitute demand,
they can easily make up the deficit. This scheme will of course call
into exercise our faith; for it is acting on the belief that the Wise
Disposer of events will be as merciful to us in the future, as he has
been in the past. But ought not his past goodness to strengthen our
confidence in his willingness to continue that goodness? Christ
requires us to live by faith on him, and ought we not to _give_ by faith